What would happen if greenhouses were constructed next to, or on top of, grocery stores? Produce would almost certainly be fresher and the transportation problem of sustainable agriculture would be one step closer to being solved. That’s the idea behind BrightFarms’ on-site greenhouses; the company contracts with grocery stores to operate hydroponic greenhouses on their roofs.
Imagine being able to eat tomatoes virtually year-round—even up here on the far edge—that were grown for flavor instead of transport. Imagine being able to buy lettuce that was picked that morning instead of six days ago (half its shelf-life) in California.
According to BrightFarms, “The average item of food in the United States travels at least 1500 miles. Gasoline can account for up to half the value of a head lettuce or pound of tomatoes.”
BrightFarms reports that it has contracted with 10 grocery store chains and is close to signing with three more. McCaffrey’s Markets will host a greenhouse in either New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Brooklyn-based Gotham Greens—with consulting help from BrightFarms—began delivering produce to New York supermarkets in June 2011. And a demonstration-scale greenhouse will be constructed at the Whole Foods Market in Millburn, New Jersey.
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