Future Farms SA recently announced the opening of their third urban farm on a rooftop in Johannesburg, making them one farm closer to their goal.
In October 2017, we shared the news that over 100 Johannesburg buildings would be getting rooftop farms. Future Farms SA was contracted by WIBC, who is working with the City of Johannesburg, to design and install a series of hydroponic rooftop farming systems within the Joburg CBD and surrounding areas.
The Future Farms team is also involved in the training of young entrepreneurs to manage and run the farms for their own benefit, selling the produce back to the Johannesburg market.
These urban farms have a very positive role to play within the CBD. They create food security and save water as well as aid in lowering carbon emissions within the city.
The hydroponic systems are more focused on leafy greens, micro Herbs etc. One of the followers queried whether other vegetables could be grown using this method and the team confirmed the following,
“The farmers are, however, able to make use of out-of-season produce which greatly increases their profitability. The concept is to also allow farmers to grow crops directly above the end consumers, eliminating transport costs and providing a farm-to-plate freshness.”
The latest urban farm has been place on the ‘Outreach Foundation’s‘ rooftop. The foundation is located in Hillbrow and will use the produce in their kitchen.
“A Huge congratulations to Mrs Sibongile Cele on receiving your new farm yesterday, and a big shoutout to the Outreach Foundation for supporting the Urban Agriculture Initiative by providing your rooftop in Hillbrow!”
Take a look at the new farm below.
Sources: Future Farms SA
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