WHEREAS, Vertical Farming, Hydroponic Farming and Aquaponic Systems technology create opportunities for urban farms which are a greener, more sustainable and efficient way to supply Philadelphia with fresh produce and fish; and
WHEREAS, Vertical Farming, Hydroponic Farming and Aquaponic Systems technology allows for farming in highly urban centers with ability to grow indoors year-round; and
WHEREAS, Hydroponic Systems can plan for four times the amount of crops in the same space as traditional soil farming; and
WHEREAS, Some crops grow twice as fast in Hydroponic Systems; and
WHEREAS,
Vertical farming, used in conjunction with other technologies and socioeconomic practices, will allow cities to expand while remaining largely self-sufficient food wise.
WHEREAS, Vertical Farming, Hydroponic Farming and Aquaponic Systems have the potential to create
a sustainable source of fresh local food supporting underserved neighborhoods in
Philadelphia’s food deserts; and
WHEREAS, Vertical Farming, Hydroponic Farming and Aquaponic Systems would expand business for many of Philadelphia’s local farm-to-table restaurants and allied food businesses; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to the largest Food Distribution Center in the Mid-Atlantic region for exporting; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has an extensive water supply because of location between Delaware River and Schuylkill River to sustain Hydroponic Farming and Aquaponic Systems; and
WHEREAS, Vertical Framing, Hydroponic Farming and Aquaponic Systems have the potential to create hundreds of quality jobs and economic opportunity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, The Commerce & Economic Development Committee is hereby authorized to hold public hearings to pursue the business development of Vertical Farming, Hydroponic Farming and Aquaponic Systems.
End