Farming.
Anew.
The Coalition for Food Security (CFS) is pioneering a journey towards a future where food is accessible through innovative, tech-enabled farming practices.
By 2050, we’ll need to feed two billion more people.
How do we fulfill this demand without hurting our planet?
Growing
Beyond the Soil
CFS, led by Ponix, is implementing a USDA grant, as part of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, to support 24 new hydroponic farmers in Georgia, providing start-up capital for hydroponic systems, sales, marketing, and training support. This initiative offers unique incentives and access to distribution networks, promoting eco-friendly lettuce production that benefits both the community and environment. Plus, you keep all profits.
Funding the
Farms of the Future
At CFS, we believe the farms of the future will be climate-smart farms. That is why we are funding a new generation of farmers who will come together to meet the needs of their communities with fresh produce that not only feeds us, but nourishes the body, soul, and heart of our planet.
Selected Farmers Will Receive
Hydroponic Farming System
A smart hydroponic farming system that allows you to grow 1,200 crops per month or 14,400 crops per year
Growing Supplies
All your growing needs provided including seeds, nutrients, grow medium, grow trays, and more
Sales & Marketing Support
Gain entry to a marketplace connecting you with buyers looking for local produce, plus access to state and federal programs designed to increase your farm’s visibility
Unique Incentives
Get paid to farm with us as well as access to other incentives for sustainable farming
Distribution Networks
Access to our distribution network of corporate buyers
Profit with purpose
Pocket all of the profits while alleviating food deserts in Georgia
How it Works
Submit Your Interest
Join our waitlist by entering your basic information and expressing your interest in hydroponic farming below. You'll then receive an email with next steps to kickstart the process.
April 22, 2024
Attend our Info Session
Attend an informational session in Atlanta, GA to gain more insights into the program's benefits and requirements. If you're unable to attend in person, we'll arrange a virtual webinar for you.
June 28, 2024
Submit Your Application
Submit your application outlining your farming plan, goals, and vision for sustainable farming.
Aug. 01, 2024
Interview
Candidates will be invited for an interview to discuss their application and vision for sustainable farming.
Aug. 15, 2024
Selection Announcement
Award letters to be issued to selected farmers.
Sept. 13, 2024
Program Begins!
Kickoff meeting with all of the selected farmers in Atlanta, GA.
Sept. 30, 2024
Success
Stories
CFS introduces the initial pair of Georgia farmers who joined our program.
Hillery Goodgame
Hillery Goodgame was born and raised in Harlem, New York. She is the Founder of Blue Heron Urban Farms and Sanctuary, a Georgia farm located in Fulton County that is committed to organic, regenerative, innovative and climate smart-farming.
Patrick Muhammad
Patrick Muhammad is a multifaceted individual who wears many hats with grace and purpose. He is the Founder of Your Faith Farms, a Georgia farm located in Fulton County that is committed to the development and maintenance of a system of sustainable agriculture.
Growing, Up.
Why hydroponic farming?
Meet our Partners
Meet our Partners
CFS, led by Ponix, is working in concert with an array of multidisciplinary and minority-focused partners to deliver the CFS project.
FAQs
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible, you must own or lease property in the State of Georgia. You’ll also need to complete required forms, obtain a Farm ID (we can help), certify your eligibility to work in the US, and belong to a qualified minority or underserved group as defined by federal law. Required forms include AD-1026, AD-2047, Citizenship Affidavit, and Farm ID.
What are the space requirements?
To accommodate our setup, you’ll need space for a folding table and 3 rolling vertical racks capable of growing 1,200 heads of lettuce. This requires approximately 100 square feet of temperature-controlled area, or access to a greenhouse. In both cases, you’ll need normal 120V electricity, internet connectivity, and a water source via garden hose.
How do I get started?
Follow these steps here.
How much money can I make?
Farmers retain all profits from selling lettuce through CFS’s sales channels. You’ll harvest around 1,200 heads every 4 weeks, priced at about $2.00 on average each. Additionally, participants can earn up extra cash incentives for successful harvests and continued program participation.
How much time is required?
Farm care per harvest, you’ll spend approximately:
- 2 hours seeding initially, followed by brief daily care for 2 weeks.
- 3 hours transplanting seedlings.
- 5-15 minutes daily check-ins for plants during a 4-week indoor growth period or 6-week greenhouse growth period.
- 4-8 hours harvesting and processing.
- 1 hour on sales and marketing activities with CFS.
Program participation includes:
- 1 day (one time) for onboarding and technical training (on farmer’s site).
- 1 day (one time) for delivery and setup of hydroponic equipment (on farmer’s site).
- 2 hours every-other-week for webinars and meetings (virtual).
- 5 hours per quarter for training and marketing activities (virtual).
- 2 hours per quarter for community feedback meetings (in Atlanta).
- 3 hours per quarter for reporting progress (virtual).
Do I need to know how to sell and market the produce?
No, you don’t. All produce is sold through CFS’s FoodChain app & marketplace, with CFS managing sales, marketing, and distribution. You’ll pack lettuce using recommended packaging provided by CFS. Learn more about FoodChain here.
What is Foodchain? How does it work?
FoodChain is a mobile app marketplace that simplifies local food distribution and on-demand procurement in one platform, connecting buyers with suppliers effortlessly. Explore further details here.
Can I sell the lettuce on my own, or must I join FoodChain?
You must join FoodChain to participate in the CFS Farmer Program.
Does it matter if I am already a farmer?
No, a mix of experience is desirable. We welcome all levels of experience. You’ll receive comprehensive training on utilizing the CFS Hydroponic technique for growing lettuce.
Do I have to be currently using hydroponics at my farm?
No, you don’t need prior hydroponic experience. We provide comprehensive training on utilizing the CFS Hydroponic technique for growing lettuce.
What does Ponix provide during the duration of the program?
During the program, Ponix supplies all necessary smart farming equipment, nutrients, seeds, materials, farming manuals, and sets up the equipment for farmers. Additionally, farmers receive a incentive payments for their participation.
Can I keep the Ponix hydroponic farming equipment after the project has ended?
Yes, you can keep the Ponix hydroponic farming equipment. However, after the program ends, you’ll be responsible for sourcing your own seeds, nutrients, materials, and other expenses for ongoing farming.
Is it only lettuce? And what type?
Yes. It is only lettuce for this program because the carbon-impact study requires us to look at equivalent crops in both the hydroponic system and a traditional farming system
After this program is over, can I grow more than just lettuce?
Can I expand beyond the equipment provided by the program?
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News and Views
Submit Interest
Thank you for expressing interest in joining the Coalition for Food Security (CFS) Farmer Program cohort. We’re excited to collaborate with 24 outstanding farmers to produce high-quality crops and explore the sustainability of hydroponic farming together. Your willingness to embark on this journey with us is greatly appreciated.
To begin, please fill out the below questionnaire and the CFS team will reach out to you with next steps:
- +1 (833) 467-6649
- info@ponixfarms.com
- press@ponixfarms.com
