Ivy Tech considering $3 million, 20,000-square-foot indoor farm in South Bend

Green Sense Farms is working with Ivy Tech on a proposal to build a 20,000-square-foot indoor growing operation near the campus at 220 Dean Johnson Blvd., South Bend.

The vertical farming company, which started less than 18 months ago, is wrapping up an expansion of its facility in Portage and has begun construction of a farm in China with up to 20 more indoor growing operations planned in that country.

'We are hoping to develop a great partnership that will help educate folks and help with a need for great food in the area,' said Lisa Wenzel, director special projects for Ivy Tech's north central region.

Wenzel said the community college is hosting a panel discussion among experts in the field at 4 p.m. Oct. 7 to better gauge the need in the area and community support for the projected $3 million facility before reaching a final decision.

"It's an emerging market and we want to make sure we supply a need for people to learn and get a job," Wenzel said.