One of the founding missions of this blog was to create a space to talk about how to take reinvent the decaying postindustrial land that is much of North Philadelphia. So, it was with great interest when we read the piece in the New York Times on Greensgrow Farms that co-founder Mary Seton Corboy’s mission in starting the farm was to explore how to take postindustrial land and turn it into some kind of green business.
Corboy’s farm, a one-acre plot, founded in 1997, on the site of a former steel-galvanizing factory has become a model for urban farming across the country. Today, it boasts a nursery, farm market and a unique Summer and Winter C.S.A., which offers not only traditional CSA offerings but non-traditional ones, such as perigees produced in the neighborhood, as well.
The farm grows and sells its own produce and on site using a hydroponics system. The farm recently began raising bees to produce its own Honey in the Hood. Their vehicles run on the Bio Diesel produced on site.
The farm provides a market out let for family farmers and local producers. Visitors to the farm can purchase local bread, yogurt, eggs, butter, fish, meat, cheese, fruits, pasta, vegetables, candy and yes– even beer. Many of the producers are small start-ups found throughout the Kensington neighborhood.
The Greensgrow model has revitalized the landscape in North Philadelphia and brought fresh fruits and vegetables to a food desert. It has also done it while turning a profit.
To learn more about Greensgrow’s model and its mission to change the landscape of North Philadelphia check out the PBS documentary Edens Lost and Found which profiled Greensgrow Farms. CG-ITSRG
Filed under: Community Tuesdays Tagged: | CSA, Eco friendly, econews, food security, green business, green cities, green economy, Greensgrow, hydroponics, kensington, local foods, North Philadelphia, philadelphia, postindustrial landscape, sustainability, sustainable agriculture, sustainable cities, urban farms
