HARRISBURG, PA – Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) and Phoenix Contact USA are thrilled to announce the international premiere of Growing Tomorrow – a documentary exploring the transformative potential of controlled environment agriculture (CEA). It’s also a celebration of the long-running partnership between Harrisburg University and Phoenix Contact, which continues to bring science and technology innovations into America’s farming infrastructure and introduce high school and college students studying science and technology to valuable careers in advanced agriculture.
Premiering on Nov. 21 at Harrisburg University, Growing Tomorrow investigates advances in CEA technology to farm vegetables and seafood in urban food deserts. The documentary explores the introduction of sensor and automation technology with innovative crop production for climate-smart and resource-efficient intensive growing within population centers.
In this documentary by Phoenix Contact, the research and community food support provided by Harrisburg University faculty, staff, and students is highlighted to demonstrate how CEA can revitalize communities by transforming nutrition for vulnerable populations and providing new career and business opportunities.
“We are incredibly proud of the work showcased in Growing Tomorrow, which underscores the transformative impact of controlled environment agriculture on communities in need,” said Rachel Fogle, Ph.D., Program Lead of Environmental Sciences at HU. “This documentary captures the dedication of Harrisburg University faculty, staff, and students who are using science and technology to address critical challenges in sustainable agriculture and community nutrition. Together with Phoenix Contact, we are demonstrating how innovative, climate-smart agriculture can grow fresh and nutritious food closer to those who need it most, reduce resource strain, and offer new career and entrepreneurial pathways for our students. This partnership exemplifies the strength of collaboration between academia and industry, paving the way for a future where innovation meets social responsibility to create a more resilient and equitable food future.”
“The relationship between Harrisburg University and Phoenix Contact is a fitting example of collaboration for a better future,” added Loreen Katz, Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications at Phoenix Contact USA. “Sustainable solutions such as CEA are only possible through an ecosystem of agents working together. We are thrilled to premiere the documentary, Growing Tomorrow, and tell this compelling story of partnerships with a sustainable purpose. Together, we are creating a better world.”
The partnership between Harrisburg University and Phoenix Contact is generating rewarding academic, personal, and professional experiences for HU students while advancing the University’s mission of interdisciplinary STEM learning. In October 2023, students from HU’s Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science & Sustainability programs were invited to compete in the Phoenix Contact Xplore Technology Award for a Sustainable World. Team HU took second place in the Environment category after demonstrating a novel way to automate bioreactors in CEA systems. The project’s findings could radically transform food deserts in America, bring fresh produce to inner cities, and even provide healthy food to explorers living on Earth’s moon or Mars.
Harrisburg University thanks Phoenix Contact for their ever-present support and spirit of collaboration, as well as our partners at Greenswell Growers and the Steelton-Highspire School District.
ABOUT PHOENIX CONTACT
Phoenix Contact is a global market leader based in Germany. Since 1923, Phoenix Contact has created products to connect, distribute, and control power and data flows. Our products are found in nearly all industrial settings, but we have a strong focus on the energy, infrastructure, process, factory automation, and e-mobility markets. Sustainability and responsibility guide every action we take, and we’re proud to work with our customers to empower a smart and sustainable world for future generations. Our global network includes 22,000 employees in 100+ countries. Phoenix Contact USA has headquarters near Harrisburg, PA, and employs more than 1,100 people across the US.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
