Grand Valley State University
IN-24: Innovation A

GVSU's Sustainable Agriculture Project is unique in our interdisciplinary nature and aim to foster collaboration across university programs. Our innovative approach led to a national award by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in 2018. Our farm, similar to most universities, is located on the periphery of campus. Because we want to foster interdisciplinary work at the farm, we need to reach students who wouldn't typically make a special trip to a farm. In pursuit of bringing this experience to the wider GVSU community, we founded a demonstration garden right in the center of campus. While our 5 acre farm demonstrates sustainable agriculture practices at a small commercial level, the scale can be intimidating for those who have not had growing experience. At first glance, it is hard to fathom implementing the multitude of techniques used on the farm, in a backyard setting. The 15’ x 15’ plot clearly shows the abundant harvest which can be reaped at an approachable scale. Hundreds, if not thousands, pass by this garden every day, planting seeds of possibility into the fertile minds of students. Mini-workshops hosted at the garden demonstrate homegrown abundance can be had for less than an hour per week of work. Our demonstration garden will help raise awareness of our less visible farm, and will continue to serve as a testament improvements do not need to be massive in scale, to have a massive impact in the community.