Where We’re Headed

FarmingUp is an NYC based, urban agriculture project created in 2010 to study and improve rooftop agriculture and create a large-scale, financially self-sufficient rooftop farm. While growing stellar food FarmingUp will provide a platform where people connect with each other and get directly involved in issues relating to food, agriculture and nutrition.

Our research is well along. Check out the update and trial pages for the latest developments. While research is ongoing, we are also in the business planning process and look forward to meeting with property owners soon.

 

From Whence We Came

Inspired by existing rooftop farms, we started investigating that production model in late 2010. Given that green roofs rarely use natural soil, we were surprised to discover that no research existed regarding the nutritional quality of roof-farmed foods.

Can we expect food coming out of these systems to be as nutritious as their field-grown counterparts?

To answer that question – and to make sure that our full-scale operation grows the best veggies possible – we are testing a range of growing media that are light enough for rooftop applications while also suporting high ‘nutrient density’. We took our first trial crop to the US Department of Agriculture for analysis in July and expect data soon.

A key feature of our growing media is organic material already collected in large quantities in urban areas. This represents a great opportunity for municipalities to help urban farms proliferate.

Thanks to all those who have already contributed to this endeavor. If you’re interested in supporting FarmingUp, get involved!

If you have ideas for content or general feedback, please contact us. Thanks!