PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council voted Wednesday to lease city-owned land to grow containerized vertical farms.
Homer Farms Inc. will lease 22,650-square-feet of vacant land owned by the city's fire department near 27th and Northern avenues for a one-year pilot program.
The farms will utilize solar panels to generate energy for the crops and up to 20% of the produce will be distributed to local residents through social service organizations.
Vertical farming often entails growing crops in a controlled environment by stacking layers of crops vertically.
According to Homer Farms' website, vertical farms utilize less water, land and fertilizer than conventional gardening.
The one-year lease begins in January and the city may choose to extend the lease after it expires.
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