Rooftop farming is the cultivation of produce and other crops on the roof of a building. Farming on roofs enables the use of otherwise underutilized space for food production, and rooftop farms reduce urban heat by absorbing solar radiation and reduce the pressure of stormwater on sewer systems by absorbing rainfall runoff. This fact sheet details the benefits associated with rooftop practices, trainings available, and relevant publications and further research to support implementing the topic.
Benefits of Rooftop Farming
In New York City, urban farmers practicing rooftop farming might be eligible for the NYC Green Roof Property Tax Abatement Program, which offers a one-year tax abatement of $5.23 per square foot of green roof. The benefit is capped at whichever is less: $200,000 or the amount of property taxes due for the building that year. For design and filing requirements, download the application form, or email questions to greenroofandsolar@buildings.nyc.gov.
Services and Training
Brooklyn Grange, a commercial rooftop farm with acreage in Brooklyn and Queens, offers consulting, design and installation services for people interested in rooftop farming.
Eagle Street Rooftop Farm in Brooklyn is a 6,000 square foot green roof organic farm that offers free public programming and workshops.
RoofTop Farming Publications
There are several factors to consider when designing, installing and maintaining a rooftop farm, from engineering requirements to buildings codes.
Before embarking on a rooftop project, consult guides such as:
- “Guide to Setting Up Your Own Edible Rooftop Garden,” published by Alternatives and the Rooftop Garden Project in Montreal, Canada, 2008 (available for free download at
- “DDC Cool & Green Roofing Manual,” prepared for the NYC Department of Design & Construction Office of Sustainability Design by Gruzen Samton Archives LLP, 2005-2007
- “Green Roofs and Rooftop Gardens,” published by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as part of the Handbook series.
- Eagle Street Rooftop Farm’s Annie Novak’s “The Rooftop Growing Guide” offers advice from a seasoned rooftop grower.
Funding
For information on grants and financial opportunities for your farming operation, visit the ‘Grant and financial Opportunities’ fact sheet.
