Scientists in Costa Rica are growing terrestrial crops such as grains, vegetables and flowers on rafts in freshwater lakes and reservoirs. The plants have their roots either directly in the water or can be potted with water being drawn up into the soil from the lake by capillary wicks. Last November the University of Costa Rica’s Department of Agricultural Engineering received a grant from Grant Challenge Canada to further their work. The process looks especially promising for arid countries with large lakes either natural or man-made through hydroelectric dams such as Sub Saharan countries.