It is extremely important to remember that even during the summer, when farms in the Northeast are at peak production, the Northeast still imports 95% of its food. During the winter, this number increases to 98% (7). As a result, 95-98% of all money spent on food in the Northeast leaves the Northeast, creating a tremendous cash flow out of region. At the same time, this represents a huge market that is virtually untapped by local growers. These local food producers have the advantage of not having to transport their product into the area. There­fore, promoting local production of food will save on the associated costs of long­distance hauling of food and the fuel associated with transportation. Environmen­tal impact will also be reduced as a result.

Reserve Food Supply

Additionally, the reserve food supply for the entire Northeast (i. e., all the food on supermarket shelves and in warehouses) will supply the food needs of its inhabitants for only 3 days. This constitutes a terrible vulnerability for the entire region, should anything such as terrorism interrupt this constant influx of food. This project, which promotes the decentralization of fuel production, encourages the expansion of local food production, and may potentially save family farms, will address all of these community problems.

The second phase of this project is composed of the following subsystems:

1. Energy plantation — gasification

2. Growth of fish feed from plants

3. Compost-based aquaponic greenhouses

4. Duplication in inner cities