US (MA): Vertical hydroponic farm takes root in Worcester

With a Burger King next door and surrounded by the asphalt of Webster Square, it doesn’t look like the most bucolic setting. But within the brick building at 1158 Main St., a 3,500-square-foot farm is producing 300 to 500 pounds of food a week for local restaurants as well as providing work opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.

“We grow food, create jobs, impact our community, impact the environment and improve the resiliency of Worcester,” said Howard Lucas, director of workforce development and strategic marketing at My Choice Greens.

“And it tastes really freaking great,” interjected John Piselli, director of employment training.

My Choice Greens, a social initiative of the nonprofit My Choice Programs (formerly known as Independent Living for Adults with Special Needs), is a commercial, indoor, vertical hydroponic farm. The farm, which cost about $600,000 to construct, produces greens, herbs such as rosemary, sage and basil, and specialty lettuces such as mini romaines, arugula and kale. It is believed to be the only farm of its kind in Worcester and uses special, full-spectrum LED lights imported to the United States for the first time for this project, Mr. Piselli said. It planted its first seeds in January and has a seed-to-harvest time of about eight weeks.

Read more at the Telegram (Cyrus Moulton)