BISMARCK, N.D. – The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in North Dakota is embarking on a groundbreaking project to grow lettuce in a massive greenhouse complex. This initiative, known as Native Green Grow, will help the tribe regain control of their food production following the flooding of their fertile land by a federal dam decades ago.
The 3.3-acre greenhouse, part of a $76 million initial phase, will enable the tribe to grow leafy greens, tomatoes, strawberries, and more. The eventual goal is to expand the greenhouse to 14.5 acres, making it one of the world’s largest facilities of its kind.
The project is a response to the challenges of accessing fresh produce in the remote area where the tribe is located. The greenhouses will not only provide food for the reservation’s 8,300 residents but also serve other reservations and food banks in the region.
The effort aligns with a national push for food sovereignty among tribes. The USDA’s Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative aims to support tribes in regaining control of their food systems through projects like seed hubs, foraging guides, and meat processing programs.
The MHA Nation’s greenhouse plans are made possible by access to potable water and natural gas resources from the Bakken oil field. The tribe aims to capture and utilize natural gas to power the greenhouse, reducing waste from flaring.
Overall, this project represents a significant step towards food sovereignty for the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, as well as a model for sustainable food production in indigenous communities nationwide.
Source
Photo credit www.ksat.com