Gotham Greens Chicago Farm Update: World's Biggest Organic Rooftop Farm Uses 100% Renewable Energy, Reduces Food Waste and Environmental Footprint

The world's biggest rooftop farm located in Chicago was finally opened by Gotham Greens, a Brooklyn-based urban farming company.

Situated in the South Side of Chicago, the largest farm in the area is the very first greenhouse facility of the company outside of New York. It boasts a total of 75,000 square-feet and is nestled on top of a Method manufacturing facility. The property is entirely powered by renewable energy. At present, the farm employs over 50 people. According to EcoWatch, the farm will produce close to 10 million crops of premium-quality, local and pesticide-free herbs and greens annually.

In the same report, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel stated that with over $1 billion in venture capital invested in the city in the year 2014, Chicago will continue to flourish and emerge as the newest hot spot for both innovation and growing companies in the country. He also added that Gotham Green's expansion will provide more jobs and investments in Pullman, as well as its neighboring areas. Emanuel also pointed out that through modern agricultural innovation, they will continue to provide their residents with fresh and healthy foods.

The largest organic rooftop farm's produce will be made available in selected markets around Chicago. These include Sunset Foods, Whole Foods Market, Treasure Island, and many more. Apart from that, the company also decided to partner with a number of local institutions, which include the Chicago Botanical Garden's Windy City Harvest and the Greater Roseland West Pullman Food Network, among many others.

Gotham Greens recycles its irrigation water and uses 10 times less water than conventional agriculture procedures. Also, by growing and selling their food in Chicago, they substantially reduce not only food waste, but also environmental footprint, based on the report of Fast Coexist.

Gotham Greens was featured by EcoWatch when they announced the construction of their facility last year.