It may be hard to imagine in a position like Montreal , Canada , where lumbering C. P. Snow blankets the land for about half the yr , that freshly pick local green goods could be enjoyed all winter farsighted . But thanks to Lufa Farms , the earth ’s first commercial-grade rooftop greenhouse , Montrealers have had the opportunity to run through up ripe local fruits and veg year round since 2011 . And from those first day , Lufa Farms has since develop to work guest — known as Lufavores — point from other local manufacturer , such as sustainable meat and dairy farm products , fresh sunbaked vegan desserts , Fair Trade coffees , and even organic mantrap product . We sit around down with Lufa Farms co - founder Lauren Rathmell to find out more about their mathematical process , their mathematical product and the caller ’s imagination for a future full of rooftop farms .
What is the vision of Lufa Farms?
Lauren Rathmell : Our vision is to develop food closer to where people be and grow it more sustainably . Hence rooftop greenhouses in and around city , with creditworthy finish practice session ( recirculating water , using only biological controls for pest and diseases , energy economy ) . Building on rooftop allow us to utilise recede space without assume up new land , as well as hold open immensely on our energy needs year - pear-shaped . It ’s also a win for the building in terms of reducing energy spent on heat and chilling .
You now have two rooftop greenhouses operating just outside the city of Montreal. What are some of the challenges and perks of growing food in such an urban environment?
How does being a Lufavore work?
Lufa Farms not only provide food grown in your greenhouses, but also items from other local producers. How are companies and products selected to be part of Lufa Farms?
LR : They have to meet our criteria for sustainable product . If they ’re a farm , this means either being Certified Organic or practicing responsible agribusiness , i.e. no synthetic pesticides , weedkiller , fungicides and sustainable farm management .
You talk about envisioning a city full of rooftop farms. Do you believe Montreal could one day be that city?
LR : We’re feed about 2 percent of Montreal ’s universe right now , so we ’re well on the way ! It would really only take the rooftop of about 15 shopping centre to run Montreal . Rooftop glasshouse are challenge to find sites for and build , but it ’s decidedly potential , and we ’re continuing to flesh out both within and hopefully outside of Montreal , too . It ’s about rooftop farming , as well as partnering with local farms and foodmakers . We call it creating a local food locomotive engine that provides a practicable choice to traditional grocery shopping , through sustainable , local sourcing .
Lufa Farms
Lufa Farms
Lufa Farms
Lufa Farms
Lufa Farms
