Center for Sustainable Community

123 Crescent Lane     Stelle, IL 60919     815-256-2204    CSC@Stelle.net

www.CenterForSustainableCommunity.org

March 2006

To: Those Interested in a Unique and Sustainable Food Production System

Attached is the Perpetual Harvest Greenhouse System overview document that includes the notes from Mark Hoffman, our own local engineer, who reviewed Chris Marron's original description of his fascinating system. After researching, Mark found this to be a most interesting and plausible system for year round food production.  Mark is a life long gardener and our local permaculture expert and we value his input tremendously.

Also attached is a quick analysis of my financial projections for an operating greenhouse under this design.  These are very encouraging numbers for they speak to the need for finding more sustainable ways of economically supporting our small scale farmers as well as growing nutritious food all year round.

We (CSC) are seriously considering the building of a test greenhouse to prove to ourselves and others that this system will work. I am attaching this letter of recommendation and interest because I see this as a most important and philanthropic opportunity for others to build and test their own systems as well.  Many different individuals and organizations should be testing the Perpetual Harvest Greenhouse System in an attempt to find the processes and methods that work the best.

If this system is capable of producing year round healthy food it would bring the possibility of economic stability and true food security to any region.  It would also be sustainable in the long run since it is estimated to use ¼ of the typical amount of energy.  As fossil fuel prices continue to rise traditional greenhouse operations will become unprofitable. 

I would encourage all those reading these words to pool their talent and resources and seriously consider building one of these greenhouses. In all likelihood, those of us who pursue this method of food production will create something that will not only benefit ourselves, but the greater community as well.

Sincerely,

William (Bill) Wilson - Executive Director