An innovative Foothills School Division program is gaining attention from school boards across Alberta.
The school division received the 2023 School Board Innovation and Excellence Award at the Alberta School Boards Association Fall General Meeting for its part in the Vertical Farm Initiative (VFI) at Oilfields School in Diamond Valley.
The award recognizes a school board’s role in launching innovative programs or initiatives that enhance student achievement, the Foothills School Division said.
“The Foothills School Division board of trustees is thrilled to highlight and celebrate Oilfield High School’s Vertical Farm Initiative,” Theresa Letendre, Foothills School Division board chair said.
The vertical farm program at Oilfields School brings together education, subject matter experts and business, Letendre said.
“The VFI is an excellent example of how innovative practices, such as vertical farming, can bring together an entire community,” she said.
The program has attracted incredible attention and has received support from Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, along with help from local experts in solar power, automation and technology, and support from the larger community, the division said.
Produce grown by students is being sold in the town’s grocery store and used by three local restaurants, and students sold produce at the Millarville Farmers Market.
They also hold a weekly market at the school.
Through the program, students are learning to produce food in their community, using sustainable methods that are not subject to the impacts of climate change, the division said.
They are also exposed to the business side of operating the vertical farm and gain experience in budgeting, marketing and supply management.
“They are learning how they can be part of the solution to ensuring a rural community has access to fresh, high-quality produce year-round,” the division said.
Food waste is also reduced in the indoor vertical farm, because there are fewer pests and no need for long-distance transportation, the division said.
