Illinois State University to Open Vertical Farm on April 7

By Andi Anderson

Illinois State University (ISU) is set to launch its Vertical Farm with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 7, 2025. The event will take place at 3 p.m. near the Office of Sustainability in Normal, Illinois.

The project aims to promote sustainable agriculture and serve as a training ground for students pursuing careers in horticulture and specialty crop production.

The farm is built inside a repurposed shipping container measuring 40 feet by 8 feet (320 square feet). It uses a vertical hydroponic growing system, which relies on nutrient-rich water and LED lighting instead of soil.

This method allows the farm to produce 4,600 plants at full capacity, including basil, cilantro, and parsley, while using 95% less water compared to traditional farming. The system only requires five gallons of water daily, making it an efficient and eco-friendly way to grow crops year-round.

The Vertical Farm will serve as an educational and demonstration site for students, local schools, businesses, and community groups. It offers hands-on learning experiences, preparing students for careers in agriculture and sustainability.

The farm was initially proposed in 2020 through the Innovation Consulting Community and became a collaborative effort between the College of Applied Science and Technology, the Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Sustainability.

This initiative highlights ISU’s commitment to sustainability and modern farming techniques. It provides an innovative way to address agricultural challenges while reducing resource consumption. Attendees can visit the site and learn more about the benefits of vertical farming.

For additional details, visit the Vertical Farm at Illinois State University. Special accommodations for the event can be arranged by contacting Rachel Caracci at (309) 438-8790.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski