Greening cities is one concrete solution to mitigating the effects of climate change. Mini forests, rooftop gardens, living walls, and even container gardens help cool urban areas, clean the air, and bring food closer to people. Brooklyn Grange has been making a positive impact in New York City since 2010. The rooftop farming and intensive green roofing business promotes sustainable urban living, helping New Yorkers access fresh, locally grown food.
A bird’s eye view of the two farms Brooklyn Grange operates is spectacular. Rows of crops growing on rooftops look like something in the countryside, only these tower above busy roadways. The Brooklyn Navy Yard, established in 2012, spans 1.5 acres. Sunset Park opened in 2019 and covers just over three acres. Both farms produce food for the community, which is sold through farmers’ markets and a sliding-scale CSA program. In 2024, these two operations collectively grew over 77,000 pounds of produce, with 60% of the yield distributed to New Yorkers at no or low cost! Brooklyn Grange also designs, builds, and operates urban farms and green spaces throughout NYC. Since 2012, the design team has installed over 110,000 square feet of green roof area in the city, excluding its two farms.
Brooklyn Grange follows organic, soil-based methods to cultivate its produce. It sources its soil from a cooperative of mushroom growers in Chester County, PA, and continually adds composted food scraps and plant waste throughout the growing season. Organic inputs and amendments include fish emulsion, dry NPK blends, and biochar; chemical fertilizers and pesticides are never an option. Garden mulch is made from cocoa husks and wood shavings, while cover crops protect and feed the soil throughout the winter. Crop rotation reduces the risk of pests and diseases, and when critters do invade, beneficial insects help control their populations. Water-efficient drip irrigation systems feature rain sensors and timers to prevent water waste; the rooftop farms alone capture millions of gallons of rainfall, keeping stormwater out of the sewers.
Food is a cornerstone of culture, so Brooklyn Grange grows various crops that celebrate the diversity and flavors of the different cultures represented in the community. Over the years, it has distributed thousands of culturally specific seedlings at no cost. Building relationships with community-based organizations to support education, equitable food distribution, and workforce development is crucial. Brooklyn Grange is also committed to research and development. Current studies include the Harvest Share research project, which distributes grant-subsidised Chinese-focused vegetable CSA shares to improve the overall well-being of a largely immigrant community.
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