There’s a motion sweeping throughout the globe that has individuals on the lookout for contemporary, native, and nutritious meals that’s sustainably grown. Montreal’s Lufa Farms embodies that spirit, bringing actual meals to individuals dwelling in cities. To proceed serving the group, the city farm has simply completed constructing the world’s largest rooftop greenhouse!
Backyard Tradition had the prospect to tour one of many unique greenhouses in June 2018 (see photographs) and study how produce is grown and distributed to ‘Lufavores’ by way of subscription containers.
For those who’re not acquainted with the idea, Lufa constructed the world’s first business rooftop greenhouse on an industrial constructing in Montreal.
The objective is and at all times has been to repair a damaged meals system and feed cities by rising year-round extra neatly and sustainably.
The city farm additionally companions with native farms, artisan outlets, and bakeries to supply subscribers a full collection of eco-friendly and responsibly-made merchandise.
The World’s Greatest Rooftop Greenhouse
Lufa’s latest greenhouse sits on prime of a former Sears warehouse in Montreal’s St-Laurent borough and covers 163,800 sq. toes! That’s concerning the measurement of three soccer fields.
The large area has doubled Lufa’s manufacturing capability from feeding 1% to 2% of Montreal’s households.
The very best half? It hasn’t used any land to do it. Simply vacant area within the sky that will get an entire lot of solar.
New Area, Identical Motto
Very like at Lufa’s different greenhouses within the metropolis, particular consideration is given to rising meals sustainably and with out waste. For instance, all the meals is harvested to order a couple of brief hours earlier than it delivers.
The high-tech greenhouse makes use of a hydroponic system (NFT and develop baggage) for tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, and so on. Water runs by way of a closed-loop system, and something that isn’t utilized by the vegetation leads to a holding tank to be redistributed. Rainwater can also be collected from the rooftop and given to the vegetation.
The vegetation themselves routinely roll by way of the greenhouse to totally different zones perfect for his or her varied phases of development. Bees and ladybugs are launched into the area for pollination and pest management.
There aren’t any two methods about it; Lufa Farms is cool. The corporate is a mannequin for cities worldwide and proves that consuming contemporary in city areas is feasible.
Catherine Sherriffs
Catherine is a Canadian award-winning journalist who labored as a reporter and information anchor in Montreal’s radio and tv scene for 10 years. A graduate of Concordia College, she left the hustle and bustle of the enterprise after beginning a household. Now, she’s the editor and a author for Backyard Tradition Journal whereas additionally having fun with being a mother to her two younger youngsters. Her pursuits embrace nice meals, gardening, health, animals, and something outdoor.
