Kifowit Explores Hydroponic Farming Potential in Illinois

ROCHELLE, Ill. – State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, toured the “Mighty Vine” tomato growhouse in Rochelle as part of her ongoing initiative to find ways the state can expand its economic base through innovative businesses.

“It is a priority of mine to find ways  our state can create a climate to attract business investment and boost our economy,” Kifowit said, “The hydroponic farming industry is a great opportunity for us to grow jobs across the region.”

Kifowit was joined by members of the Illinois Farm Bureau as well as Mighty Vines’ business developer Daniel Murphy on her tour of the 15-acer glass facility. She toured the facility’s advanced irrigation and the climate control system that allows tomatoes to continue growing year round, especially during Illinois’ harsh winters. She learned that growhouses like these use hydroponic “drip irrigation” which uses significantly less water than traditional farming methods and does not create fertilizer runoff into water supplies, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional methods.

For more information, please contact Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308, or Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net.