NEW TECH FOODS

Area 2 Farms, a US start-up specialising in soil-based, hyper-local farming, will open a new sustainable urban farm in Fairfax City, Northern Virginia, by the end of 2025.

The facility, located at 9571 Fairfax Boulevard, is being developed in partnership with Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) under a ten-year lease agreement. The project was made possible through a zoning amendment approved in 2024 and supported by $25,000 in Fairfax City Economic Development Authority funding.

Area 2 Farms plans to convert the long-vacant site through adaptive reuse, including exterior upgrades and a public mural at the Fairfax Circle intersection. The farm will offer fresh, organic produce year-round through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programme and will include the company’s first farm stand for walk-in purchases.

Fairfax City's mayor, Catherine Read, said: "It's ironic that we had to amend our zoning code to allow this type of agricultural use in a city and a region that was once rolling fields of farmland. It demonstrates the need for local governments to regularly reimagine land use in ways that support our priorities today and into the future."

"Our community cares about issues of environmental sustainability and educating consumers about the sources of the foods they eat. Area 2 Farms brings us a project that aligns with our core values on many levels and is a welcome addition to our city."

The Fairfax site follows the success of Area 2 Farms’ pilot in Arlington, which has delivered more than 20,000 harvests and hosted over 1,500 student visits. Founder and CEO Oren Falkowitz commented: "We are incredibly excited to bring Area 2 Farms to Fairfax and to partner with a city that shares our vision".

"This project perfectly embodies our mission to 'move the farm, not the food,' turning an underutilised space into a thriving hub for fresh, healthy produce and community engagement. The leadership shown by FCED officials in facilitating this project ushers in a new chapter of abundance for the local community."

In addition to supplying greens, microgreens, root vegetables, herbs and speciality items, Area 2 Farms will work with local schools and civic organisations to promote agricultural education and community

Christopher Bruno, CEO and director of FCED, added: "This project is a testament to what's possible when vision meets partnership. We didn't just fill a vacant lot; we challenged everyone to think differently about how space, sustainability and community intersect."

"In doing so, FCED is showing that even a small city can lead with bold ideas. The result is more than an investment in a single property. This project represents an investment in education, health, the creation of place and the kinds of collaborations that push the boundaries of what local government and business can achieve.

Top image: © Area 2 Farms’ Instagram