Although details are still being finalized, participants will tour the
Stickney Water Treatment Site and explore the steps that
municipalities and water treatment sites are taking to reduce nutrient
output before traveling to Smits Farms. At Smits Farms participants
will explore the greenhouses and vegetable fields while discussing
farmers’ efforts to reduce nutrient runoff from crop protectants.
Farm Bureau staff is in the process of confirming an additional tour
site.AGENDA
8:30 A.M. DEPART FARM BUREAU BUILDING,
COUNTRYSIDE
9:00 A.M. STICKNEY WATER TREATMENT PLANT, CICERO
12:30 P.M. SMITS FARMS, CHICAGO HEIGHTS
Lunch and transportation will be provided. Participants will depart
the Farm Bureau building, located at 6438 Joliet Road in Countryside.
Nutrient pollution occurs when there are excess nutrients. The main
culprits of nutrient pollution are phosphorous and nitrogen. The
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) has developed a process
that recovers the phosphorous and nitrogen in wastewater and converts
it into a high-grade, slow-release fertilizer. The fertilizer can be
used for agricultural applications.
Smits Farms is a family owned and operated business. Over the last
25-years Smits Farms has grown from a single greenhouse and a family
of two to thirteen greenhouse and a family of eight. To conserve
nutrients, Smits Farms utilizes compost and innovative farming
techniques. At both the Stickney Water Treatment Facility and Smits
Farms, participants will explore and discuss nutrient reduction
strategies and the impact of these strategies on the environment and
waterways.
food
business
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21/06/2018 Last update