In this community agricultural initiative, students learn to grow and harvest an abundance of organic vegetables, herbs, plants, and flowers every month throughout the year. In addition to supplying abundant quality food, this initiative can lead to long-term, well-paid jobs.

Urban vertical farming reduces cost associated with transportation, packaging, spoilage, pollution, water usage, soil erosion and contamination; and eliminates the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and preservatives. It is part of a new direction in food and nutrition policy that focuses on health, ecological integrity, education, training, job creation and the development of complete communities.

The program was founded by MMA board member Michael Twiggs in 2013 and has operated successful production and training projects in Seattle, Tacoma and surrounding communities in cooperation with local institutions and community service organizations.

The Academy's role in the projects is to supply training for instructors and to manage enrollment of gardening students. The curriculum is also available to organizations wishing to develop independent hydroponic gardening programs.

The program is offered in cooperation with and is managed by Garden of Eden Urban Farming. It may also appear in cooperation with

• Seattle Central College
• Indoor Farm Collaborative