In Rooftop Farming, New York City Emerges as a Leader

Posted by .

To Find Fields to Farm in New York City, Just Look Up

Ángel Franco/The New York Times

Ben Flanner of the Brooklyn Grange tending to a rooftop farm at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where crops include pattypan squash and beefsteak tomatoes.

By 

Back in the 1960s, Lisa Douglas, the Manhattan socialite played by Eva Gabor in the television sitcom “Green Acres,” had to give up her “penthouse view” to indulge her husband’s desire for “farm livin’.”

Ángel Franco/The New York Times

Mr. Flanner, the president and head farmer of the Brooklyn Grange farming operation, picked greens last week for a restaurant in Brooklyn.

Today, she could have had both. New York City (the stores!) is suddenly a farming kind of town (the chores!). Almost a decade after the last family farm within the city’s boundaries closed, basil and bok choy are growing in Brooklyn, and tomatoes, leeks and cucumbers in Queens. Commercial agriculture is bound for the South Bronx, where the city recently solicited proposals for what would be the largest rooftop farm in the United States, and possibly the world.

Fed by the interest in locally grown produce, the new farm operations in New York are selling greens and other vegetables by the boxful to organically inclined residents, and by the bushel to supermarket chains like Whole Foods. The main difference between this century and previous ones is location: whether soil-based or hydroponic, in which vegetables are grown in water rather than soil, the new farms are spreading on rooftops, perhaps the last slice of untapped real estate in the city.

“In terms of rooftop commercial agriculture, New York is definitely a leader at this moment,” said Joe Nasr, co-author of “Carrot City: Creating Places for Urban Agriculture” and a researcher at the Centre for Studies in Food Security at Ryerson University in Toronto. “I expect it will continue to expand, and much more rapidly, in the near future.”

For city officials, the rise of commercial agriculture has ancillary benefits, as well. Rooftop farms have the potential to capture millions of gallons of storm water and divert it from the sewer system, which can overflow when it rains. And harvesting produce in the boroughs means fewer trucks on local roadways and lower greenhouse gas emissions, a goal of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s administration.

Community gardeners and educators have tended plots and grown food for years. But they have only recently been joined by for-profit companies intent on getting back to the urban land.

Gotham Greens began harvesting from its hydroponic greenhouse on a rooftop in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn last year; it plans to open three more next year in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. The existing operation, with 20 employees, grows bok choy, basil and oak leaf lettuce, and sells to retailers like Whole Foods and FreshDirect.

Brooklyn Grange, another farming operation, incorporated with the intention of finding a site in Brooklyn. But two years ago, a one-acre rooftop became available instead in Long Island City, Queens. The partners, led by Ben Flanner, the president and head farmer, spread out 1.2 million pounds of soil and started planting. This spring, Brooklyn Grange finally made good on its name, starting a second farm on a 65,000-square-foot roof at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where more than 100 rows feature pattypan squash, scallions and beefsteak tomatoes.

Mr. Flanner pointed out two benefits to an agricultural aerie — plentiful sun and an absence of pests. “There are a number of parallels with regular agriculture,” he said. “What we don’t have are deer or foxes or rodents.”

One challenge: wind, which can whip between buildings and topple delicate seedlings. “We have to be clever to come up with solutions to reduce the amount of wind on the plants,” he said. “We do a lot of staking and trellising.”

Plans are in the works for even larger operations. In March, BrightFarms, which develops greenhouses near supermarkets to shorten the food-supply chain, announced it would create a sprawling hydroponic greenhouse on a roof in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, that is expected to yield a million pounds of produce a year. The chief executive, Paul Lightfoot, said the greenhouse would occupy up to 100,000 square feet, making it the nation’s largest such operation when it opens next year. (Recently, the company reached an agreement with the A&P supermarket chain to sell the Brooklyn produce.)

And last month, the city’s Economic Development Corporation issued a request for proposals for a 200,000-square-foot rooftop farm on a city-owned building on Food Center Drive in Hunts Point, the food-distribution hub in the Bronx. “We’re testing the marketplace,” said Seth W. Pinsky, the corporation’s president. “It was a logical place for a rooftop farm. If we’re successful at Food Center Drive, our hope would be to replicate this elsewhere.”

While there may be a veritable prairie of empty rooftops in the city, not all are suitable for growing crops, Mr. Nasr, of Ryerson University, said. Roofs must be strong enough to accommodate the weight of either soil or a greenhouse, and if they are not, strengthening them can be costly. Access is also a challenge, with some buildings lacking stairs or an elevator to the roof. Not all roofs enjoy full sun, with shadows cast by adjacent buildings. And neighbors wary of increased traffic and noise can be prickly.

“But in New York City,” Mr. Nasr said, “even if you eliminate roofs for all those reasons, you are still left with a large number that could be considered.”

The City Planning Department recently revamped the zoning regulations to encourage green development, including rooftop farms, and the City Council approved the changes. The new rules, called Zone Green, exempt greenhouses on nonresidential buildings from certain height and floor-area limits. Such structures cannot, however, exceed 25 feet in height and must be set back six feet from the edge of the roof.

Amanda M. Burden, the planning commissioner, credited the changes with “creating more places for urban agriculture to take root in a dense, built-up environment.”

Whether the relaxation of the zoning rules will unleash a flood of new proposals remains to be seen. None, so far, are planned for Park Avenue.

A version of this article appeared in print on July 12, 2012, on page A15 of the New York edition with the headline: To Find Fields to Farm in New York City, Just Look Up.

In Rooftop Farming, New York City Emerges as a Leader – NYTimes.com.

392 Responses to “In Rooftop Farming, New York City Emerges as a Leader”

  21. Jessebow

    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. All trends of medicament.
    ivermectin iv
    Everything information about medication. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.

  25. Ronaldnom

    safe and effective drugs are available. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
    cost of ivermectin 1% cream
    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Everything information about medication.

  26. KevinBiche

    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Medicament prescribing information.
    https://stromectolst.com/# ivermectin 4 tablets price
    earch our drug database. safe and effective drugs are available.

  37. JamesCat

    Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.
    https://lisinopril.science/# buy lisinopril
    All trends of medicament. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.

  45. Dennispap

    Everything what you want to know about pills. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
    https://azithromycins.online/ zithromax prescription
    п»їMedicament prescribing information. Actual trends of drug.

  55. Davidged

    Everything about medicine. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
    where to buy propecia
    Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. What side effects can this medication cause?

  65. PhilipInolo

    Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Get warning information here.
    best ed pill
    Everything what you want to know about pills. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.

  66. EfrenNoday

    Long-Term Effects. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
    cheapest ed pills
    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Best and news about drug.

  69. MortonSlego

    Drugs information sheet. Some trends of drugs.
    best ed drug
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. safe and effective drugs are available.

  70. PhilipInolo

    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Medicament prescribing information.
    ed pills that really work
    safe and effective drugs are available. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.

  71. Robertplape

    Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
    https://edonlinefast.com new treatments for ed
    Cautions. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.

  80. VictorNag

    Top 100 Searched Drugs. What side effects can this medication cause?
    https://canadianfast.com/# best ed pills non prescription
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Drug information.

  81. Jeffreyskync

    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
    https://canadianfast.com/# how to get prescription drugs without doctor
    Actual trends of drug. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.

  84. Michaelbus

    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. safe and effective drugs are available.
    canadian pharmacy
    Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Long-Term Effects.

  97. RobertPrimi

    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.
    https://tadalafil1st.com/# canadian pharmacy generic tadalafil
    Generic Name. What side effects can this medication cause?

  101. Albertfulse

    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Everything what you want to know about pills.
    tadalafil online canada
    safe and effective drugs are available. Drug information.

  103. Sammybok

    Cautions. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
    https://tadalafil1st.com/# viagra levitra cialis which works better?
    Read information now. Everything what you want to know about pills.

  105. RobertPrimi

    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. All trends of medicament.
    https://tadalafil1st.com/# cheap tadalafil online
    Drugs information sheet. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.

  107. MorrisKer

    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Read information now.
    https://tadalafil1st.com/# tadalafil 5mg best price
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Read information now.

  111. MichaelFargo

    Drugs information sheet. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.
    buy amoxicillin 500mg capsules uk
    What side effects can this medication cause? Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.

  113. 펀초이스

    I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are
    stating and the way in which you say it. “펀초이스”
    You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible.Thanks for sharing

  114. 성인망가

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I donít
    understand why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody else getting identical RSS problems?
    “성인망가” Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

  115. egame

    Reading your article helped me a lot and I agree with you. But I still have some doubts, can you clarify for me? I’ll keep an eye out for your answers.

  152. web page

    It’s remarkable to go to see this web site and reading the views of all
    mates regarding this paragraph, while I am also zealous of getting know-how.

  165. 온라인카지노

    I have to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this
    blog. I’m hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by
    온라인카지노
    you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing
    abilities has motivated me to get my own website now 😉

  171. http://ivistroy.ru/

    I’m no longer sure the place you’re getting your information, however great
    topic. I must spend some time studying much more or understanding more.

    Thank you for magnificent info I used to be looking for this info for my mission.

  176. http://sad-ogorod-info.ru/

    whoah this blog is excellent i like studying your posts.
    Keep up the great work! You know, many persons are looking around for this
    information, you can help them greatly.

  177. mog

    Strategia Martingale jest powszechnie używana tam, gdzie szanse wynoszą 1:1 albo są maksymalnie zbliżone do 50%. To oznacza, że poza ruletką i zakładami Parzysty/ Nieparzysty lub Czerwony/ Czarny, sprawdzi się też w kościach albo w zakładach na gracza w bakaracie. Są dwa sposoby, w jakie można wykorzystać ten system w swoich grach: Ta witryna ma na celu odpowiedzieć na wszystkie twoje pytania dotyczące kasyn i hazardu. Znalazłeś coś, na co brakuje odpowiedzi? Napisz nam, a jeden z naszych ekspertów się tym zajmie! Czytaj więcej … Wygrać w kasynie online 2022 masz tryb niekończącej się bitwy, design i użyteczność oraz funkcjonalności są na najwyższym poziomie. Odkryj Coyotes Cash slot na przejażdżkę przez Dziki Zachód, limity strat i limity sesji czasowych. Jego zabawa i może być lukratywny zbyt, a możesz zdobyć zaproszenie.
    https://vrad.one/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=36797
    W tych jednoosobowych grach w Mahjonga gracz musi znaleźć i zebrać identyczne pary kamieni. Do gry używa się zwykle zestawu 144 kamieni, które układa się na stole w określonej formacji. Niektóre płytki układa się jedna na drugiej, zakrywając całkowicie lub częściowo płytki znajdujące się pod nimi Gry co miesiąc, wieloosobowa gra online i nie tylko Kolejne ciekawe dla graczy do odkrywania tytuły to m.in.: darmowa gra mahjong dark dimension. Ta nowoczesna wersja maszyny online znajduje się… na kostce, która obraca się przed oczami gracza w wymiarach 3D. Całość grafiki oczywiście stoi na najwyższym poziomie. Kolejne ciekawe dla graczy do odkrywania tytuły to m.in.: darmowa gra mahjong dark dimension. Ta nowoczesna wersja maszyny online znajduje się… na kostce, która obraca się przed oczami gracza w wymiarach 3D. Całość grafiki oczywiście stoi na najwyższym poziomie.

  184. ceafe

    The Russians haven’t been scoring much aside from their power play and into empty nets, but they have been grinding out victories. They beat Sweden 2-1 in a shootout after the Swedes tied it in the third period. Anton Slepyshev scored the regulation goal in the semifinal and is one of three ROC players with two goals. Eight players have at least one, with Nikita Nesterov and Kirill Semyonov also tallying twice. Nikita Gusev hasn’t scored but has a team-high five assists. And just weeks before the 30th anniversary of her victory in Barcelona, Iwasaki instructed 150 elementary and junior-high school students in Okayama Prefecture on June 20, giving pointers on freestyle technique and other basic swimming concepts, The Sanyo Shimbun reported.A certified swimming instructor, Iwasaki brought vast knowledge and a personal touch to this large gathering in Japan’s Chugoku Region.
    https://erickrrpm295295.blogtov.com/18168532/boxing-match-tonight-odds
    Sometimes. Some wagers require you to use the site credit awarded from the bonus on particular bets or only on bets with certain betting odds. Others may require you to wager up to a certain amount of money before you get the bonus credit. While truenorth.bet have worded their bonus in a bit of a unique way, it’s essentially a risk-free bet. Risk-free bets welcome offers are less popular in Canada, but we like them more than most other types of offers. With truenorth bet, you’ll be able to place an initial bet of anything up to $500, and if that bet loses, you’ll get the same amount back in free bets. These factors are important because a poorly built sports betting app can hurt your results. Misclicks and wrong bets due to slow loading times are common issues that plague many mobile sports betting app providers. The table below contains the best online sportsbook apps in the US:

  188. suba

    When someone writes an piece of writing he/she retains the idea of auser in his/her brain that how a user can be aware of it.Thus that’s why this piece of writing is amazing. Thanks!

  192. set

    Employee Benefits Law Group You will need someone on your side. Cassie Springer and her team is the best you will find. An experienced Sacramento employee benefits lawyer is knowledgeable in understanding the details, facts, complications, and circumstances that arise in an employee benefits case. He was diligent, thoroughly informed, and set clear expectations over a months-long period. Outstanding work from an outstanding attorney and his staff, and I’d recommend him without hesitation. ERISA was set up to ensure that plan assets are not misused by those in charge of them. ERISA also applies to non-retirement accounts, such as health plans established for employees through their employment. ERISA requires that participants in all such accounts receive regular information about the vesting, participation, accrual of benefits, funding, and other details of these plans and accounts. ERISA is enforced by the Department of Labor. 
    http://xcuv.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=58589
    Another Yelper said, “The only reason this lawyer got 1 Star is because there was not a zero star or a negative star.   Stay away from this lawyer.  HE in not any good and definitely will not help you if your spouse ends up having to pay his attorney fees.  His alliance is with whomever gives him the money.  Another point you should note is the exorbitant interest he charges for not being able to pay the bills on time even after I changed attorneys.  He was the only attorney to charge interest of the numerous attorneys I talked with.  I’m not even sure it is legal to charge interest and even if it is, his interest is like credit cards with high interest. Refresh your brand, build brand awareness, and review the company culture and marketing initiatives. Patrick Nelson of Chicago-based law firm Law Office of J. Patrick Nelson, PC focuses his practice on divorce and family law, providing committed, dedicated representation to clients in Chicago and throughout Illinois in matters including collaborative law, contested divorce, military divorce, property division, same-sex divorce, spousal support & alimony, and uncontested divorce, as well as adoption, child custody, child support, father’s rights, guardianship & conservatorship, paternity, prenups & marital agreements, restraining orders, and same-sex family law.

  195. yes-dacha.ru

    Hi are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  197. Anonymous

    I have been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet might be much more useful than ever before.

  199. Haf

    8 (499) 734-17-59 1) Раздражая ресничные сосочки, биматопрост может спровоцировать воспалительный процесс. Он, в свою очередь, иногда становится причиной дерматита или аллергического конъюнктивита. Если после использования средства для роста ресниц у вас слезятся глаза, появились зуд и раздражение, прекратите это делать. В миндальном масле содержится большое количество витамина Е, мононенасыщенных жиров, кальция и магния, что делает средство идеальным увлажняющим и питательным продуктом для волосков. Только в нашем онлайн-магазине вы можете купить удивительно действенные, надежные средства для роста ресниц, а также множество другой органической косметики из Таиланда. Наш основной офис находится в Санкт-Петербурге, мы также предлагаем оперативную доставку по Москве курьером, отправляем посылки красоты с помощью транспортных компаний по всем уголкам России.
    https://victor-wiki.win/index.php?title=Xlash_pro_купить
    Добрый вечер, Лариса! Ровно имеется в виду симметрия или сама стрелка получается неровной? Потому что во втором случае можно поменять сам продукт, которым рисуется стрелка. У некоторых это проблема возникает с рисованием стрелок фломастером и исчезает при использовании кремовой или сухой поводки Сыворотка для роста ресниц Современные тенденции не ограничивают в выборе стрелок, вы можете использовать праздничные с насыщенной подводкой глаз и повседневные с легкой подводкой не только черного, но и коричневого, серого цветов. Можно даже рисовать стрелки светлыми тенями — получается весьма симпатично. Дают возможность нарисовать милые стрелки с эффектной формой, ярко подвести контур глаза. Здесь нужно придерживаться основного правила: чем толще вы сделаете стрелку, тем гуще и длиннее нужны будут ресницы. В некоторых случаях актуальны накладные пучки ресниц.

  200. obshchestroy.ru

    Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any helpful hints for beginner blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  203. Anonymous

    Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say superb blog!

  208. plandof

    cheap cialis generic online There are several genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the formation and metastasis of tumours 4; however the risks associated with psychological and oxidative stress are yet to be fully explored

  211. nemasterok.ru

    I have been surfing online more than three hours lately, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s lovely value enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made just right content as you did, the internet shall be much more useful than ever before.

  214. remstrdom.ru

    Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is very much appreciated.

  218. nastroyke-info.ru

    Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I am inspired! Very useful information specially the remaining phase 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I used to be seeking this particular info for a long timelong time. Thank you and good luck.

  219. mirsadovnikov.ru

    What’s up, constantly i used to check webpage posts here early in the dawn, since i love to gain knowledge of more and more.

  221. glavdachnik.ru

    I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I found this in my search for something concerning this.

  229. infoda4nik.ru

    Hi to all, as I am actually keen of reading this weblog’s post to be updated daily. It consists of nice data.

  232. ogorodkino.ru

    Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  233. sadovoe-tut.ru

    Truly no matter if someone doesn’t understand then its up to other people that they will help, so here it happens.

  240. hay day скачать на компьютер

    I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own website now 😉

  241. gate io borsası

    At the beginning, I was still puzzled. Since I read your article, I have been very impressed. It has provided a lot of innovative ideas for my thesis related to gate.io. Thank u. But I still have some doubts, can you help me? Thanks.

  242. хранение вещей минск

    Appreciating the dedication you put into your site and in depth information you provide. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  254. baccaratsite

    Your writing is perfect and complete. baccaratsite However, I think it will be more wonderful if your post includes additional topics that I am thinking of. I have a lot of posts on my site similar to your topic. Would you like to visit once?

  289. agrosadovnik.ru

    Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  293. nipple tape

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

  296. bob tape

    Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say you have done a excellent job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Opera. Outstanding Blog!

  319. тахта угловая

    I have been surfing online more than three hours these days, yet I never found any fascinating article like yours. It’s pretty value enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you did, the internet can be much more useful than ever before.

  364. affocusia

    The dosage for male bodybuilders usually lies between 3 and 5 ml week female viagra near me Disparity between keratometry style readings and corneal power within the pupil after refractive surgery for myopia

  365. ytmp3

    If you want to grow your know-how only keep visiting this\r\nwebsite and be updated with the most up-to-date gossip posted here.\r\n\r\nFeel free to surf to my webpage: youtube to mp3

Leave a Reply

  • (will not be published)