A South Carolina project that aims to connect people who are incarcerated with farming skills is complete. At the Camille Graham Correctional in Columbia lives the first vertical farm inside a prison in the U.S., called 'Fresh Start Produce'.
State leaders said the goal was to expand fresh, healthy foods to prisons and prepare people who are incarcerated for life outside of the state's prison system.
"It starts the healing process for everyone that's involved," said South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) director Joel Anderson. "Growing vegetables in a controlled environment is not new, but growing it in this environment is new for us."
Anderson said there are 14 women who are incarcerated participating in the program, whether it be through classroom settings or hands-on in the farm.
The project, which has been in the making for four years, organizers said, was a joint effort. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) worked with SCDC to plant the project's roots.
"Those of us who make a living in this industry are excited about what we see on the horizon," said SCDA commissioner Hugh Weathers. "It's a real privilege for us to be involved with this."
Right now, Fresh Start Produce is growing lettuce, but the system can also grow other vegetables.
