To bolster Detroit's local food system with new VF infrastructure

Added on 04 July 2023

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To bolster Detroit's local food system with new VF infrastructure

Bedrock, the nation's premier city builder, based in Detroit, and Vertical Harvest, a community-oriented indoor farming company, today announced plans to explore the development of Vertical Harvest Detroit. Situated within Detroit's Milwaukee Junction neighborhood, the proposed 60,000 square foot structure would stand 74 feet tall and feature a 205,000 square foot growing canopy that utilizes hydroponic, vertical and controlled environmental agricultural practices. An estimated 2.2 million pounds of fresh vegetables, including Lettuces, Petite Greens, Microgreens and Herbs would be produced year-round.

With its "feed locals first" philosophy, Vertical Harvest would commit more than 70 percent of the food grown at its proposed Detroit location within 100 miles of the city. This will essentially eliminate long distance transportation issues and offer preference to local and regional distributors, as well as community institutions.

"Food insecurity is one of the most pressing urban problems nationally," said Kofi Bonner, CEO of Bedrock. "In Detroit, a significant portion of the population does not have easy access to fresh produce. Most importantly, Vertical Harvest products will be made accessible to civic institutions for quick and efficient delivery to our neighborhoods. The partnership with Vertical Harvest is another way that Bedrock will continue to extend our positive impact beyond the downtown core."

"NUTRIENT SMART" CITY DEVELOPMENT

A consistent, accessible, and affordable nutrient-rich food supply is essential to any 21^st century city. As Detroit and other municipalities begin to incorporate food sovereignty into resiliency planning, the increase of nutritional security is essential in the face of growing existential shocks to supply -- such as the pandemic, climate change and extreme weather events.