In the heart of Columbus' Hilltop neighborhood, a change is happening. What was once a vacant, seven-acre lot is now a thriving urban farm thanks to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC).
Functioning as a "smart farm," the Farm on the Hilltop was developed in March 2024 and integrates technology with sustainable farming practices. The farm features vertical growing towers, hydroponic systems, and crop-harvesting robots which help maximize its yield and produce fresh, nutritious food for the community.
This year alone, the farm harvested over 3,500 pounds of food that helped feed local residents, used 60% less water through the drip irrigation system in vertical towers, and 70% less water in hydroponic and container gardening systems.
The farm's impact also extends beyond providing fresh produce – it also serves as an educational hub, offering tours, volunteer opportunities, and community events. The educational opportunities like agriculture teacher workshops, food lesson planning, and its demonstration kitchen are also helping connect people to their food and foster a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from.
Read more at Nationwide