Vertical Farm at Illinois State University Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, April 7, 2025
By University Staff
March 11, 2025
The Vertical Farm at Illinois State University uses a repurposed shipping containing to grow 4,600 plants, the equivalent of 1-2 acres of field production, at 95% less water.
Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Vertical Farm at Illinois State University on:
Monday, April 7, 2025
3 p.m.
Adjacent to the Office of Sustainability at 305 N. School St., in Normal
Free parking – Bone Student Center pay lot
Add to calendarThe Vertical Farm at Illinois State University will use a repurposed 40 ft. by 8 ft. (320 sq. ft.) shipping container to grow plants, such as basil, cilantro, and parsley, year-round in an enclosed, controlled environment. The Farm uses a vertical hydroponic growing system, which includes recirculated nutrient solution and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting to grow 4,600 plants at full operation. This is the equivalent of 1-2 acres of field production but requires 95% less water at 5 gallons per day.
Students will use the site to train for careers in agriculture and horticulture specialty crop production. It also will serve as a demonstration site for other departments across campus, as well as local community groups, schools and businesses.
The project originally grew from a 2020 Innovation Consulting Community proposal and is a collaborative effort of the College of Applied Science and Technology, the Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Sustainability.
To learn more, visit Vertical Farm at Illinois State University.
If you need a special accommodation to participate, please contact Rachel Caracci at (309) 438-8790 or rrcarac@IllinoisState.edu.