Taking advantage of an abandoned high-rise building in The Hague, southern Netherlands, a company has planted vegetables on the terrace and released fish on the 6th floor on a scale that is considered the largest urban farm in Europe. Europe.
The building was built in the 1950s, once owned by a Dutch power and telecommunications plant and then abandoned.
And now, this high-rise building has become an urban farm with tomato rigs, vegetable beds, tubers, fruits, and sprouts on an area of 1,200m2 on the terrace. Right below, on the 6th floor of the building, is the place planned to become giant fish tanks.
On the farm, fish are kept in 28 large tanks with automatic feeding systems. Fish waste is turned into fertilizer for the vegetable garden upstairs.
With an output of 500 fish per week and 50 tons of vegetables a year, this farm can serve the food needs of about 900 households, restaurants and schools.
It is known that in The Hague, about 15% of the buildings in the city are still vacant. Therefore, the effect of this modern farm model is completely capable of spreading and replicating to provide a source of high-quality food with clear origin for local people.
“It’s great that the food is produced right in the heart of the city, on a high-rise building. Their taste is amazing,” shared Patrick Buyze, a chef and restaurant owner in The Hague.
The local government hopes that this farm can also serve educational purposes in cities – where many children have naive thoughts that: tomatoes are grown in supermarkets, and fish are born. in the fridge.
