A new urban farm that recently opened in Buffalo, N.Y., helps to reduce food deserts in urban areas. This farm, in a 40-foot-long shipping container, will grow hydroponic vegetables and herbs.

By CHRISTINA HERRICK

January 4, 2024

Buffalo Go Green, an organization that provides services and training to underserved communities in western New York, recently opened a new vertical farm.

This new vertical farm is in a 40-foot-long shipping container at Buffalo Go Green’s Zenner Street urban farm. The organization said the new vertical farm will grow vegetables and herbs year-round without soil.

Buffalo Go Green said it will oversee community training on the farm, teaching hydroponic gardening, sustainability, and nutrition. The New York Power Authority funded the $300,000 investment, and The Buffalo Center for Health Equity will own the container farm and offer agricultural community programs as well.

Community members will produce and distribute the produce to those in need, with oversight from Buffalo Go Green.

“We remain committed to addressing food insecurity in East Buffalo and ensuring that the community has access to affordable and healthy food options including fresh fruits and vegetables,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release. “Indoor food production facilities, like this one, make it much easier to grow healthy food options, without soil, all year round, and right in neighborhoods that need increased access the most.”

The project will be part of a national research initiative by the Electric Power Research Institute about the environmental impact of indoor farming.

Lead photo: Courtesy of the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul