The urban farm component is modeled on innovative and successful urban agricultural programs in other cities. The farm at FarmWorks, which includes indoor and outdoor growing space, will provide a sustainable, highly efficient process for producing greenhouse-grown produce and tank-grown fish for commercial sale. A portion of the old warehouse will be transformed into a large greenhouse, featuring aquaponics, vertical growing, and vermiculture.

Four acres of property will be used for outdoor growing, featuring seasonal produce. Gateway Greening, the St. Louis region’s leading organization providing community food, education, wellness, and civic greening programs, will be a key partner. Growing space will be leased to Gateway Greening and other nonprofit and for-profit entities. The farm will produce fruits and vegetables and raise fish, goats, bees, and chickens. Food from the farm will be distributed through the local food distribution system in the green business incubator facility and sold at a discount to Gateway Greening’s partner, Operation FoodSearch, who works to supply food to the city’s food deserts. Food will also be distributed to local grocers and restaurants as well as an on-site retailer.