North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ mission to build a brighter future includes working with local partners to deliver innovative energy solutions, benefiting members and their communities. Four County Electric Membership Corporation’s latest partnership with James Sprunt Community College not only highlights that mission but gives students hands-on experience with new agricultural techniques.
Four County EMC and James Sprunt Community College, along with support from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, Duplin County and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund, launched a hydroponics smart farm that takes a new, innovative approach to agriculture.
“A large portion of our members work in the agriculture field, and we saw this partnership as an opportunity to introduce technology that could benefit an industry that is very important to eastern North Carolina,” said Greg Sager, vice president of member services at Four County EMC.
Representatives from Four County EMC, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, James Sprunt Community College and Duplin County at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the hydroponics project on July 29, 2024.
The 40-foot-long shipping container, aptly named, “Box to Bowl,” allows plants to grow in a controlled environment, absent of soil and pesticides.
Impact beyond the classroom
The hydroponics smart farm project is aimed at using agricultural resources more efficiently. It cuts down 99% of all waste that comes from traditional farming operations. All water that is created or used in the farm is recycled and recirculated throughout the system, and all plant waste from the farm is recycled and placed in compost bins on campus.
Katlyn Foy, agriculture instructor and smart farm manager at James Sprunt Community College, leads the Hydroponics – Growing Without Soil course at the school. With their first produce already harvested, Foy says this project will have a tremendous impact on the students.
“This partnership ties food production, agriculture and education together,” said Foy. “More than just growing plants, we are developing ways to improve our students, communities and local economy. Students enrolled in the hydroponics classes will gain industry skills that will allow them to learn about hydroponic farming and be equipped to use those skills to obtain employment in different agricultural operations.”
Produce like onions are grown by students in the hydroponics container.
Foy says the support from Four County EMC is what made this project feasible, and it’s what makes the dreams of many local community college students possible.
“Especially in areas like Duplin County, agriculture is a way of life and is so important to our community,” said Foy. “Without the support of local cooperatives, students would not be able to learn about agriculture in the capacity that they are right now. It means so much to JSCC that students are supported in their education and their future endeavors.”
Cooperative community support
Four County EMC says this project brings opportunities for growth, innovation and resilience.
“This curriculum equips these students, who are the future of agriculture in our state, with the knowledge to adapt and pivot while remaining within the agricultural sector,” said Kristen Hole, innovative electrification specialist at Four County EMC.
Concern for community is a founding principle for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, and Hole said this partnership is another example of the co-ops investing back into the communities they serve.
“Our local community is composed of our members, families and friends,” said Hole. “As a cooperative, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our community. Supporting local initiatives and projects is central to our mission, as it fosters a sense of unity, strengthens local economies, and enhances the quality of life for everyone involved.”