Where To Study Urban Vertical Farming
Maybe you’ve heard the buzz about urban farming and want to be a part of this up and coming field. Or perhaps you’re already working in agriculture and want to transition to a more sustainable growing method in an urban setting. Whatever your reasons, a career in urban vertical farming is an excellent way to be part of a movement working towards a more sustainable future.
Why Study Vertical Farming?
If we want a sustainable way to feed growing urban populations well into the future, urban vertical farming is certain to be one piece of the puzzle. It’s no surprise that many people want to be a part of this growing movement, and a great way to do that is to study a related field.
University programs in vertical farming offer the opportunity to get into a field that will only continue to grow in the future, delivering meaningful work that benefits the surrounding community. It’s a career path that is sure to become more and more popular in the future.
Which Schools Offer Vertical Farming Education?
Because vertical farming is still such a new movement, opportunities for vertical farming education are not as prevalent as traditional agricultural education. Still, there are many good programs that can help you achieve your vertical farming goals. Here are a few of the best to get you started.
Cornell University Controlled Environment Agriculture Program
A part of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, their Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facility is an excellent option for anyone interested in urban agriculture. The CEA education program is part of the Horticulture program offered by the university.
Ohio State University Hydroponic Crop Program
This is a cooperative program between Ohio State University's Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) and the Agricultural Business Enhancement Center (ABE). Thanks to UDA grants and OSU funding, the program has been running for more than two decades. Studies include horticulture knowledge and greenhouse design support.
Oregon State University’s Online Urban Agriculture Program
Learn about urban farming from Oregon State’s Professional and Continuing Education department in this online program. The Urban Ag Program offers everything you need to know about starting your own urban farm. They’ll even help you develop a personalized start-to-finish roadmap to meet your unique farming needs.
Purdue University Urban Agriculture Certificate Online
Purdue University has a top-tier faculty and all the resources of a top-of-the-line university. Their Urban Agriculture Certificate offers you a flexible schedule and a comprehensive curriculum, with fully online courses that you can take from wherever you may be. Take classes like Roadmap for Strong Roots and the Growing Guide for Healthy Crops.
University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center
At the University of Arizona, the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center offers educational opportunities of all types. They have everything from a Biosystems Engineering degree to weekend courses designed to get students started quickly on the path to a CEA-related career.
Get a Certification
Beyond traditional educational opportunities, smaller certifications are available online from organizations dedicated to urban farming. These programs can give you all the basics you need to get started faster and more economically. Programs like Agritecture’s Commercial Urban Farming Course are a great starting point for a vertical farming career. The Vertical Farming Academy also offers online courses in vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, and many more.
Learn on the Job
Of course, for many, experience is the best education. If you’re looking for an entry-level position in this exciting field, check out our careers page. We have several options available without a related degree, so you can get started right away or work while earning your credentials.
Start as an integrated pest manager, ensuring our greenhouses remain pest-free without dangerous pesticides. Work as a general greenhouse assistant, caring for plants and keeping our greenhouses running smoothly. Become a facilities technician, working in maintenance, construction, janitorial, and food safety support. Or learn as an intern, experiencing how a vertical farm operates and helping out with a variety of responsibilities.
