John Bowne High School Gets $35K For Agriculture Program

FLUSHING, QUEENS — John Bowne High School in Flushing is receiving a $35,500 funding boost for its hydroponics program, which grows plants without using soil, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic announced Monday.

The Flushing high school is known for its agricultural program, which began in 1917 and includes a four-acre farm with a barn, exotic animal laboratory, greenhouse, orchard and field crops, according to the school's website.

Hydroponics is a state-of-the-art technique for growing plants in a controlled environment and is commonly used in urban areas, according to the USDA.

"Hydroponics and aquaponics are an important part of sustainable agriculture, especially in space-scarce urban areas," Rozic said in a statement.

John Bowne's specialized agriculture program has eight teachers and about 500 students, according to its website.

"It is with great excitement that I am able to provide state funding for their cutting-edge hydroponics program that will keep their students at the forefront of the agriculture industry," Rozic added.