Authorizing the Commerce & Economic Development Committee to hold public hearings on Vertical Farming, Hydroponic Farming and Aquaponic Systems in Philadelphia.

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