Students propose campus farm

By Bobby Bourke

Bluffton seniors have proposed a campus farm that would eventually replace the produce in Marbeck with fresh produce that is grown on campus, as well as offer a sustainable agriculture major.

According to seniors Ben Heck, Meghan Ream and Zac Nobis, there are four reasons Bluffton University should have a campus farm: fresh food, educational opportunities, community benefits and economic benefits. They have visions of partnering with local businesses in hopes of providing produce for the area and helping the community. 

The campus farm would help local businesses by stocking them with fresh produce from a local place. The farm will also help the university financially as they estimate the new agriculture major could bring in about five to six new students every year. 

Bluffton Students generally experience a lack of high quality food and getting fresh produce in the marbeck commons grown on campus is something that is important to not just students but local businesses as well.  . 

“At Bluffton, students do not have a lack of availability of food,” said Senior Meghan Ream. “However, there are limited options of desirable food and Bluffton students do not receive high quality food and we fail to make accommodations for students with dietary restrictions.”

The project mission statement encourages sustainable living by producing eco-friendly food, contributing to the community through collaboration, and increasing educational opportunities. 

There are plans to build hoop houses on campus as well as an orchard and a bee apiary. Hoop houses are small structures that can be used as a greenhouse and make it possible to grow plants and vegetables year round. 

Some barriers that are present are the hoop houses are not permanent, meaning they would have to be replaced every five to seven years. The hoop houses can also be damaged and the Bluffton weather can be unpredictable. 

Another challenge comes from the bee apiary, the university would have to find caretakers while students are off campus and someone would have to come in with knowledge on how to safely behave in the apiary. There is also the question of working this activity into the curriculum for students like the amount of credit hours it is going to be or the time slot for the course.

“Paying close attention to the environment and supporting sustainability are some of the responsibilities we have as global citizens,” said Nobis. “A community is called to share the benefit that each of its members brings to the table along with addressing the common issues together.”