The Amarillo City Council Approves Economic Incentive Packages to Attract Plant Agricultural Systems
The Amarillo City Council unanimously approved two economic incentive packages Tuesday at its regular meeting to lure Plant Agricultural Systems with its greenhouse-based farming system to the area.
Economic Incentive Packages
- Amarillo Economic Development Corporation provides $3.75 million for the creation of 750 new full-time jobs with a minimum starting salary of $45,000.
- The city grants Plant Agricultural Systems 400 acres of land valued at $4.8 million.
Plant Agricultural Systems’ Plans
- Build 10 greenhouse facilities on the 400-acre land.
- Produce lettuce and tomatoes year-round.
- Receive a 100% tax abatement in year one, decreasing by 10% each year over 10 years.
Kevin Carter, President and CEO of Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, has been working with Plant Agricultural Systems for about six months to bring them to the city. He emphasizes the importance of diversifying the economy and embracing new technology in the agricultural sector.
Sara Gaul, Director of Global Representation at Plant Agricultural Systems, highlights the advantages of Amarillo, including the availability of land and an engaged workforce. The company plans to create over 700 jobs in the next seven years and establish production sites across the United States.
Sustainable Development Goals
- Plant Agricultural Systems aims to be 100% sustainable in energy and packaging.
- The facilities will use 70 to 90 percent less water than traditional agriculture.
Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson emphasizes the importance of diversifying industries and attracting businesses to the area. She is excited about the prospect of having an agricultural business that can produce crops year-round and contribute to the local economy.
Nelson also appreciates Plant Agricultural Systems’ commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. The company plans to utilize wind and solar energy for its operations.
To ensure the success of these new industries, Nelson emphasizes the need to invest in infrastructure and improve the quality of life in Amarillo. It is essential to have a skilled and educated workforce to support the growing economy.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita.
- Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production.
- Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries. | Indicator 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area. |
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Source: amarillo.com
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