If there is one thing that COVID-19 has taught us, it is how much we depend on fresh produce for our livelihood. As a way of proving this point, the largest urban farm in Europe has now opened its doors to the public in Paris. By Amitha Ameen
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In a bid to be more sustainable and self-sufficient, many people have been embracing the facets of urban farming during this lockdown and isolation period. People are trying out various methods that will enable them to be well-equipped during a global crisis, especially when food shortage is one of the first threats that arise.
In Paris, urban farmers are exploring sustainable methods including soil-free farming that will reduce the usage of space and resources. Recently, the largest urban farm in Europe opened to the public on the rooftop of the Parc des Expositions building in the 15th arrondissement.
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Covering an area of 14,000 square-meters equal to the size of two football fields, the rooftop urban farm is already providing plenty of fruits and vegetables to many homes across the capital. Nature Urbaine partially opened to the public in May after a two-month delay due to the lockdown.
The urban farm is said to produce 30 different types of plants including strawberries, basil, tomatoes, radishes, aubergines and chard. Once all of it is planted, the urban farm will be able to produce around 900 kilograms of produce every day.
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Most of the plants are being grown through aeroponic farming, a method that cuts water usage by around 90 per cent compared to traditional methods of farming. The farm is also open to the public for both educational and team-building purposes.
Along with holding the title of the largest urban farm in Europe, Natural Urbaine also features a bar and a restaurant run by the famous rooftop venue chain, Perchoir which is fully operational from July 1 onwards.
Related: #SomeGoodNews: Paris Is All Set To Construct 650-Km Of Post-Lockdown Cycleways