When Ohio State University opened its new Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex on Sept. 30, it represented a culmination of efforts between the school and industry. Companies such as Nationwide Insurance, Current, Priva and General Hydroponics made donations of both money and product.

Current provided LED grow lighting for the four chambers that will be used to grow vine crops, berries and leafy greens at CEARC, while Hort Americas handled the lighting layout, design and planning.

The 48,989-square-foot CEARC will provide a platform for interdisciplinary research at the nexus of horticulture, engineering, entomology, pathology, food science, computer science, and human nutrition and health.

“This is an important project for the industry because of the cutting-edge research, teaching and job training that will be conducted at this facility,” says Chris Higgins, Hort Americas president and co-founder. “We’re also excited because this is a way to prepare students to enter directly into the commercial horticulture workforce.”

CEARC researchers will explore new methods for improving nutrient density and flavor in vegetables and fruits, as well as optimizing harvest and controlling insects and pests. In addition, clinical studies will be done to examine the efficacy of enhanced nutritional value in the human diet. 

In appreciation for Current’s support, CEARC’s lobby is named the Arize Lobby. Arize is Current’s LED lighting brand.

Source: OSU