Baker County lands $750 million hydroponic facility | Jax Daily Record
Baker County lands $750 million hydroponic facility | Jax Daily Record Jacksonville Daily Record
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The Baker County Development Commission Announces Public-Private Partnership with Plant Agricultural Systems Inc.
The Baker County Development Commission has recently announced a significant public-private partnership with Plant Agricultural Systems Inc. in Baker County. This partnership aims to promote sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Inducement and Development Agreement
On April 4, the Board of County Commissioners approved an inducement and development agreement with Plant Agricultural Systems Inc. This agreement sets the foundation for collaboration between the county and the company to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities.
About Plant Agricultural Systems Inc.
Plant Agricultural Systems Inc. is a Fort Lauderdale-based infrastructure service provider that focuses on delivering the physical and digital infrastructure necessary to support localized fresh produce demand worldwide. The company is committed to sustainable practices and aligning its operations with the SDGs.
Phase One Domestic Operations Roll Out
As part of its phase one domestic operations roll out, Plant Agricultural Systems Inc. plans to develop nearly 2,000 acres of advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture production. This includes the previously announced 1,100 acres in West Texas and an additional 772 acres in Sanderson, Baker County.
Transformational Impact on Baker County
Darryl Register, the executive director of the Baker County Development Commission and the Baker County Chamber of Commerce, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that Plant Agricultural Systems’ Controlled Environment Agriculture Distributed Network Production Facility in Baker County will be transformational for the county. The project’s capital investment, employee wages, and overall economic impact are expected to bring about significant positive growth for the rural county.
Recognition of the Project’s Significance
Aundra Wallace, the president of JAXUSA Partnership, which is the seven-county regional economic development organization for Northeast Florida, also acknowledged the project’s importance. He expressed gratitude to Plant Agricultural Systems Inc. for bringing their investment and leading-edge technology to the region, recognizing the innovative nature of the project.
Advanced Production Facilities and Hydroponic Technology
The project entails the development of 8.1 million square feet of advanced production facilities on 772 acres in Sanderson. Using hydroponic technology, the facilities will cultivate various fresh produce, including leafy greens and vine crops such as tomatoes.
Projected Capital Expenditure and Job Creation
Plant Agricultural Systems Inc. plans to invest approximately $750 million in capital expenditure for the project. Over the course of eight years, the company aims to hire more than 600 full-time employees, offering starting wages of $21 per hour, including benefits.
State Support and Timeline
The state has shown support for the project by providing a $2.29 million grant to fund the entrance road infrastructure for the Woodstock Industrial property where the project will be located. The Baker County Development Commission expects operations to commence approximately 24 months after the closing on the property.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7% gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.a: Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological, and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing States | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020 | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7% gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries
- Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors
- Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive
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Source: jaxdailyrecord.com
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