It is one of the largest profitable city farms in the world. Launched in 2010 by three friends, Brooklyn Grange has transformed three New York rooftops into Long Island City Farm, Navy Yard and Sunset Park, covering an area of ??22,662 m2, of which 12,500 m2 is entirely dedicated to agriculture. Radishes, tomatoes, beans, aromatic herbs, chard, sunflowers, eggs… More than 45 tons of organic products are harvested there each year.
The company also has some 40 beehives scattered across buildings in the city and produces its own honey. His clients ? Residents, restaurants, local grocers… supplied via short circuits.
Beyond its three farms, Brooklyn Grange designs and manages facilities on behalf of third parties (individual residences, corporate headquarters, schools, etc.). Latest project: the farm and orchard on the roof of the Javits Center, one of the largest convention centers in the city. The company plans to harvest up to 18 tons of products there per year, intended for the restoration of the center. Organic fruits and vegetables above the polluted streets, an aberration? No, according to the founders. “Pollution is a concern for urban farmers, but the pollutants of most concern are heavy metals, such as lead and particles from brake pads. Both are denser than air; vegetables grown on a rooftop above the roads are therefore protected”, can we read on the site which highlights the advantages of the system: lower temperatures, improved air quality, enriched biodiversity. A discourse also disseminated through events, visits and educational programs.
