Hydroponic agriculture+Arthur&Friends=Sussex County Success story

What happens when a "small seed of an idea" is planted in a resource rich environment and nurtured with passion and dedication? Fantastic results with real benefits-in this case-Arthur and Friends.  
The IDEA: Giving our disabled community the workforce skills and training they need to be productive and produce a marketable commodity which benefits the larger community.  
The SOLUTION:  
*Make use of existing-though underutilized-greenhouse facilities through implementing a hydroponic production-growing plants without soil-operation which will grow marketable products that meet consumer demand for locally produced foods. 
*Equip the disabled population with specific skills and training needed to not only grow the produce, but also a business. 
*Welcome community involvement, support and exposure in a way that educates, sparks dialogue and builds a bridge between the disabled workforce and business.
*Meet consumer demand for safe, locally produced products for their table.  


The RESULT: Arthur and Friends-hydroponic agriculture which is actively producing a varied selection of fresh greens supplying local restaurants and family tables-year round. What began as an idea has developed into a model which can be reproduced and has attracted the interest of urban agriculturalists and environmentalists- who are seeking innovative ways to increase food production and feed a growing population.Hydroponic gardening is productive, green and space efficient-and offers a viable means to address the challenge.

How does it work? Recirculation of nutrient rich water in a climate controlled environment means little to no water waste, maximization of yield and- well- happy plants, which can supply a steady source of nutrition in areas where traditional agricultural practices are impractical or impossible.
Arthur and Friends is located in the greenhouse at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ. The location is ideally situated- allowing workers easy access to public transportation- so they can independently get to work. The SC Fairgrounds is also a familiar location to many in the TriState Region. Best know as the home to New Jersey's largest annual agricultural fair- The NJ State Fair® Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, the Sussex County Fairgrounds hosts over 225,000 Fair visitors each year. With a full schedule of family fun ALL SEASON events, the Sussex County Fairgrounds is a popular destination throughout the region. The NJ State Fair®/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show was established as-and continues to be-a hub to the larger Sussex County Agricultural community-providing agricultural education, participation and plain old fun for generations of community residents and visitors alike. Arthur and Friends welcomes visitors as well as shoppers. All are invited to stop by and learn how hydroponics works or select from the wide assortment of freshly harvested greens for the family table.

The Sussex County Board of Agriculture recently honored Arthur and Friends, for their innovative contribution to the "mosaic of agriculture" in the Garden State. The changes in NJ Agriculture and the challenges faced by the industry are obvious to all. As the NJ Agricultural landscape continues to reshape itself, the SCBOA embraces the small operation whose innovation, passion and contributions are helping to address those changes and keep New Jersey Agriculture viable. Arthur's inspiring and heart felt acceptance remarks are a reminder to all-"Believe in your dreams, never-never give up-keep believing". Congratulations to Arthur and all his friends for the dream, vision and dedication to make it happen.




To learn more about Arthur and Friends check out the You Tube video link