Solar greenhouse planned in Carpio to help MSU-Bottineau students, faculty

CARPIO, N.D. (AP) A solar-powered greenhouse being planned in Carpio not only will produce organic plants and vegetables it also will provide research for students and faculty members at Minot State University-Bottineau.

The school's Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture gave a $20,000 grant to Marvin and Ilene Baker of Carpio, who do business as North Star Farms. The solar greenhouse is expected to be finished next month.

The cooperative effort between North Star Farms and MSU-Bottineau will include a sharing of research data. More greenhouses are being built MSU-Bottineau, and it's writing a curriculum for a program on organic farming.

The school's horticulture director, HollyRose Mawby, says the goal is to build a home-grown industry based on organic farming.

Information from: Minot Daily News, http://www.minotdailynews.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-05-09 1900CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list