The College of Southern Maryland launches its next vertical agriculture course March 31 at the La Plata Campus, providing hands-on training in hydroponic systems to meet demand in a rapidly expanding industry. Funded by a $490,000 grant from the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, the program equips students with skills in controlled environment agriculture, focusing on stacked, soil-free growing methods that conserve space, water, and resources while boosting yields.
The course, part of a three-course Vertical Agriculture Systems series through continuing education, builds on the program’s debut in October 2024. Students learn plant science fundamentals, system operation, and management of vertical racks equipped with LED lighting and nutrient-rich, recirculating water. The lab produces leafy greens, herbs, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, strawberries, and edible flowers, with over 63 pounds harvested since inception and distributed to campus community members.
Credit: College of Southern Maryland
Instructor Jordan Jones-Cordero emphasized the technology’s role in sustainable food production. “Vertical agriculture is a lovely additional component to traditional farming,” Jones-Cordero said. “It’s a more resilient agriculture that can be a good option to reduce the strain on the earth. The technology is accessible to learn and use, and there are a lot of different ways to use what space is available.”
Industry projections underscore the opportunity. Maximize Market Research forecasts the North American vertical agriculture market to exceed $12 billion by 2030, up from $1.5 billion in 2023, with global value reaching $39.7 billion by 2032. In Southern Maryland, the program addresses local needs by preparing workers for jobs in sustainable farming and controlled environments.
Alumni highlight practical applications. Abdul Kanu, who completed the course in December after earning an associate’s in cybersecurity, sees parallels between tech and agriculture. “We manage data flow and an ecosystem, and how we diagnose plants can be the same as how we diagnose computers,” Kanu said. “Agriculture is becoming more technology driven as it becomes increasingly important to look for a better way to produce the maximum amount of food in a small area. I feel like this is the next wave of agriculture to do that.” Kanu plans to launch an agriculture business after completing advanced degrees.
Deborah Gray, a small-scale farmer using raised beds, took the course to extend year-round production in limited space. “I learned so much in this course, it’s amazing to see the amount of food that can be grown by hydroponics,” Gray said. “To be able to grow your own food, to provide for your family and the needs of the community, you can’t get any better than that.”
Students gain real-world exposure through partnerships with local sustainable farms in Southern Maryland. Jones-Cordero noted the value of bridging classroom learning to careers. “It’s really valuable to get real-world experience and see the product from the first stage to the last,” Jones-Cordero said. “It broadens their horizons and shows students what they have to look forward to after class.”
The grant-supported initiative includes a 10-rack system from Karma Verde Fresh, installed in the facilities management building. Earlier cohorts covered basics in fall 2024, hands-on growing this semester, with fieldwork planned. The March 31 cohort continues this progression, offering accessible entry into a sector that enhances food security amid space constraints and environmental pressures.