Rotary Learns About Hydroponic Farming
Submitted by Dr. D. Michael Hart
Mr. Martin Silverman from Redi-farms recently spoke to the Rotary Club of Westfield about hydroponic farming. The goal is to provide “a farm on every corner”, and to grow food “hyper-locally” to serve the Westfield area.
Hydroponic farming is the system of growing plants indoors with special lighting, in a container of water and a substrate and liquid nutrients. They do not need soil, and the use of water is greatly reduced because there is no runoff and wasted water. Currently, they are using coconut shells as the substrate. They do not need to use pesticides or weed killers because the enclosed space does not allow for pests.
Redi-farms is currently using the Bank of America building in Mountainside Center on Mountain Ave. in Mountainside as their research and development facility while they renovate the Handler building on North Avenue in Westfield. The building will become an indoor multi-level hydroponic farm. The new facility will house the farm, a retail store, a restaurant, a teaching facility, and an event space. Plans include the installation of solar panels on the roof since electricity will be their biggest expense. They currently have 15 employees.
Redi-farms is selling their produce at the Westfield Farmers Market every other week and is donating extra food to St Joseph’s Soup Kitchen in Elizabeth.
The Rotary Club of Westfield meets the first three Tuesdays of the month at noon at Limani Seafood Grill on North Ave. Guests are always welcome. Visit westfieldrotary.com or contact secretary Dr. Michael Hart, drmhart@yahoo.com, for more information.
