Copper Valley Agri-science Project

CGROControlled Environment Agriculture

Jason HokeExecutive Director

Copper Valley Development AssociationPO Box 9

Glennallen, AK 99588907-822-5001

www.coppervalley.org

CGRO HistoryStarted as a feasibility study…just do it! Jeff and the resources from the areaIncorporate CTE (Career and Technical Education),

teaching HS students alternative growing. Training established growers and emerging

farmers.Cyclical concept of kids growing veggies to feed

the other kids and support from the sales to keep in perpetuity.

Career and business opportunities for a dying communtiy.

PLUG AND PLAY UNIT MOBILE AND SELF-CONTAINED

- Burns biomass for heat, approximately 5-6 cords of wood per

year @ -45 to +40 and too much heat!- Electricity is approximately 40 Kwh/

day (hi use) - 150 gallons of water in storage tanks

changed out every 3-4 weeks

- Complete Automation with iGrow 1600 or ability to Manually control.

- Internet link for control and monitoring anywhere in the world.

- Video camera link for instruction, consultation or show and tell.

- Work Room for cleaning/ processing produce

Hydroponics Mineral FertilizersCalcium Nitrate

Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)Commercial Lettuce Formula – 8-15-36

Grown in Rock Wool Cubes (lava rock)

Ability to Grow-Lettuce (at least 4 varieties)

- Cabbage- Spinach, Kale

- Celery- Basil, Cilantro, Parsley

- Almost any leafy vegetable

Cost AnalysisHeat- 6 cords at $200/ cord = $1200 per yearElectricity- Approximately $400 / month

@ .38/kwh- Varies depending on months used,

amount of automation, price per Kwh. - 30 to 40 Kwh per day

Operations and Maintenance : approximately 2 hrs per day with mostly automation @ $20/ hr = approximately $1200/ mo.

$1.20/ head of lettuce w/out labor: $1.80/head @$20/hr

TOTAL Cost per year estimate = $ 10,800

Revenue AnalysisCGRO has approximately 1000 heads of

lettuce Harvest of approximately 100-150 heads per

week. Wholesale : $3 / head to restaurants,

schools, grocery stores $3 x 125 head/wk = $375/wk x 4 =

$1500/month

$1500/ month x 12 months = $18,000 / yr

Retail : $4/ head to the general public $4 x 125 head/wk = $500/ wk x 4 =

$2000/ month

$2000/ month x 12 months = $24,000 / yr

Bottom LineMany variables with costs and revenues but it

pencils out as a positive money maker with about a three year payback from total costs. (CGRO and biomass boiler).

Local Grown and Fresh Produce year round.Creates jobs, healthy food, and self-

sustainability.Higher value produce yields higher $$$.Many potential applications.Can be done anywhere.

World of PotentialitiesAEA Biomass-AG: potentially could install

these where ever biomass systems are operating and have excess heat.

ANYWHERE excess heat or electricity??ANTHC- discussions of putting them in health

clinicsCareer and Technical Education in SchoolsNew construction of public buildings???Small business start up and can be done

anywhere. What’s it doing now?