The Coalition for Food Security

The Coalition for Food Security (CFS) plans to implement climate-smart practices related to indoor hydroponic vertical farming and optimize environmental climate control management to create a voluntary climate-smart produce marketplace. This would incentivize greenhouse gas reduction practices along the vegetable supply chain through direct partnerships between underserved producers and corporate buyers, enabling small and underserved producers to sell their produce directly to corporations.

The CFS plans to design and market a franchise program to incentivize minority landowners and underserved producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices demonstrated at the pilot farm. In addition, CFS would provide internships to HBCU students to participate in our project and other franchise programs for graduating students to start agricultural businesses.

Please confirm you can attest to the following criteria. We value your time and want to ensure it's utilized effectively! This eligibility screening outlines the requirements that must be met to participate in the Coalition for Food Security.

• Legally able to work in the United States

• Primary landowner or lien-holder of the proposed farming location

• Meet the following space and resource requirements:

  • 100 square feet with a height of 9 feet. Indoor, temperature-controlled space or a greenhouse.

  • Connection to a dedicated 20 AMP breaker* with direct input access to three (120V) receptacles on outlet(s). *Note: In a greenhouse, lower AMP requirements may be acceptable.

  • Easy access to a water source, in a reasonable position for every other day use.

  • Access to the internet

  • Ability to commit approximately 20 hours/month to farming activities including but not limited to seeding, transplanting, growing, harvesting, processing, sales and marketing, coalition meetings, and reporting activities.

  • Can attend an in person kickoff training at Ponix HQ

  • Have or are able to obtain a Farm ID number.

Application

The CFS application process:

1. Fill out the eligibility screening and application form provided.

2. Upon invitation, participate in screening and final interviews.

3. Upon invitation, receive a preliminary offer letter to join the CFS.

4. Complete necessary CFS forms (NRCS-CPA-5, AD-106, AD-2047), obtain or share your Farm ID, and certify your work eligibility.

5. Begin growing with us!