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Science Non-Fiction: NYC Is The Future Of Farming

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Jun 1, 2007 6:49 pm US/Eastern

Science Non-Fiction: NYC Is The Future Of Farming

NEW YORK (CBS) ― You wouldn't think it, but New York City may be a haven for farming in the future.

With urban populations exploding all over the world, scientists are developing environmentally-friendly ways to grow crops in the city.

In Manhattan, scientists have developed a special barge that's not only growing produce, but is also planting seeds of environmental awareness. It's called the New York Sun Works Science Barge, and it's being used as both an experiment to pave the way for urban farming and also as a classroom for the future of America.

Creators of the barge also came up with the idea because city-dwellers make up 80 percent of the earth's population and the average vegetable eaten has traveled several thousand miles just to get on the plate.

Scientists have been inviting students to come see the partially-floating hydroponic greenhouse firsthand, and students are impressed with what they've seen so far. "You can grown your own produce so you don't have to deal with pollution from the trucks," said 8th grader Yannie Hargett."

It's expected that by the time Hargett and his classmates are in their 30s, it's likely a million more people will be living in New York City, and scientists estimate that there is already enough existing roof top space to grow fresh vegetables to feed everyone.

By using recirculated plant vitamin water to grow the produce, and by powering the system with wind, solar and bio fuels, scientists believe this isn't science fiction, but instead a truly workable way to grow urban crops with almost zero damage to the environment.

"We would like to see instillations of this kind on rooftops in cities around the world," said Ted Caplow, Director of the N.Y. Sun Works Science Barge.

For the children coming to see the barge, the time for action is now. "We have to save it so our next generation behind us can live more healthier," Hargett said.

The next step?

Scientists are eying the rooftops of schools and big box stores as the perfect locations to start building sustainable urban farms based on the science barge prototype.

(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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