The “Future Farm Field Trip” on Day 2 (Nov. 11) of the conference offers an excursion into the diversity of urban and state-of-the-art hydroponic and aquaponic agriculture operations in Orange County. Tour participants will be treated to lectures and sessions from pioneering farmers who are embracing innovative business models and growing systems to both increase food security and take advantage of the escalating demand for local food.
“To farm in the urban environs of Orange County where available and arable land is scarce requires grit, resourcefulness, and innovation,” stated Seedstock co-founder Robert Puro. “The local urban agricultural landscape here is one from which all conference attendees can learn efficient, effective and successful ways to grow food on small plots and bolster local food systems in their own home towns.”
Presently scheduled stops on the field trip include:
- Urban Produce - an indoor vertical farming operation based in Irvine, California that uses advanced hydroponic technologies in a controlled environment. Urban Produce currently grows and sells organic microgreens that are available throughout southern California
- Riverbed Farm - an aquaponics community farm in Anaheim, California that uses minimal water to operate and produce over 2,000 pounds of food for underserved residents.
- Alegría Farm - an urban farm that supports more than 60 cultivators growing over 50,000 plants utilizing hydroponic and natural, nutrient-dense configurations. The farm’s resource-efficient technologies demonstrate how urban microfarms can supply communities with locally grown, fresh produce while reducing transportation and preserving natural resources.
- Future Foods Farms - one of the largest aquaponic farms in the state, Future Foods Farms is located on 25 acres in Brea, California. The farm produces all organically grown products in several 2,000-4,000 square-feet greenhouses.
For more information:
growlocaloc.eventbrite.com