Vertical veggies buffalo urban farming future

By Blake Jackson

Fresh food cravings colliding with limited options? Fear not, Buffalo! A pioneering urban farming project called Buffalo Go Green is scaling new heights – literally – to bring sustainable, local produce to your plate. Their secret weapon? Vertical hydroponic farms housed in shipping containers!

Meet Rickey Fleming, Buffalo Go Green's farm operations director, proudly tending rows of lettuce, arugula, and even Jamaican callaloo within these high-tech greenhouses. Forget months-long waits for harvest – this operation delivers in just two months, a testament to its efficient water-conserving magic.

For Fleming, it's more than just food; it's about bridging the gap for communities struggling with access to fresh produce, especially during harsh winters when California imports reign supreme. His container farm boasts a jaw-dropping capacity: 5,000 heads of lettuce in a space that would otherwise require six or seven sprawling greenhouses!

But the story doesn't stop there. Buffalo Go Green is spreading its roots with a second hydroponic farm and accompanying greenhouses planned for East Buffalo. This expansion, backed by the New York State Power Authority, aims to optimize indoor food production while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Allison DeHonney, Buffalo Go Green's executive director, echoes the project's broader vision: "Diet and health are intertwined, and local food empowers our communities. It cuts down on transportation emissions, preserves nutritional value, and combats food deserts."

But the bounty won't just grace supermarket shelves. A portion will nourish local pantries and reach individuals directly, creating a thriving hyperlocal food system. DeHonney emphasizes the importance of diversity in farms, growers, and growing methods to build a resilient food landscape.

Fleming's eyes light up as he describes his pesticide-free approach: "Baking soda and neem oil, that's all it takes! This lettuce is fresher, tastier, and simply better."

With this innovative system, farming ascends to new heights, both literally and metaphorically. "Growing indoors is the future of local, fresh food," Fleming declares. "There's truly no other way."

And the future looks even brighter with plans to engage local students at the new farm, nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious green thumbs. After all, with the average American farmer nearing retirement age, fresh faces and fresh ideas are crucial for our agricultural future.

So, next time you're yearning for farm-fresh goodness, remember the high-rise heroes of Buffalo Go Green. They're not just growing food; they're cultivating a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

Photo Credit: istock-elenathewise