What is Metro Farms?
Metro Farms is a community-integrated food production system that uses hydroponic and aquaponic growing methods to produce fresh, pesticide-free vegetables and herbs year-round. Located within the communities it serves, Metro Farms eliminates the transportation barrier that makes fresh produce inaccessible for so many urban families.
The farm operates on multiple levels: as a food production hub, as an educational platform, and as a community gathering space. It’s not just a farm — it’s a living demonstration that food sovereignty is achievable in any neighborhood.
How the Technology Works
Hydroponic systems grow plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions that deliver everything a plant needs directly to its roots. This method uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming, requires no pesticides, and can produce yields significantly higher than conventional agriculture in a fraction of the space.
Our aquaponic systems take this further by integrating fish cultivation — the fish waste provides natural nutrients for the plants, while the plants filter the water for the fish. The result is a closed-loop ecosystem that produces both vegetables and protein simultaneously.
Community at the Center
Metro Farms hires locally. Every position — from farm technicians to distribution coordinators — is filled by community residents. This creates a direct economic pipeline while building neighborhood pride and ownership over the initiative.
“I never thought I’d be a farmer. Now I teach kids how plants grow, and I feed my own family from what we grow here. This place changed my life.” — Metro Farms Team Member
What We Grow
- Leafy greens: kale, spinach, lettuce, arugula, Swiss chard
- Herbs: basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, rosemary
- Vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green onions
- Seasonal specialties based on community preferences
Produce is distributed through community subscription boxes, local partnerships with schools and senior centers, and on-site farm stands — ensuring access at every level.