In July, Freight Farms had the pleasure of exhibiting at three education-focused events, each providing a unique platform to connect with educational decision-makers. These conferences allowed us to explore the various ways schools can incorporate Freight Farms into their dining halls, curriculums, and more. Our mission was to share the benefits of vertical farming, showcasing how a container farm can serve not just as a food source for the school and/or community, but as a dynamic classroom for various courses, research, and STEM opportunities.

At each event, our booth featured a Plant Panel with seedlings and a seedling tray, offering a glimpse into how we grow vertically inside a Freight Farm while allowing attendees to experience some hands-on tasks. Check out our recap of each event below!

UNITED National Conference

July 14 - 16, 2024 | Nashville, TN

At the United National Conference, we were able to engage in conversations with school principals and high school agriculture teachers who were excited about the innovative technology and its potential to enhance STEM education while providing fresh produce for their schools. Many saw the farm as a valuable extension of their existing programs, particularly appreciating its ability to operate year-round—a distinct advantage over traditional school farms that are often only active during the summer. However, we also heard concerns about the challenges of securing funding for adding a container farm to their agriculture, a common issue in education. We emphasized the extensive resources Freight Farms offers to help schools find the right funding and navigate grant opportunities. The conference setting in Nashville also allowed our team to unwind and enjoy some of the city’s renowned live music!

Chattanooga CTE Conference

July 16 - 18, 2024 | Chattanooga, TN

In Chattanooga, we interacted with school principals, high school agriculture teachers, and CTE directors, as well as teachers from correctional facilities interested in using a Freight Farm as a workforce development tool. The hydroponic container farm and its applications for teaching STEM subjects and providing fresh produce were well-received. Like the attendees at the United National Conference, many saw the farm as a valuable addition to existing farming programs. However, the challenge of securing funding was a recurring theme. We emphasized the support Freight Farms offers in navigating funding obstacles and supporting grant finding, aiming to help schools overcome these challenges.

NACUFS National Conference

July 18 - 19, 2024 | Louisville, KY

The NACUFS conference allowed our team to engage with university dining staff from both independently run programs and those managed by Compass, Aramark, and Sodexo. Attendees were impressed by the versatility of our farms, noting the wide range and consistency of crops, as highlighted by the University of North Texas case study. The potential to create student jobs and internships through our farms also sparked interest from those attending. Beyond the conference, our team enjoyed exploring Louisville’s rich cultural scene, with visits to the Muhammad Ali Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum. We even hosted a tour of the Evan Williams distillery for prospective customers, combining business discussions with the local flavor of Kentucky’s bourbon tradition.

Conclusion

Attending these conferences was rewarding experience for our team. We gained invaluable insights into how both K-12 and higher education institutions continue to envision the integration of Freight Farms into their programs, while also connecting with like-minded individuals who share our passion for innovation in education. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue participating in future events and sharing the transformative potential of vertical farming with the education community.