Cleveland - On September 25th, Parallax/OAI and Hood Honey welcomed community members, partners, and funders for a hands-on demonstration of the Growlink smart irrigation system, part of the Precision Urban Agriculture initiative.
The Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative, led by the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) in partnership with Parallax Advanced Research, is a pioneering initiative launching a new era of urban agriculture in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Funded through nearly $1 million in community project funding secured by Congresswoman Shontel Brown and supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), UFARM blends precision agriculture with sustainable community-based food systems to transform urban food deserts into productive hubs.
Through the initiative, Parallax/OAI were able to supply agricultural technology to Hood Honey, an apiary and farm in Mt. Pleasant, a neighborhood of Cleveland, OH. Hood Honey seeks to create economic development and transform Mt. Pleasant through an urban farm, transforming vacant lots into productive spaces that involve the community and provide the convenience of remaining in the city, while cultivating holistic products and greens.
Trey Williams, CEO and founder of Hood Honey, shared how irrigation challenges have been addressed through Growlink soil moisture sensors, timers, and app alerts—creating steadier plant health and reducing labor. Anthony Gillespie, director of strategic and technology-based partnerships and technology transfer office for Parallax/OAI, highlighted the broader vision: using technology to help local growers boost yields, conserve resources, and strengthen Cleveland’s neighborhood food systems
Thanks to the funding secured through Congresswoman Shontel Brown and NIST, and support from local partners, this work is building momentum for Cleveland to lead in urban agriculture innovation.
The event concluded with a farm tour, honey tasting, and conversations about future possibilities, including expanded vegetable farming and the introduction of livestock such as chickens and goats.
To watch a video recap of the event, please visit: https://youtu.be/G6ACL829MLk?si=0JXL81FRi1v9hjkT
To learn more or get involved, visit the Hood Honey website or the Precision Urban Agriculture initiative page on the Ohio Aerospace Institute website.
- Precision Urban Agriculture Homepage: https://oai.org/precision-urban-agriculture
- Hood Honey: https://www.hoodhoney216.com
This work was performed under the following financial assistance award 60NANB24D146 from U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology.
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About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is an advanced research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements across Ohio and the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development.