(May 21, 2003) Maharishi Vedic City officials inaugurated "Maharishi Vedic City Organic Farms"—a planned 100-acre organic greenhouse project-to grow fresh vegetables and fruits year-round in Iowa.

The project is to promote the health of the residents of Maharishi Vedic City and the region, to support economic development, and to serve as a model for other cities around the country, according to Mayor Dr. Bob Wynn.

Most importantly, the project will promote world peace by providing the economic support for a large group of peace-creating experts in Maharishi Vedic City—"a goal of our community for a long time," Mayor Wynne said.

Mayor Wynne said Maharishi Vedic City is planning to sell directly to local residents so that they can enjoy the benefits of freshly picked, locally grown organic produce. "We are also planning to sell within a 300-mile radius of the City," Mayor Wynne said. "Distributors are already lined up to buy all the organic produce the project can grow."

The greenhouses will be located on 160 acres of certified organic land three miles north of the City. They will be constructed about 10 acres at a time, and the first crops in each greenhouse are expected to be harvested within 3 months after the greenhouse is completed. It could take about two years to get the full 100 acres of greenhouses completely operational.

Earlier this year the City Council made history by adopting a law banning the sale of non-organic food within the City. "The greatest need" Mayor Wynne said "is for a reliable supply of locally grown organic produce."

"We plan to pick produce when it is ripe-when nutrition is maximum-and deliver it to residents in the region overnight" Mayor Wynne said.

Mayor Wynne said organic agriculture is the fastest growing segment of the agriculture economy. It is an $11-billion-a-year industry that has been growing at an average of 23% per year for over a decade.

The City is issuing $3.3 million in municipal revenue notes to finance the greenhouse project. The City has been developing the project over the past year in conjunction with non-profit Maharishi World Peace Vedic Organics, neighbouring Maharishi University of Management, and the City’s local agriculture committee of organic producers.