[WATCH] SAFE unveils future plans, exciting partnerships for East Alabama EARTH project

The Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE) has announced significant developments for the East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub (EARTH), a workforce development and innovation center situated on the historic Avondale Mills complex. A key feature of this initiative is a 10-acre vertical and regenerative farming operation led by Shipshape AgWorks, a Birmingham-based company specializing in modular hydroponic farms. Utilizing AI automation, renewable energy, and hydroponics, Shipshape AgWorks aims to produce the equivalent of five acres of crops within just 500 square feet. The EARTH hub will also offer training across various sectors, including healthcare, transportation, early care, agriculture, technology, hospitality, manufacturing, and energy. Collaborations with institutions such as Auburn University, the University of South Alabama, Wake Forest, and the University of South Carolina will focus on developing environmentally sustainable watershed systems on-site. The campus is expected to open in approximately 18 months, with a target launch in November 2026.

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https://www.sylacauganews.com/local/watch-safe-unveils-future-plans-exciting-partnerships-for-east-alabama-earth-project