Brooklyn Grange is more than just a farm — it’s a symbol of what’s possible when you merge urban life with agriculture.
The story of Brooklyn Grange begins with a group of idealistic, environmentally conscious entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity where others saw a challenge. Instead of thinking of city rooftops as untapped concrete wastelands, they envisioned fertile spaces brimming with fresh produce.
Farming on a rooftop in a densely populated city is no easy feat.
The weight of soil, water, and plants requires specialized engineering to make sure the building can handle the load. A rooftop farm of this size needs lightweight soil, hydroponic techniques, and smart water management to ensure that the structure below it remains safe.
But the farmers overcame all these challenges and the farm now produces around 80,000 pounds of organic vegetables per year, including tomatoes, kale, and various herbs. And what started on one rooftop in 2010 has now extended to three spaces that cover 3.2 acres of rooftop space!
The founders wanted the name to reflect a sense of history and farming tradition while being grounded in their city surroundings, which is how “Brooklyn Grange” came to be.
The name comes from a combination of two ideas that reflect the farm’s mission and location: “Brooklyn” references one of New York City’s most iconic boroughs, where the farm started, while “Grange” is an old term for a farmhouse or an estate centered around farming. The term also connects to the historic Grange movement in the United States, which was a social and advocacy organization for farmers in the late 19th century.
This blend of words highlights both the urban location of the farm and its roots in agriculture, bridging the past with innovative, modern farming practices
The farm helps solve two key issues that cities face: access to fresh food and environmental sustainability.
By growing vegetables right where people live, it reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food.
And the farm’s impact doesn’t stop there. Brooklyn Grange does a lot more than just grow food…
The farm helps manage the city’s stormwater by soaking up millions of gallons of rain each year, which keeps it from flooding the streets and overloading the city’s sewage system.
Brooklyn Grange also hosts a range of educational programs, workshops, and events that draw people from around the city and beyond. These sessions focus on teaching sustainable farming methods and composting, all in an effort to reconnect city dwellers with the natural world.
And with over 30 beehives, Brooklyn Grange produces honey while supporting pollination across the city’s green spaces. Beekeeping classes have also become popular, giving people the chance to learn about the vital role bees play in agriculture.
The farm’s rooftops also serve as event spaces, attracting New Yorkers looking to escape the concrete jungle without leaving the city. With the skyline as a backdrop, people have celebrated weddings, hosted yoga classes, and attended movie screenings, all while surrounded by a fully functioning farm.
If you want to know more, visit the farm’s website or watch the documentary Brooklyn Farmer.
