October 30, 2009
Matthew Brener, GreensGrow Philadelphia Project
The Greensgrow Philadelphia Project (Greensgrow) is a nationally recognized center for the research, development, and dissemination of urban agricultural technology. Located on the site of a former steel-galvanizing plant in the Kensington neighborhood of north Philadelphia, Greensgrow has become a remarkable example of the successful transformation of blighted, vacant property into green, productive and profitable enterprise. The Greensgrow model for success includes the use of relatively low capitalization and operating costs, innovative and effective growing systems and marketing strategies that are well-suited for the urban environment, and a diversity of robust income streams. After only 10 years of existence at its ¾-acre site on Cumberland Street, Greensgrow grossed over $700,000 in sales in the calendar year of 2008 creating 15 full-time and 4 part-time jobs.
Working in partnership with the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) of the City of Philadelphia, Greensgrow will now use the expertise it has gained in the development of innovative agricultural practices, energy conservation, revitalization of urban neighborhoods, and small business development to spearhead a new initiative to support the institution of entrepreneurial urban agriculture in the blighted and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods of inner-city Philadelphia. This initiative will establish a network of small, urban agricultural businesses on vacant property controlled by the RDA. This new urban agricultural enterprise will produce nursery products, high-value food and flowers for the local market, and create new skilled and semi-skilled green jobs in Philadelphia. These businesses will operate as traditional nurseries or small rural farms do, except that these businesses will leverage the significant advantages of being located inside a large urban center to increase profits and maximize competitive advantage. The farms will serve as models of new green industry right in the heart of Philadelphia's neighborhoods. By design, these farms will be wise users of water, energy, and nutrient resources - with practically no impact on the environment due to wastes and run-off.
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