Oishii, nonprofit team to offer hydroponic grow kits for schools

Kimberly Redmond//August 24, 2023//

A Grow Box is an all-in-one hydroponic system with vertical vine plants. - OISHII

Kimberly Redmond//August 24, 2023//

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Luxury berry grower Oishii is teaming up with Next Generation Harvest Foundation to bring hydroponic gardens to eight classrooms this fall through a new scholarship program.

According to the Jersey City-based indoor vertical farmer, scholarship grantees will each receive a Grow Box – an all-in-one hydroponic system with vertical vine plants – in addition to one-on-one training sessions and educational resources to start growing.

The program, which was created by Wisconsin-headquartered Next Generation Harvest Foundation, focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education for students, allowing them to nurture and care for living things while developing patience and understanding for the environment with hands-on learning.

Public and private K-12 schools across New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Virginia and Washington, D.C., are eligible to apply and must submit an application by Sept. 8 at 11:59 p.m., according to Oishii.

For more information on how to apply, click here.

Founded in 2016, Jersey City-based Oishii aims to transform agriculture through vertical farming, relying on advanced robotics combined with traditional farming methods. – OISHII

Founded in 2016, Oishii – which means “delicious” in Japanese – aims to transform agriculture through vertical farming, relying on advanced robotics combined with traditional farming methods.

Known for its sustainably grown premium strawberries, the company has three indoor vertical farms – one in Los Angeles and two in New Jersey, including its year-old 74,000-square-foot flagship in Jersey City.

“Oishii is thrilled to partner with Next Generation Harvest Foundation! Teaching students about vertical farming is not just about introducing them to alternative farming methods; it’s about demonstrating innovation, sustainability, and creative solutions,” Oishii’s chief commercial officer Rita Hudetz said in a statement to NJBIZ.

“By partnering with the Next Gen Harvest, we’re hoping that this hands-on experiential indoor hydroponic learning garden enhances S.T.E.M. education and inspires a new generation of indoor vertical farmers and agriculture tech developers looking to revolutionize the future of food,” she added.