What will you give?

Giving Tuesday is here, and it has me thinking about how the controlled environment ag community is equipped to give back to those most in need. We can achieve this goal in many ways without making monetary donations alone. Let's explore some ways to fill your cup this Giving Tuesday without emptying your wallet.

Reaching your community through knowledge

CEA is a field that almost anyone can participate in. The financial barrier to entry is low for hobby growers. However the feeling of being ill-equipped to manage a grow can be challenging to overcome. Offering community outreach via greenhouse tours, access to greenhouse staff, or membership in a community garden can infuse much-needed confidence into those wanting to farm at home. Donating our time to bring valuable experience to those needing mentorship is a fantastic way to give back.

Job creation

One of the most direct ways to give back is through job creation. With its somewhat high-tech environment, CEA requires skills acquired once on the job. Establishing partnerships with local schools and community colleges to provide job training and apprenticeships addresses labor shortages and offers stable employment to those in the community. Companies can be a beacon in the community by prioritizing fair treatment, equitable pay, and safe working conditions for all employees.

Partnerships with local non-profits or charitable organizations

Businesses can actively engage with local communities by investing in projects that benefit everyone, not just those involved in the industry. This could mean supporting local food banks, partnering with schools to provide healthier food options, or funding community gardens that teach people how to grow their food sustainably. By connecting controlled agriculture with the broader community, companies foster goodwill and help strengthen the fabric of the community as a whole. Being PART of a community versus simply being IN a community can deliver a great sense of belonging and value to business employees.

Supplying product

This one may teeter on the verge of a financial gift, but donating fresh produce to food banks, churches, senior citizens, etc., is a common-sense way to give back. This becomes an even easier lift if your facility trials different growing methods or is more focused on research, and the product isn't ultimately the goal. This may be the most immediate and measurable gift an outfit can give the community, especially one experiencing the food island effect or food insecurity.

Leaving our legacy

I think we all aspire to see that, at its core, controlled agriculture is about more than just food production—it's about building a sustainable, inclusive, and supportive future for everyone involved. By investing time, resources, and attention in giving back to local communities and valuing those who work in the field, the industry can create a framework that is good for the sector and the people around it. When businesses prioritize this balance, they foster goodwill and ensure a legacy of trust and shared success that will last for generations.