Space For All Our Stuff
Back in April I had a chance to visit MetroCrops, an urban high-density indoor farm started by two of my friends here in Connecticut. Steve and Nancy Domyan and a small staff grow lettuce in 2,200 square feet of converted factory space in Bridgeport. Hydroponics, LED lights, and a controlled climate allow them to produce crops 365 days a year.
Right now their product is distributed through farmers markets (where they have a loyal clientele) and to some local restaurants (chefs love it). I’ve tasted the greens–they’re good stuff.
MetroCrops is not only a farm, it’s a research project, in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture and the University of Connecticut. Urban, high-density indoor farming offers a wide variety of benefits. Beyond the 365-day growing season, the LED lights are much more energy efficient than conventional lighting and the color of the light can be tailored to optimize yield and product quality. Growing food in urban cores has the potential to provide high-quality nutrition in places where fresh veggies may not be available or affordable. And bringing farming to the city has the potential to provide a new source of employment. All of that sounds to me like a highly desirable future.
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