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Dilrukshi Thavarajah <dthavar@clemson.edu>	Jan 18, 2016, 8:39 AM
to me, Will, Jim

Hi Matt.

I think you have a great model with Columbia university.

How about I do the nutrient analysis for your production? Looks like you guys have the capability to do this experiment and only missing part is nutrition.

Our grad students are working for two years on one or two science question. Generally it will answer your research questions within three months but student has to complete thesis writing, classes, and at least three publication. Grad school is complicated.

One of my student is also starting an organic kale project this fall with WPR. I have to avoid overlapping my research as we are also developing different hydroponic models.

Let me know, if you need any help with nutritional analysis, I am happy to work with you.

Dil

Dil

From: Matt Warren [mailto:matthewtwarren3@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2016 7:28 AM
To: Dilrukshi Thavarajah <dthavar@clemson.edu>
Cc: Will Brennan <wbrennan@brennansc.com>; Jim Brennan <jbrennan@brennansc.com>
Subject: Clemson Research project

Hi Dil,

Thanks for this initial information. Our main goal is for Clemson to work as a pilot program to help us derive at what kind of crop yield we could achieve with a hydroponic system. Our crops have not been determined, but Kale and cilantro have been mentioned. Cilantro might be easy to grow, but we need to know yield data to take this project to our banking partner. We are planning to take your research to Columbia University and further expand our production model. You would most likely be working and collaborating with Columbia University. Our partner has met with them already and they are excited about this project. I can explain more about their involvement. 

I understand that kale and collards are your research priority. We are strongly considering growing in a certified organic hydroponic, multi-level system where Phillips lighting is optimized to maximize plant growth. 

The scope of our research project includes: 

1) Which Phillips lighting system would work best for our crops

2) Which Phillips lighting system would work best for the germination room

3) What would be the germination timeline and yield from the germination room

4) What yield may we expect from organic hydroponic kale and cilantro (maybe on a SF basis)

5) How many people does it take to successfully seed, grow and harvest the experiment?

6) What is the best sequential planting program?

We are not planning on reinventing the “packaging” situation. We are hoping to partner with company’s like the large scale greens producer where I used to work as a contract grower. We would pack under their brand and sell as bulk, not processed. I do not believe we are interested in the nutritional quality analysis at this time, but I could see the benefits from the data.

Would the greenhouse research expenses include the rentals of the germination room(s) and enclosed areas for different lighting trials? We will not be wanting to grow in a sunlit greenhouse.  As for the equipment, we would reach out to the manufacturers for equipment to test. Did you include equipment in the greenhouse expenses $10,000. 

Do we need to employ a grad student for a full two years? We were thinking it would be much shorter of a test. 

Thanks again for your help.

Matt

_____________________________
From: Dilrukshi Thavarajah <dthavar@clemson.edu>
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 8:25 AM
Subject: RE: Research project
To: Matt Warren <matthewtwarren3@gmail.com>


Hi Matt

Good morning!

After thinking about your suggested project, we need financial support to carry out research.

I can be the PI of this project which is mainly for kale and collards. Cilantro is an easy crop to grow, it is not my research priority. However, we can help you out that as a side project.

If this company is funding for Clemson University research, I will select kale and collard varieties that have optimum nutritional quality when grow under hydroponic conditions. Then, we can address food and nutrition, and packaging as well.

To do that:

1. Grad stipend is 18K per year for two years. (8.2% fringe benefits)
2. Green house Research expenses would be 10K
3. Nutritional quality analysis is 10K
4. Travel is 2K

So this will cost $50-60K. You might want to talk to them and see if they really want to do that. Also, all these has to go through Clemson Grant Services.

Let me know if they are still interested.

Thank for tying for a good cause!

Dil