AgriGaia Field Trip: A Hands-On Experience in Sustainable Farming

On March 13th, 2024, fifty-one students from the Research Methodology course (IB614/GHRM509) participated in a field trip to AgriGaia, located in Qishan District, Kaohsiung (蓋婭永續行動旗山農場). We left NSYSU at 9:00 sharp and arrived at the farm at approximately 10:20. The farm was located inside a remote area. AgriGaia’s staff were waiting by the main road to guide the students into the farm. At the front gate, UN’s 17 SDGs (sustainable devleopment goals) immediately caught our attention (picture on the right). They reflected on AgriGaia’s mission as a social enterprise with sustainable objectives that resonated with those SDGs.

After a brief introduction from CEO Venessa and Dr. Chen, the students were then separated into two groups – Chinese and English speaking – to take turns for the tour inside the greenhouse and the open-air farm. The founder of AgriGaia guided the Chinese speaking group while CEO Vennesa led the international student group.

The international group toured the inside of the greenhouse first when the founder explained how its unique irrigation systems work outside. As shown in the photo below (CEO Vennessa was explaining to the international student group inside), AgriGaia’s greenhouse is automatized and specially tailored to the weather in Taiwan. The interior and exterior design helps maintain temperature and protects plants from different weather conditions or insects. Their facility is equipped with a subsurface irrigation system designed to mimic natural processes that improve irrigation and fertilization efficiency. During the greenhouse tour, students had the chance to interact with the plants using their own hands while smelling different kinds of scents. Ms. Vanessa also talked about the soothing effects of stevia, lavender, lemongrass, and mint and how people consume these types of products.

At the same time, the founder was trying to explain to the local students how the systems work (photo on the right). The local group also toured the greenhouse after the founder finished his demo. Prior to entering the greenhouse, all visitors and workers would need to step into a container which held certain disinfectants to prevent unknown bacteria from contaminating the greenhouse, which was segregated by two doors to minimize the chance for insects to enter the greenhouse. When both groups were inside the greenhouse, other staff also helped explain how the greenhouse works. Students were eager and active in making inquires about their business processes and greenhouse functions.

Upon visiting the greenhouse, all students joined together outdoors for a Q&A session held by CEO Vanessa. The session was so interactive that Ms. Vanessa was rather impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and professionalism. The students were eager to know more about AgriGaia while Ms. Vanessa responded to their questions thoroughly. The Q&A session further helped the students understand more about business culture and operation of AgriGaia. After the Q&A session, Dr. Chen presented souvenirs from NSYSU to Ms. Vanessa. AgriGaia staff then proposed taking a group photo before the trip was concluded under Qishan’s blue sky (photo on the right).

Overall, the field trip to AgriGaia was an exciting and enjoyable experience. The Research Methodology students were able to experience a sustainable technology-embedded farm in the real setting. Their group project, which involves designing an empirical study of AgriGaia’s business operations, should be highly anticipated.

Written by Do Nguyen Viet Tung (Provided by IBMBA and GHRM MBA)