Brooklyn Grange and Gotham Greens Fuel Flatbush’s Summer Harvest Boom

• Brooklyn hosts more than 12 active rooftop farms in 2024.
• Brooklyn Grange Flatbush produces over 80,000 pounds of vegetables each year.
• Farmers distribute produce via CSA shares, restaurants, and food pantries.

New Yorkers wondering how city dwellers get fresh, ultra-local produce need look no further than the rooftops of Flatbush and Gowanus. Brooklyn Grange, which operates the largest rooftop soil farm in the world, along with innovators like Gotham Greens, transforms more than 5 acres of warehouse roofs into lush, productive farmland. In July’s peak growing season, these operations become the city’s hidden breadbaskets, supplying arugula, kale, strawberries, and sun-ripened tomatoes to corner stores, farmers’ markets, and the iconic Flatbush Co-op.

Urban agriculture in Brooklyn is not just about fresh food—it’s also about building community resilience and food justice. Many rooftop farms, such as Oko Farms and Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, partner with local schools and non-profits to offer nutrition education, youth internships, and sliding-scale CSA shares. For Flatbush, where food insecurity rates remain above the city average, the efforts of these urban growers represent a vital lifeline, especially as summer bounty peaks.

The logistics of rooftop farming in the city are as impressive as their yields. Brooklyn Grange’s Flatbush facility uses custom-built green roofs engineered to support twenty inches of soil, advanced drip irrigation systems, and pollinator-friendly habitats. Gotham Greens, meanwhile, operates high-tech hydroponic greenhouses above the Gowanus Canal, producing leafy greens year-round and reducing food miles to virtually zero. This hyperlocal supply chain supports restaurants from Prospect Lefferts Garden to Park Slope, keeping menus seasonal and sustainable.

City policy is beginning to catch up with the promise of rooftop agriculture. In June 2024, the New York City Council announced new funding for urban farm infrastructure grants, aiming to double the acreage of green roofs by 2027. As Flatbush residents line up at neighborhood farmers’ markets and rooftop farm stands this summer, Brooklyn’s skyline may never look greener.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rooftop farms are in Brooklyn as of 2024?

Brooklyn is home to more than 12 active rooftop farms in 2024, including large-scale operations like Brooklyn Grange, Gotham Greens, and Eagle Street Rooftop Farm. These farms range from commercial greenhouse facilities to soil-based community plots atop apartment buildings and warehouses.

Where does the produce from Brooklyn rooftop farms go?

Most rooftop farms in Brooklyn supply local residents via weekly CSA shares, greenmarkets, and farm stands. Restaurants in neighborhoods like Flatbush, Prospect Heights, and Park Slope source their greens, herbs, and vegetables from these urban farms, keeping the supply chain local and fresh.

Can the public visit or volunteer at these rooftop farms?

Yes, many Brooklyn rooftop farms—including Brooklyn Grange and Oko Farms—offer public tours, open volunteer days, and educational workshops throughout the summer. Some programs require advance registration due to safety and space constraints. Check each organization’s website for details.