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Neurodiversity in Action: Opening Doors Through Sustainable Agriculture focuses on developing an understanding of Controlled Environment Agriculture (indoor, hydroponic farming) and the role it plays in both a local community and the autism community. Greens Do Good, the first indoor hydroponic farm in New Jersey dedicated to training and employing autistic teens and adults, will walk the audience through the initial phases of farm and program development while showcasing an opportunity to impact
communities facing food insecurity.
The presenters will describe the replicability of the Greens Do Good model. Topics include the four critical P’s -people, produce, purpose and play and the role that each have in making the farm a uniquely successful environment. The primary goal of Greens Do Good is to prepare young people with autism to contribute to the economic development of their communities while earning a wage that helps them support themselves and sets them up for future independence.
The presentation includes a discussion of resources related to funding an operation similar to Greens Do Good, including opportunities and challenges. Presenters will cover the importance of revenue diversification, working with community partners, the true cost of operating a micro farm and opportunities on the horizon for change and expansion.
This presentation addresses increasing health equity through information and the NNLM initiative of environmental determinants of health by providing information on controlled environment agriculture’s benefits within the autism community.
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to the NNLM Code of Conduct
The first objective of the presentation focuses on creating awareness and understanding of Controlled Environment Agriculture and the role it plays in both a local community and the role it could play within the autism community. Greens Do Good, now operational for nearly four years, will walk the audience through the initial phases of development, pitfalls along the way, and the unexpected popularity of hydroponics as an internship and career path for teens and adults on the spectrum.
The second objective of the discussion is to demonstrate how replicable the Greens Do Good model can be for other communities with like minded collaborators. Topics include the four critical P’s -people, produce, purpose and play and the role that each have in making the farm a uniquely successful environment. Greens Do Good addresses the critical need for work-based learning, work readiness, and social communications through controlled environment agriculture. It can also be beneficial for other underrepresented and underserved individuals.
The final objective provides resources related to funding an operation similar to Greens Do Good, including opportunities and pitfalls of the initiative. Presenters will cover the importance of revenue diversification, working with community partners, the true cost of operating a micro farm and opportunities on the horizon for change and expansion. Adults with autism, currently facing a nearly 85 percent unemployment rate, can impact the global food crisis. By 2050, 60% more food needs to be grown to feed the anticipated 9 billion people. Greens do Good has created a sustainable model for autistic adults to grow food to address food insecurity. There is a place for social good in the ROI calculation.