V.3 Polydome Concept Overview Key Benefits Economic: • Diversification of crops offers protection from sudden market volatility in commodity prices. • Product diversity reduces the chances of total crop failure as a result of disease or pests; some crops will always be more susceptible than others. • Diversification allows capture of all the small “high-value” markets in a local area. • The opportunity for direct sales creates a possibility for greater earnings. • Crop output is relatively easily adjustable on an annual basis to the demands of the local market. • Initial investment continues to produce returns for several decades. Economic & Environmental: • Stacking of crops in space and time allows for very high density production. • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and nutrient cycling strategies result in avoided costs: no need for pesticides, chemical fertilizers, pollination services, and many other inputs that are typically associated with a greenhouse system. • Internal reuse of material flows can make the greenhouse into a zero-waste facility, and reduces the need for outside resource purchases. • Diverse, local production can reduce the local community’s dependence on food products shipped from distant locations. • As a result of all the planned material cycling, the footprint of Polydome-produced products should also be lower than most alternative products. • Polydome production can replace other forms of environmentally damaging farming. Socio-Cultural: • The Polydome greenhouse creates opportunities for creative, diverse labor in comparison to traditional agriculture. It creates the possibility for direct interaction with local community and allows for direct market response to local demands. Can potentially improve the health of nearby residents by providing access to fresh, local produce. Can contribute aesthetically to the local environment. Can reduce transportation in its food network, improve food security and food access, thereby aiding climate adaptation strategies. • • • • 44 Pagina 43

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