FROM MEATPACKING PLANT TO FARM

Urban farmers in Chicago are in the process of turning a meatpacking plant into a massive, vertical, indoor farm. The plan is to operate both nonprofit and for-profit farms in a 93,500-square foot building. 

An anaerobic generator will heat the building and provide power, using food waste for fuel. Planners hope eventually to burn 10,000 tons of food waste per year and become completely energy independent. 

Another feature of the building will be the use of aquaponics – a combination of farming fish, in this case tilapia, and hydroponically growing vegetables. 
The former meatpacking plant is located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in the Chicago. Planners hope it will create 125 jobs.

 

Source: Office of Legislative Research, 5/7/14, Meatpacking to Farm