An alternative model for transition and renewal

When I returned to college in 2011, my perspective was very different from my classmates. As a seasoned IT professional with over 40 years experience, I was more concerned about the problems I wanted to solve than what I wanted to be or do for a living upon graduation.

In 2013, I graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies. The interdisciplinary learning experience included related Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics (STE@M).

This led to the creation of Garden of Eden Urban Farming, first as a community development course and later as a consulting firm.

— Michael Twiggs founder

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Common problems and challenges in inner-city communities nationwide include the following:
● Access to fresh fruits and vegetables
● Food quality
● Food insecurity
● Business development
● Financial planning
● Labor training
● and many more, similar to urban food deserts

These urban economic issues are mirrored in correctional institutions, where dietary diversity is a perpetual problem. Indoor agriculture, using hydroponics, is one answer to a complex set of problems. It is an important part of a sustainable long-term solution.

NO SUN. NO SOIL. NO PROBLEM: Inmates Inside the facility learn to grow fruits and vegetables indoors that are consumed locally, either within the institution or in the surrounding community, depending on local circumstances. Seasonality is not a concern, and the program complements other local efforts to grow fresh, local, nutritious produce.

Inside/Outside is a transition program that begins inside the institution with training and education in indoor farming and related technologies. Participants learn skills needed to grow nutritious fruits and vegetables inside the institution all year round. The design of this program is rooted in the reality that the transition from Inside the institution to Outside is fraught with pitfalls. These obstacles contribute to higher levels of poverty, crime and recidivism.

Structured learning experiences teach the science, technologies, engineering and math (STEM) required to plant, nurture, grow and harvest fresh leafy greens, herbs and microgreens from Seed to Table. Upon their release, former inmates are employable by the outside component of the program with benefits and market wages for green jobs. Successful completion of the training program inside qualifies participants for entry level jobs outside.

In each instance, the program is taught cooperatively by local instructors with support from GOE experts and advisors. Core curriculum is licensed by GOE and may be supplemented by local instructors for best effect.

Former inmates become employable to grow fruits and vegetables in the same manner on the Outside. The overriding goal is to create green jobs for skilled workers using what was learned inside the institution.

Access to jobs, housing and other social and economic opportunities can really make a difference. We make it so.

The responsibility to rehabilitate and provide access to employment opportunities needed for successful transition back into society sets Inside/Outside apart from many other programs. Both inside and outside components are parts of the same program. They are one; two sides of the same coin; funded by the correctional institution at startup.

Upon release, employment is the second phase of the program Outside using the same skills and abilities learned Inside but with salary and benefits as well. Learning and adaptation continue outside, and the development of follow-up training and consultation is essential for the future.

The third phase of the learning experience—advanced employment or independent enterprise— is also within reach for many of the inmates that participate in the program. Small business funding for entrepreneurs may be available for program participants with knowledge and experience in indoor agriculture through programs of SBA, USDA, and other agencies and private sources.

Projects can be home based and just beyond the hobby level, or they can grow to supply a significant share of fresh vegetables for on-base and community consumption as a concession within the commissary. This will vary by installation.

Each of the plans is highly scalable. "Family farms" can become part of a collaborative in which different growers specialize in a few crops. All are part of an information system that takes orders and grows to specification, not on speculation. This a variety of seasonal and year round vegetables can be available.

Income is retained and spent locally which benefits local retail and service businesses, which is a likely benefit to the public opinion of the military installation.

Budgets and financing are important considerations. In this case, initial cost can be quite low.

Equipment can be purchased or leased with option to buy.

Gardening projects can make a minimal initial investment and grow by reinvestment of proceeds.

Labor can be at nominal rates plus participation in surplus or food sharing.

Space may be available on site, especially where downsizing has resulted in unused floorspace.

GOE has developed a a comprehensive startup budget planning procedure with many options.

This program is unique for the intentional development of both inside and outside components.

• During incarceration the program provides training for participants and nutrition for all.
• After release the probability of sustained employment is enhanced.

Done correctly it pays for itself. There are also significant potential benefits for the receiving community in the form of better nutrition, local investment and retained income.

Hydroponic Cropping Systems (examples only; the program emphasizes functionality and productivity, not specific technologies)

How to Grow Microgreens - Start to Finish https://youtu.be/dtvuMNVLISo

Grow Fodder in Seven Days - https://youtu.be/b2XYLEliMhQ

Leafy Greens/Herbs: Leafy Green Machine https://youtu.be/l0UX6uo-4_8