Vertical Farm Boosts Student Learning and Food Production

By Andi Anderson

Illinois State University has introduced its first Vertical Farm, a high-tech agricultural system that grows food in a climate-controlled container. This innovative project supports both sustainable farming and student learning.

The farm is located in a repurposed shipping container and produces leafy greens such as cilantro, basil, and parsley. These crops are supplied twice a week to campus dining halls. The project began five years ago and recently harvested its first crop.

Dr. David Kopsell, a horticulture professor, leads the project. “We’re creating an environment where plants can thrive year-round, and where students can explore the future of food,” he said.

The farm uses red and blue LED lights, hydroponic irrigation, and dehumidifiers. This setup uses up to 95% less water than traditional agriculture by recycling moisture. “We only lose the water that ends up in the harvested plant tissue,” Kopsell noted.

Plants grow in tall, vertical towers spaced just inches apart. Despite the small size of 320 square feet, the farm produces about 50 pounds of greens weekly—similar to the output of 2 to 4 acres of farmland.

Students from agriculture, business, and sustainability programs work directly with the farm. A new course, Sustainable Urban Agriculture, will also use this space to compare traditional outdoor farming with controlled indoor farming.

The sealed and portable unit was designed for urban and remote areas with poor growing conditions. “Whether you’re in downtown Chicago or a rural district with poor soil, vertical farming makes it possible to grow food anywhere,” said Kopsell.

Besides classroom use, the farm will host school tours and community programs. It also opens possibilities for partnerships with companies or schools interested in sustainability and local food systems.

Kopsell emphasized its reliability: “No matter what’s happening outside—heat waves, snowstorms—inside the farm it’s always ideal for plants.” The project highlights how technology can provide food security and valuable education.

Photo Credit: illinois-state-university