Operational Plan
The Root Center plans to grow as much quality food as the grounds it is located on can produce, using a combination of growing techniques surrounding sustainable agriculture and architecture, and clean energy. The land will initially be configured mostly for in-ground crop production with some greenhouses that contain hydroponics, aeroponics and aquaponics systems, and a 30-foot diameter geodesic dome tent.
The surrounding land may hold several other organizations cooperating to present a hands-on learning environment and retail store surrounding the themes of sustainability, community and quality produce.
The Root Center will soon have a 790-plant hydroponics system and a 120-plant aeroponics system that each can be housed in hoop houses, which will supplement the in-ground crops. Plans are in the works to upgrade these applications with an aquaponics system in conjunction with Todd Ecological.
The Root Center has begun establishing a distribution network through the local food banks and schools. The Root Center is also reaching out to organizations to establish a power network of solar panels to automate the greenhouses and will utilize a prototype vertical axis wind generator designed by Allard Engineering.
As our organization grows we will work in conjunction with Todd Ecological to fine-tune our aquaponics system and construct a living machine to recycle our waste.
As the personnel needs of the organization expand we will recruit volunteers and paid staff (funding permitted) to farm the land, maintain the greenhouses, run our marketing and fundraising campaigns, network with peer organizations, provide human resources, etc. We will also hire accountants and lawyers (among other specialists) as necessary to facilitate the smooth operation of the organization.
The organization’s operating plans, goals, benchmarks and objectives will be constantly under improvement and regular evaluations of projects and programs will be undertaken to ensure the value and success of each. Resources from programs that do not provide enough benefit to the community or The Root Center will be redistributed to other programs.
As the initial location proves successful and sustainable (in the financial sense as well), we will solicit donations to bring the organization to a higher stage, where we will acquire a larger space run entirely by The Root Center. Larger-scale farming and energy production will then take place. At this point in our organization we will construct a 60-foot diameter, fully insulated, permanent geodesic dome. This will serve as the organization’s offices, as well as housing for some of its employees and WWOOF volunteers. Future plans will continue as outlined in the Executive Summary.