Walker County and Rossville are in talks with a hydroponics farm that could bring its operation and a market to the North Georgia town.
At a City Council meeting this week, Rossville Mayor Johnny Baker told residents that the city is courting the soilless farm but talks are still in the early stages.
“Wouldn’t that be great?” he said in an interview. “Fresh produce and people coming in, just like an old-time farmer’s market.”
Vice Mayor Teddy Harris said he was surprised by the mayor’s announcement, because most negotiations are kept quiet. He said several sites are being discussed for various projects, but one potential place for the farm is around the intersection of Flegal Avenue and Maple Street.
The mayor said he is excited about the possibility, and he expects such an operation would draw not only Walker and Catoosa County residents but people from Chattanooga.
“I think Rossville is in a position now for good solid growth,” he said.
WHAT IS HYDROPONICS?Hydroponic farming involves growing plants in greenhouses in nutrient-rich solutions rather than dirt. The controlled environment can allow longer growing seasons and, by eliminating the soil, hydroponics farmers also eliminate weeds and many diseases that can hurt crop yields. They also are able to use less fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide.
Walker County Commissioner Bebe Heiskell said she would not discuss the negotiations and any comment would have to come from the company. She declined to divulge contact information.
Rossville Councilman Nathan Bain said any deal is far from complete, but initial discussions have included as many as 18 buildings for growing tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce as well as a market to sell the fresh vegetables.
He was reluctant to discuss the negotiations and said the county was handling most of the talks.
“Until you’ve got them in your pocket, you really don’t want to say anything,” he said.
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