Mission

University of Nevada, Reno Extension's Urban & Indoor Agriculture Lab is dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices in urban areas.

Our mission is to investigate innovative solutions to:

  • Enhance food security
  • Promote environmental sustainability
  • Integrate cutting-edge technology into urban farming systems.

We collaborate with academic institutions, industry leaders and policymakers to develop research-driven solutions that shape the future of sustainable urban agriculture.

Shelves of lettuce growing indoors.

 

We advance sustainable urban and indoor agriculture through innovation, research, education and community collaboration. We strive to develop cutting-edge technologies and digital solutions for urban indoor farming, including optimized LED lighting, nutrient delivery systems and precision-controlled environments. By partnering with other universities, research institutes and industry leaders, we ensure the feasibility and scalability of these solutions. We are dedicated to pioneering research in plant science, sustainable cultivation methods, nutrient-rich high-value food production and urban food systems. This includes exploring:

  • New plant varieties
  • Hydroponic, vertical farming, health-beneficial phytochemical and antioxidant-rich food production
  • Efficient resource management strategies to enhance food security in urban settings

Education and outreach are central to our mission. We aim to raise awareness about sustainable urban agriculture by providing educational resources, organizing workshops and hosting conferences. Our programs engage students, farmers, policymakers and the broader community to promote knowledge-sharing and skill development in urban farming practices.

Through strategic public-private partnerships, we collaborate with government agencies, businesses and non-profits to implement innovative urban farming projects. We also provide technical assistance and policy recommendations to foster the growth of sustainable urban food systems.