World’s largest urban farm opens in Paris

SAM August 07, 2020

A chef holding a crate of berries on the urban farm in Paris — The fruits and vegetables from the farm are distributed to restaurants in the local area (Picture: Stephane de Sakutin/AFP via Getty)

As the threat of climate change grows, people are trying to find ways to make our way of live more sustainable and lessen the impact on the environment.

From councils banning meat to companies dyeing clothes with avocado stones, innovation is the name of the game.

Paris is at the forefront, with a mission to make its city greener – having just opened the world’s largest urban farm.

Located in the 15th arrondissement, at the top of the Parc des Expositions building, the 14,000-square metre space is an impressive project.

Dubbed Nature Urbaine, the farm features 30 species of plants, such as tomatoes, strawberries, aubergines, radishes and basil – some of which are grown through the help of aeroponic farming (essentially releasing a mist of nutrients, as well as utilising rainwater for the produce).

Compared to soil-based farming, this method uses 90% less water.

Two people looking after the plants on the urban farm in Paris — Nature Urbaine utilises aeroponic farming methods (Picture: Stephane de Sakutin/AFP via Getty)

Strawberries hanging from the plant — Once it’s fully up and running, the farm will produce 2,000 worth’ of produce a day (Picture: Stephane de Sakutin/AFP via Getty)

Some of the allotments on the urban farm — Locals can get their very own allotment for £288 a year (Picture: Stephane de Sakutin/AFP via Getty)

Once it’s fully up and running, the farm aims to produce 2,000 pounds worth’ of green goods per day, which will be (and already is) distributed to citizens and restaurants in the nearby area.

There are 140 allotment plots too, which can be used by local Parisians for the affordable price of €320 a year (about £288).