DC students grow skills through new business, The Leafy Green Machine

Durham College (DC) students in the Horticulture Technician and Horticulture – Food and Farming programs are continuing to expand their skill set with the recent launch of  commercial products fresh from their vertical hydroponic farm, The Leafy Green Machine. This vertical farm, from Freight Farms, is a welcomed addition to our campus thanks to the Weston Family Foundation farm expansion donation.

Operated by work-study students from both programs, the vertical farm provides DC students with the unique opportunity to integrate real-world experiences throughout their studies. From learning how to grow and produce crops, delving more into product development, and running a sustainable business, our students are truly becoming job ready.

Last week, the team officially launched their 150g sustainable lettuce mixes packaged in fully compostable plastic and recycled craft labels. This product is grown, harvested, washed, packaged and produced by DC students. During the first week of sales, the team sold 25 containers and sales have continued to grow each week. With this new experiential learning opportunity, students expand on course concepts and show how DC is leading the way.

To support this initiative, visit DC’s Pantry curbside menu or through the Kendal Hills Virtual Farmers Market.