New jobs, research & development headquarters to locate at Savocchio Park
Infinite Erie and Minority Community Investment Coalition (MCIC) hosted a press conference to welcome Integrated Agriculture Systems (INTAG) Aquaponics to Erie and Savocchio Opportunity Park. INTAG has been the consultant on the Grow Erie project at Savocchio Opportunity Park for the past three years.
INTAG is an industry leader in sustainable agriculture and is an innovative new company bringing its research and development (R&D) operations to Erie County. Local officials, MCIC, Infinite Erie and The Redevelopment Authority of Erie County welcome the new development and the jobs it will create in the region’s most economically challenged neighborhood on Erie’s East Side.
“Moving to Erie just makes good business sense,” said Chris Nguyen, INTAG CEO. “We have built strong strategic partnerships over the years, and by co-locating with the Grow Erie sustainable farm, we can do our research from the facility as well as oversee the production for MCIC.”
“Having INTAG set up its research and development operation in Erie is very exciting,” said James Sherrod, one of three founders of MCIC. “This team is adding an extra layer of confidence to our operation, knowing skilled personnel will be onsite as we grow and develop our operations. We are equally excited about the prospect of adding an educational component, this is something we’ve talked about and can now bring to fruition.”
Once in Erie, INTAG will leverage its patented technology to produce crop bio-stimulants derived from fish and other animal waste. INTAG’s advanced systems are designed to remediate water contaminants and process nutrient waste streams from commercial fish, poultry and livestock farming. By recycling water and utilizing no waste nutrients, these systems deliver profound benefits for sustainable growth.
“Grow Erie is such an exceptional community and economic development project, and it couldn’t have happened without the technology and expertise of INTAG’s team,” said Tina Mengine, Erie County Redevelopment Authority president and CEO. “Adding the relocation of advanced technology company INTAG to the Savocchio Opportunity Park takes this project to a whole new level. We are thrilled to bring the R&D arm of this innovative company to Erie.”
Grow Erie will house a 17,000 sq.ft facility utilizing INTAG’s patented advanced technology. Additionally, INTAG will lease 2000 sq.ft of space within the Grow Erie facility and will build a new 3000 sq.ft. greenhouse on the site as part of its R&D operation.
“INTAG chose Erie,” Infinite Erie Executive Director Kim Thomas said. “Whether it’s INTAG, advancing cutting-edge technology in an important and future-facing field, or the next company, Erie is positioned well to attract new businesses and help existing businesses plant deeper roots.”
ABOUT INTAG
INTAG’s bio-stimulants have proven to both increase commercial crop yields by as much as 5-25% in crops such as kale and tomatoes as well as reduce the need for harmful synthetic fertilizers by as much as 20%-40% in crops such as wheat, barley and lettuce. Additionally, INTAG technology offers the following benefits:
- Enhancing the taste and nutritional value of produce
- Accelerating plant growth and nutrient absorption
- Increasing the diversity of produce that can be grown indoors or in challenging environments
- Eliminating the need for synthetic additives to deliver nutrients to plants in water
- Enabling zero discharge recirculating nutrient systems in hydroponic and aquaponic systems
- Processing both liquid and solid waste in aqueous environments
- Remediating excess nitrogen, phosphorous and other waste streams from agricultural run-off
In addition to producing bio-stimulants in Erie, INTAG plans to provide a complete educational Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) system at Grow Erie. This will include both an aquaculture system capable of producing 1000 lbs. of fish per year and hydroponic growing systems that students can use to grow crops such as leafy greens, microgreens and tomatoes. Under the auspices of MCIC, this education system will be made available for non-traditional learning to local Erie middle and high school students.
ABOUT MINORITY COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COALITION (MCIC)
The Minority Community Investment Coalition (MCIC) is dedicated to helping Erie grow, shine, and thrive. Officially formed in 2016, the Booker T. Washington Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, and Urban Erie Community Development Corporation (UECDC) work together to build equity for change and improve the life chances for Erie families living in poverty. MCIC coordinates a variety of services to low-income residents, reaching over 20,000 people annually — approximately 20% of the City of Erie’s population — in West Bayfront, Center City and East Erie. MCIC is focused on outreach, collaboration and coordination through neighborhood-based, culturally responsive programs and services that move the needle on community and economic development.
ABOUT INFINITE ERIE
Infinite Erie is a community and economic development strategy designed to harness funding opportunities, unify diverse public, private, and civic stakeholders around a common vision, and advance equitable economic development across Erie County, Pennsylvania.
Coordinating inclusive growth strategies for transformative change, Infinite Erie brings together a cross-sector coalition with shared goals to: Foster economic growth; Promote vibrant neighborhoods; Build a diversified economy that benefits everyone.
Powered by the Erie Action Team, Infinite Erie is committed to coordinating solutions of excellence to overcome complex challenges and to putting plans into action – ultimately catalyzing transformational growth and driving Erie County toward a more vibrant, equitable future.
