The Project:

Develop Abundance is building a 100% soilless farm in our Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood. Working with New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and Propellor: a force for social innovation, we have chosen 4 lots at the cross-streets of Tennessee and N. Tonti to implement our recirculating farm. Built on approximately 0.5 acres, our project will be one of the first of its kind for our city.

We seek to set a precedent for future positive urban development. Technology based urban agriculture can provide the balance between the needs of our community, environment and economy. Our farm will create that balance utilizing a suitable scale for the surrounding community that will activate vacant land, promote future development in the area and can grow with and help reunify the community.

Three greenhouses, with metal framing and plastic envelopes,will occupy the site. A few small sheds will also occupy the site. A fence will be built along the perimeter and security surveillance equipment will provide greater security for the development and surrounding properties. The Develop Abundance farm will begin growing leafy greens, such as kale, and raising local aquatic species, such as catfish. By June we will reap our first harvest.

About Us:

Develop Abundance competed in PitchNOLA: Lots of Progress. Our idea was chosen by Chef John Besh, NORA CEO Jeff Hebert, and Dr. Maurice Cox director of Tulane City Center as one of 3 winners. This success has provided us with the opportunity to lend our knowledge, skills and resources to institute a model of change and innovation for the community we serve. We look to the urban landscape to meet our local needs and empower our communities with green jobs, healthy affordable food, and positive knowledge and skill-building programs.

Our team believes that for an idea to endure it must profit all whom it affects. The following list includes but a handful of the benefits our project would provide.

1. Growing, raising and providing quality and affordable food for our community

2. Providing good paying local green jobs

3. Teaching self-sufficiency, responsibility and environmental awareness to our youth

4. Providing a resource for alternative farming methods

5. Generating unity through community works and education

6. Creating positive change for communities fighting blight

7. Promoting healthy social interaction among community members

8. Exemplifying innovation in business development and good business practices

Green infrastructure does not only sustain the community’s needs, it produces an Abundance of resources. We hope you will follow and support our progress.