Selected
2023 Indigenous Communities Fellowship

Indigeponics

Creating an indigenous space in controlled environment agriculture for tribal economic development and community resiliency through training and knowledge sharing.

Team Leader
Jaymus Lee
Creating an indigenous space in controlled environment agriculture for tribal economic development and community resiliency through training and knowledge sharing.

The Problem

The USDA reports that 90% of tribal producers and ranchers live in areas with limited access to competitive market channels. They often lack access to resources such as irrigation, water rights, technical assistance, and access to sustainable food production technologies that have potential to drive economic development in tribal communities.

The Solution

Indigeponics is a transformative solution bridging the gap between controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and indigenous communities. Indigeponics utilizes technology, such as hydroponic systems, CEA sensors, and specialized irrigation, to strengthen agribusinesses and assist indigenous farmers in cultivating fresh, culturally relevant crops sustainably. Indigeponics' services and products include providing digital resources centered on hydroponics systems and greenhouse design from an indigenous perspective. The organization's unique approach to tailoring CEA practices and business models while embracing cultural practices and traditions enriches the CEA industry while inviting other diverse groups into this space. Indigeponics' holistic approach addresses economic growth and development challenges, broadens market access, tackles climate change, empowers tribal agribusiness ventures, and increase food access and sovereignty to create meaningful transformations in indigenous communities.

Stats

Indigeponics has reached 65 participants through workshops, events, and shared educational resources.

What is the name of your organization?
Indigeponics
What is the name of your solution?
Indigeponics
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Creating an indigenous space in controlled environment agriculture for tribal economic development and community resiliency through training and knowledge sharing.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Gilbert, AZ
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-Profit
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
The USDA reports that 90% of tribal producers and ranchers live in areas with limited access to competitive market channels. They often lack access to resources such as irrigation, water rights, technical assistance, and access to sustainable food production technologies that have potential to drive economic development in tribal communities.
What is your solution?
Indigeponics is a transformative solution bridging the gap between controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and indigenous communities. Indigeponics utilizes technology, such as hydroponic systems, CEA sensors, and specialized irrigation, to strengthen agribusinesses and assist indigenous farmers in cultivating fresh, culturally relevant crops sustainably. Indigeponics' services and products include providing digital resources centered on hydroponics systems and greenhouse design from an indigenous perspective. The organization's unique approach to tailoring CEA practices and business models while embracing cultural practices and traditions enriches the CEA industry while inviting other diverse groups into this space. Indigeponics' holistic approach addresses economic growth and development challenges, broadens market access, tackles climate change, empowers tribal agribusiness ventures, and increase food access and sovereignty to create meaningful transformations in indigenous communities.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Indigeponics is currently serving Tribal community members and communities within the state of Arizona. While Indigeponics hopes to include all tribal nations on Turtle Island, much of our focus and resources are centered on food production in the Southwest. Our team has continued to build and foster relationships with many tribal farmers and tribal organizations on and off reservation lands. As we continue to form these partnerships and work alongside a variety of community organizations, we are gathering more insight into what CEA technology might mean for them in a changing environmental and political landscape. In the last six months, we have gained a better understanding of the impact that recent federal funding changes have on tribal communities, including tribal schools. These new challenges have shifted our work to provide educational learning opportunities for students while providing support for indigenous farmers.

Organization Type:
For-Profit

Headquarters:
Gilbert, AZ, United States

Stage:
Concept

Working In:
United States

Solution Website:
https://www.indigeponics.com/

Solution Team:
Jaymus Lee
Jaymus Lee
Chantel  Harrison
Chantel Harrison
Chantel  Harrison
Chantel Harrison