NEW YORK—Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn welcomed Brooklyn Grange, New York City’s biggest rooftop farm to Long Island City, Queens at a “vegetable cutting ceremony” on Wednesday. Earlier this year, the administrators of the farm decided to relocate from Brooklyn to a 40,000 squared foot industrial rooftop in Long Island City.
Started a year ago, the farm provides organic vegetables and fruits to local markets and restaurants. “An urban rooftop farm provides a mutually beneficial relationship between the community and the farm,” said head farmer Ben Flanner, who is also the founder of another rooftop farm, the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm in Greenpoint, New York.
In the past three months, 1.2 million pounds of soil have been placed on the roof at 37-18 Northern Blvd. In addition, thick layers of felt and drainage mats were also added to help the plants survive heavy wind and precipitation, and the rooftop thus turned into a farm. Many types of plants can be found on the farm. Among them, tomatos, salad greens, herbs, carrots, and beans represent a good share.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who is also a lifelong resident of western Queens, wholeheartedly welcomed the farm to Queens. “The freshly-picked and locally-grown produce provided by this rooftop farm will help our local businesses, increase access to nutritious food, and raise awareness about the greening potential of New York City,” said Van Bramer.
Produce from the farm is available for sale in the building lobby on Tuesdays and Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m, and at a Sunday Farm Market at 261 Moore St. in Brooklyn.
Started a year ago, the farm provides organic vegetables and fruits to local markets and restaurants. “An urban rooftop farm provides a mutually beneficial relationship between the community and the farm,” said head farmer Ben Flanner, who is also the founder of another rooftop farm, the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm in Greenpoint, New York.
In the past three months, 1.2 million pounds of soil have been placed on the roof at 37-18 Northern Blvd. In addition, thick layers of felt and drainage mats were also added to help the plants survive heavy wind and precipitation, and the rooftop thus turned into a farm. Many types of plants can be found on the farm. Among them, tomatos, salad greens, herbs, carrots, and beans represent a good share.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who is also a lifelong resident of western Queens, wholeheartedly welcomed the farm to Queens. “The freshly-picked and locally-grown produce provided by this rooftop farm will help our local businesses, increase access to nutritious food, and raise awareness about the greening potential of New York City,” said Van Bramer.
Produce from the farm is available for sale in the building lobby on Tuesdays and Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m, and at a Sunday Farm Market at 261 Moore St. in Brooklyn.
