The future of agriculture is growing upwards, quite literally, as Illinois State University (ISU) unveiled its innovative Vertical Farm on Thursday, May 1, 2025. This cutting-edge facility, a joint venture between the College of Applied Science and Technology, the Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Sustainability, is set to revolutionize how students learn and how communities engage with sustainable agriculture.
Nestled adjacent to the Office of Sustainability at 305 North School Street in Normal, Illinois, the $200,000 project is more than just a farm; it’s a testament to the power of technology in addressing global challenges. The Vertical Farm uses a repurposed shipping container to create an enclosed, controlled environment for year-round plant growth. This 40-foot-by-8-foot space is designed with a vertical hydroponic system, recirculating nutrient solution, and LED lighting, allowing it to produce the equivalent of 1-2 acres of field production using a mere 5 gallons of water per day—95% less than traditional farming methods.
The implications of this technology are vast. “This project is about more than just growing food,” said Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule. “It’s about harnessing the power of technology to reduce our dependence on traditional, resource-demanding agricultural methods.” Vertical farming can tackle food security, environmental responsibility, and sustainability head-on, offering a glimpse into the future of agriculture.
The Vertical Farm’s technology is as impressive as it is efficient. Sensors and monitors control various aspects of the growing cycle, including temperature, lighting, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and nutrient solution concentration and pH. This precision allows for optimal growing conditions, reducing the need for chemicals and eliminating the use of pesticides in the controlled space.
The growing process is a marvel of modern agriculture. Plants are seeded and grown to a transplant size over 3 to 4 weeks in small, compostable root cubes. They are then transferred to vertical towers, where they grow to harvestable size in another 3 to 4 weeks. Each tower, filled with a coarse spongy material for root suspension, is easily removable for harvesting and replanting, ensuring a continuous cycle of growth.
The Vertical Farm will serve as a hands-on learning lab for ISU students, preparing them for careers in agriculture and horticulture specialty crop production. It will also function as a demonstration site for local community groups, schools, and business entrepreneurs, showcasing sustainable urban agriculture.
Under the guidance of Dr. David Kopsell, Professor of Horticulture, students will begin growing cilantro, basil, and parsley this summer. The Vertical Farm Project, first proposed by Kopsell in 2019, is a dream come true for both students and the community. “From the very beginning, the Vertical Farm Project has been about our students,” Kopsell said, “and I cannot express how excited I am to bring this opportunity to our campus and their learning experiences.”
For more information about the Vertical Farm and its innovative technology, visit https://facilities.illinoisstate.edu/projects/vertical-farm/. This project is not just about growing food; it’s about growing the future of agriculture.
