US-based supermarket chain Whole Foods has financed aquaponic indoor farm, FarmedHere, for the expansion of its operations.
FarmedHere is a USDA certified farm and it has been selling its fresh and locally grown produce in Whole Foods since 2011.
The new farm is located in a 90,000ft2 facility in Bedford Park, Illinois, and the production will depend on two systems, aquaponic and aeroponic.
The aquaponic system produces organic herbs like basil and other greens, and also grows tilapia fish. The aeroponic system produces a variety of leafy greens ranging from arugulas to watercress for nutritious salad mixes.
Whole Foods Midwest Regional president Michael Bashaw remarked that the new indoor farm will shape the future of agriculture and urban planning.
"We're thrilled to support a company whose inventiveness is pioneering the increase of food production and access to fresh, local foods in Chicago," added Bashaw.
FarmedHere is the first vertical urban farming company that introduced locally grown greens to grocery buyers, retailers and restaurants across Chicago.
