Hydroponic farming, an innovative approach to farming and agriculture, arrived in April at the Field to Table Institute, located at SCC’s Dardenne Creek Campus.

The new technology available in the Freight Farm, or container farm, will introduce state-of-the-art learning experiences for students, along with fresh, healthy, organic produce for the region.

“We realize that community colleges of the future must be innovative with workforce and technical programs to provide a high-quality education at an affordable cost,” said Amy Koehler, vice president for workforce and community education.

Student leaders and college leaders volunteered time to help with planting and preparation of the Freight Farm during SCC’s Week of Service in April.

Plans include more interaction with the surrounding community, including a farmer’s market approach to providing fresh, organic produce, and eventually, the availability of direct-to-consumer products.

The Field to Table Institute brings together culinary, agriculture and healthcare, teaching the concept of going directly from the field to the table, and the connection between farming, food, health care and quality of life. In addition to credit programs, the Field to Table Institute also offers community-based courses in food, gardening, health and sustainability.