FOR ALL HUMANKIND...Feeding the World -
And Other Worlds Too

Lush, ripe tomatoes hang at the end of the boat ride in the Land exhibit at Disney’s EPCOT Center. They aren’t there just for looks. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Disney World are working together in a novel government and industry research partnership.

NASA and Disney are finding ways to use human and industrial waste to provide the ingredients needed for growing edible plants. This technology will be needed for establishing human colonies on other worlds.

Many vegetable farmers around the world are learning how to grow crops without soil. This method, known as hydroponics, is increasing the Earth's food-growing capacity. Wheat and soybeans have already been grown using this method. Future crops will include peppers, other kinds of beans, spinach, oats, barley, strawberries, and herbs. Growing food without soil also has promise for long space flights. Astronauts will grow their own food without carrying heavy soil into space.