Hydroponic greenhouse putting down roots in R.I.
Thursday’s unveiling of 8,400-square-foot West Kingston facility is first step for Atlantic Produce
Original Source: Providence Journal
By Paul Grimaldi
Journal Staff Writer Posted Sep. 16, 2015 at 11:47 amUpdated Sep 16, 2015 at 5:34 PM
A Massachusetts entrepreneur has staked out territory in Rhode Island for a new agricultural business he said will help Americans change the way they grow and consume produce.
The hydroponic greenhouse operated by Atlantic Produce near the University of Rhode Island in is the first commercial one in the state, according to the R.I. Department of Environmental Management.
Lewis Valenti, the founder of Atlantic Produce, is working with URI on the prototype for a hydroponic growing facility that can grow lettuce and other greens, in a chemical-free environment, year-round.
On Thursday, state officials will join URI administrators as they unveil the 8,400-square-foot facility in West Kingston, near the URI campus.