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On 09/25/2010, horticulturalists Jennifer Nelkin described her work developing rooftop hydroponic greenhouse business called Gotham Greens in NYC. Farm City Forum concluded Farm City, a three-week series of events exploring the possibilities for urban agriculture in the current reality of NYC as part of Crossing the Line: FIAF Fall Festival from 9/12 to 9/25/2010. Farm City Forum took the format of an “unconference,” a lively participant-driven series of discussions exploring how to shape the future of urban agriculture. Three Sessions, each with its own distinct approach, brought together artists, farmers, urban planners, architects, food activists, and authors. The Primary Goal of the Forum was to engage participants in a visioning process about transformative possibilities of urban agriculture as a means to generate new thinking and experimental action positively impacting a more sustainable future. The Forum's Secondary Goal was to explore how artistic interventions transform and illuminate urban agricultural endeavors and vice versa.
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GOTHAM GREENSTechnology Selection & Business Development
Farm CitySeptember 25, 2010
Jenn Nelkin, Greenhouse DirectorGotham Greens
Nutrition & HealthFood AccessFood SafetyCommunity
Focus on Technology Selection & Business Development
Urban, Local Food MovementOverlapping interests
TransportationEnergy WaterPesticidesQualifying Terms is Critical
e.g. ‘Food Miles’
Is commercial urban farming viable?
What does a plant need to grow?
SHOOTS- light - carbon dioxide- temperature- relative humidityROOTS
- water- temperature- nutrients- dissolved oxygen- pH
Many methods and reasons to farm
consider output per input and source of inputs
drip irrigation high tunnel greenhouse hydroponic greenhouse
Increasing level of technology
Controlled Environment Agriculture
• Year Round• High Quality• Adaptable• High Yields• Food Safety• Pesticide Free• High WUE• Efficient Land Use• Rainwater• Renewable Energy• Ecological Design• High Capital Cost• High Technical Skill
CEA can grow food in arid climatesHigh light, low humidity, lack of water and arable land
On islands with limited fresh water, arable landPoor quality of perishable produce delivered by boat
In Antarctica
Antarctic TreatyWinter ProducePsychological BenefitsBiosystem Services
On the MoonBiosystem services, reduce transport, fresh produce, psychological benefits
On a Barge
On a Roof in NYC… Gotham Greens
[WHY?] Narrowing the focus to specific project goals is critical and can be the most difficult part in this exciting field.
Business DevelopmentStarting an Urban Farming Company
Team Building [WHO]
Site Selection [WHERE]
Design & Engineering [WHAT]
Financing [HOW]
Construction [WHEN]
Operation [HOW]
Management Team
• Greenpoint, Brooklyn
• Manufacturing Building
• 12,000 SF Greenhouse
• Recirculating Hydroponics
• Leafy Greens & Herbs
• Rainwater Collection
• Solar Energy
Hydroponic Rooftop Greenhouse
Site Selection
• Zoning Regulations• Structural Loads
• Shading from Adjacent Structure•Building Integration Opportunities
Grow Highest Quality Product: Flavor, Freshness, Nutrition, Food SafetyEnvironmentally Responsible Production Practices, City/Farm Synergies
Determine Economic & Environmental Performance of the Facility
Project Goals
CROP SELECTION
GH Design Production System
Structure System Layout
Controls
Heating
Irrigation
Cooling
CO2
Glazing/Supplemental Lighting
Nutrient Delivery System
Type of production system
Equipment Selection
Production SystemEnvironmental Control
Additional Considerations• Local Climate, Year Round Production• Crop Selection, Market• Experience• Site Constraints• Costs