Consumers worldwide demand greater transparency about where and how their food is grown. However, most urban dwellers remain tied to an industrial food system that delivers high-calorie, low-nutrient food, often transported from across the globe. This harms both human health and the planet while disconnecting consumers from the people who grow their food.
As urban populations and global temperatures continue to rise, the next generation must rethink the food system by adopting responsible farming practices, integrating new technologies, and working together to value every participant in the supply chain, from farmers to consumers. Many people are already taking action by creating eco-friendly urban farms, including those in Brooklyn. Read more about this initiative on brooklyn-name.com.
Bringing Farming to the City
Square Roots is an urban farming company that grows nutritious food year-round using indoor vertical farming systems. Their produce is non-GMO, pesticide-free, and uses 90% less water than traditional outdoor farming.
The company continuously improves its farming technologies to increase yield, enhance quality, and reduce resource consumption. This gives farmers more time to expand their knowledge and engage with local communities. Customers often enjoy Square Roots’ produce just hours after harvest, ensuring unmatched freshness, taste, and nutrition.
Square Roots’ first Brooklyn farm is just a short subway ride away from over eight million New Yorkers, making it easy for urban residents to connect with local farmers. The company regularly hosts workshops, farm tours, and gourmet fairs for food enthusiasts, tech lovers, and advocates of high-quality, sustainable food.
The farm has become a hub for community interaction and knowledge exchange. At the heart of these discussions is the farmer—the individual who grows food with dedication, expertise, and a passion for sustainable agriculture.
Next-Generation Farmers Training Program
Square Roots has launched a training program for the next generation of farmers. The idea is simple: changing the food system now will lead to faster results, and achieving this requires more young, well-trained farmers.
The average American farmer is 58 years old. Today, significant barriers prevent young people from entering the farming industry, making it difficult to establish a successful career. Square Roots aims to create more opportunities for young people to join the industry, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to succeed.
The company invites young people interested in urban farming to learn the nuances of the business and how to grow fresh produce in a city for its rapidly expanding population.
Square Roots’ mission is to provide urban communities with high-quality, locally grown food while empowering a new generation of urban agriculture leaders. The more these young professionals engage in sustainable farming, the better the future of food production will be.
A vital part of this mission is the Next-Generation Farmers Training Program. This one-year initiative places participants at the forefront of indoor agriculture. After an initial training period, they undergo hands-on learning on Square Roots’ farms.
Throughout the program, young farmers cultivate food for customers in Brooklyn and across New York City. No prior farming experience is necessary—just passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and a willingness to learn. The program’s intuitive agricultural technology, combined with the guidance of Square Roots experts, helps participants become top urban farmers in Brooklyn. With this knowledge, successful graduates can explore limitless career opportunities.
Impact on People, Planet, and Profit
Next-generation leaders in urban farming understand the importance of balancing social, environmental, and financial success. As one of the newest agricultural companies, Square Roots measures and evaluates every aspect of its business.
During the program’s second half, participants undertake multi-month projects. One focuses on business, introducing participants to entrepreneurship and expanding their knowledge of agricultural economics. Another project emphasizes community engagement, fostering stronger connections between local farmers and consumers. These projects are seamlessly integrated into a farmer’s 40-hour workweek, alongside regular farming duties.
After completing the one-year program, graduates can launch their own urban farming businesses, secure positions in leading companies, or join Square Roots’ permanent team. The Next-Generation Farmers Training Program provides a unique experience, equipping participants with the skills to become future leaders in the food industry in the United States and beyond.
The Versatility of Urban Farming
The Next-Generation Farmers Training Program is a full-time, year-long position based at Square Roots’ Brooklyn farming campus. If you want to make a significant impact—socially, environmentally, and economically—on urban agriculture and the future of food, this program is for you.
The core idea of this training is that graduates will leave with the skills and business experience needed to launch any venture in the urban vertical farming industry. For example, they could establish hardware companies designing more efficient lighting systems for urban farmers or develop software platforms to connect local farmers with consumers. The opportunities are vast, and the future of urban farming depends on innovative leaders ready to transform the industry.