FarmedHere, the first commercial scale indoor vertical farm in Chicagoland, receives USDA Organic certification

CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- FarmedHere has recently moved its indoor aquaponic and aeroponic operations to a new 90,000 square foot post-industrial building in Bedford Park, IL. Leafy microgreens, salad greens and herbs grown in this new facility have been produced through approved methods in accordance with the strict standards of the USDA's National Organic Program. FarmedHere doesn't use synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, antibiotics or hormones in their production process. USDA also prohibits the use of irradiation, sewage sludge and genetically engineered organisms when products are labeled and sold as organic.

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"This is, for sure, a major milestone for the emergence of indoor, urban farming", says Jolanta Hardej, the CEO and co-founder of FarmedHere, LLC. "We have successfully developed the technology and process to grow indoors in an entirely organic way."

FarmedHere has been selling its fresh, locally grown produce in many Chicago grocery stores since 2011. The newest FarmedHere's urban farm is housed in a post-industrial building with 150,000 square feet of growing surface. Indoor farming allows to totally control the environment plants and fish grow in, while increasing food safety and crop predictability. The ability to vertically stack rows of produce and fish nursing tanks allows for a very efficient use of the available space. Production is based on two systems: aquaponic and aeroponic. The aquaponic system produces organic herbs like basil and other greens, while at the same time growing tilapia fish. The aeroponic system produces a variety of leafy greens ranging from arugulas to watercress to be offered in nutritious salad mixes. Both systems are extremely efficient when it comes to the use of water and power.

FarmedHere obtained its organic certification as a result of developing and implementing a very detailed organic system and farming process plan, followed by a thorough inspection by a third-party certifying agency. This comprehensive inspection covered many aspects of FarmedHere's operations, including examinations of food safety, equipment, growing, handling, and storage areas, water systems, substances and methods for pest and disease control, as well as monitoring and record keeping practices.

FarmedHere farms are certified by Indiana Certified Organic. ICO began offering organic certification in 1995 and was one of the first to be accredited by the National Organic Program. ICO currently operates in 25 states and offers inspection services through its network across the country and through its affiliates in the European Union.

About FarmedHere™, LLC

FarmedHere is the first vertical urban farming company that introduced locally grown greens to grocery buyers, retailers and restaurants across Chicago. Since 2011 our indoor aquaponic and aeroponic growing systems create wholesome produce and local jobs in a sustainable farming environment. Our vertical growing technology and local distribution methods tremendously reduce energy use, travel time and costs, making this model one of the most sustainable ways to guarantee access to fresh, healthy, locally grown produce in city centers, in any season. For more information go to FarmedHere.com

Media Contact: Jolanta Hardej FarmedHere, LLC, +1 847 846 8610, [email protected]

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SOURCE FarmedHere, LLC