“To create a better food system by growing food where people live, and doing it more sustainably” – Lufa Farms Inc. Mission Statement
CBC Montreal
Lufa Farms became the world’s first commercial rooftop greenhouse in 2011, built in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough of Montreal. In the years since, they have expanded to five additional locations across the city, all utilizing sustainable agricultural methods. Some locations use hydroponics, such as in Anjou and Ville Saint-Laurent. Others use recaptured rain and meltwater to support the irrigation system. All strive to produce healthy vegetables in preexisting industrial spaces.
Similar to the 4 conditions of just sustainability, Lufa Farms holds itself to Five Tenets of Responsible Agriculture:
- Reducing Waste
At Lufa Farms, vegetables are only harvested when ripe and when ordered, so none goes to waste. Near complete composting is used with whatever waste is produced, including any supplies like clips or twine. Essentially, waste monitoring and continuous investments into sustainable materials help Lufa Farms to reach this goal.
2. Saving Water
Lufa Farms strives to limit the use of Montreal’s water supply, and the production of agricultural runoff (a major source of pollution). Lufa Farms uses a closed-loop system, which keeps their farm’s water from mixing with the city’s water ways. Irrigation water is recycled, and rain water is recaptured, leading to over 50% of water being saved as compared to a non-recirculating greenhouse.
3. Controlling Pests
Lufa Farms does not use synthetic pesticides, but rather introduces “good bugs” into their greenhouses to naturally control any unwanted bugs, like aphids.
4. Using No New Land
Using rooftop spaces provides close, fresh food. However, repurposing this real estate reduces transportation distance and cost, and the need to find more space for food to match an evergrowing population.
5. Saving Energy
In their own words, Lufa Farms “use about half the heating equivalent to ground-level greenhouses and we’re able to make use of heat that rises from the building below to save on energy.” Implementing energy curtains and high-efficiency natural gas heaters are just some ways that they continue to optimize their energy usage.
Currently, over 40 varieties of vegetables and greens are grown at Lufa Farms Inc., and all while recycling water and energy. This initiative feeds over 2% of the Montreal population, and supplies fresh vegetables to Farmer’s Markets and individuals. Through vertical propagation and a rotating crop system, this farm is essentially self-sufficient, while still supplying a substantial amount of healthy vegetables to the community. As a whole, Lufa Farms Inc. is staying within its planetary limits by contributing as much as it is taking from the environment, and actively working to minimize its impact.