Amidst the dense development of New York City, locals are increasingly creating pockets of nature right next to concrete walls. One of these is in a truly unusual spot. To see it, you need to go up to the roof of the Liberty View Industrial Plaza building. In addition to a great view of the city, there’s a farm where vegetables and fruits are grown. This is the largest farm in Brooklyn, and it’s long been popular with Americans and immigrants who care about the environment and living a healthy lifestyle. Find out more at new-york.name.
The History of the Rooftop Farm: When and Why It Opened
In a huge metropolis like New York, greening buildings is a necessity with many benefits. Greenery reduces air temperature, helps regulate the microclimate inside buildings, and lowers air conditioning costs by an average of 20-30%. Plus, it’s a great way to grow organic produce in the fresh air and sell it to locals and businesses. All of this became the impetus for a new eco-friendly initiative.
The owner of Brooklyn Grange is head farmer Ben Flanner. Gardening is his passion. As a proponent of a healthy lifestyle, he prefers only fresh fruits and vegetables.
To open the farm, he needed help. He put together a team of volunteer farmers who had previously worked in the restaurant industry. They then partnered with two organizations: Bromley Caldari, a New York architectural firm, and Acumen Capital Partners, a private company that specializes in repurposing commercial spaces in New York. The latter leased the roof for the Brooklyn Grange farm for 10 years.
To lease the roof of the Liberty View Industrial Plaza and then cover it with fertile soil, the team needed a lot of money. They were able to raise funds partly through family capital and loans, as well as through charitable support from New York communities.
The Brooklyn Grange farm opened in 2019 in the Brooklyn borough. Initially, many project participants thought it was a bad idea. They didn’t make much profit in the first year. But in the second year, thanks to rising demand, they were able to increase the production of organic products by 40%.
After summing up, they were surprised by the incredible success: in two years, they managed to grow and sell more than 18 tons of fresh vegetables! Sales were conducted directly from street kiosks. After this, the farmers decided to reinvest their profits into expanding production. This marked the beginning of a new agricultural business in Brooklyn.
How the Unusual Brooklyn Farm is Set Up
On the roof of the Liberty View Industrial Plaza in New York, there’s a modern ecosystem that is partially automated and produces a large harvest every year. The plants grow in raised beds at a depth of 19 cm (about 7.5 inches). The soil for growing vegetables and fruits consists of organic matter and small porous stones that break down and add the necessary nutrients. This ensures that all the products are high-quality and have a long shelf life.
Another unique feature of this farm is the way the soil is processed. Instead of traditional farming tools like tractors and hoes, they use modern equipment. For example, Tillie is a battery-powered cultivator and a harvester. This significantly speeds up the process of soil cultivation and harvesting without manual labor. According to the latest estimates, the Brooklyn Grange farm produces more than 36,000 kg (about 80,000 pounds) of organically grown fruits and vegetables per year.
In addition to the vegetable garden, the farm has many other interesting spots that anyone can visit. A walk here is a true adventure into a world of nature! There’s a garden, a greenhouse, and an indoor space for recreation. Throughout the year, this place hosts various entertaining and educational events for children and adults. Co-founder of the farm, Gwen Schantz, had this to say:
“Most New Yorkers don’t have the opportunity to visit farms, so we’re trying to create a farm for them right here,” he said, according to afisha.life
Another source of pride for Brooklyn Grange is the largest apiary in New York. It consists of more than 40 beehives. In one year, they produce about 680 kg (about 1,500 pounds) of honey, which anyone can buy. Since 2019, they’ve been selling and delivering it to locals, as well as to restaurants and farmers’ markets.
Interesting Facts About Brooklyn Grange — And Why You Should Visit
- This project became the starting point for urban agriculture in New York, uniting hundreds of people and improving the environment.
- The farmers aren’t just growing and selling organic produce; they’re also promoting the ideas and practices of urban farming. Anyone can come here for tours and workshops.
- The harvest season for vegetables and fruits at the farm lasts nine months, while sales happen all year round.
- Placing the farm on a rooftop became a new, effective way to green the city. Similar farms exist in other parts of New York: one is located between Astoria and Long Island City, and another is at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
- Brooklyn Grange was featured in the 2013 film “The Brooklyn Farmer.” In the movie, founder Ben Flanner talks about the daily life on the farm.