The mission of The Farm is to address food insecurity through innovative and sustainable hydroponic farming. VOA uses refurbished shipping containers to grow a variety of produce year-round. We distribute more than 70 pounds of fresh produce a week to households and food pantries throughout Monroe County to ensure people have access to healthy foods.

In addition, we also provide youth educational programs, workforce development, and agri-therapy for veterans.

Hydroponic Farming

The Farm operates out of a compact and efficient vertical hydroponic farm built inside a repurposed shipping container, located in Downtown Rochester.

An urban hydroponic farm is a controlled environment where plants are grown without soil, using water and nutrient solutions. Using the state of the art technology, we are able to grow year-round fresh produce, have minimal water usage, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to grow food in urban areas.

The Farm grows a wide variety of leafy greens, lettuces, herbs, microgreens, and root vegetables. Our crop is always rotating, but some of our most popular include arugula, butterhead, bibb, romaine, collard greens, swiss chard, basil, spring mix, and microgreens.

Workforce Development

Our workforce development program is a multi-week curriculum for those reentering the workforce.
Participants spend time each week learning about the operations of a hydroponic farm. Our
comprehensive training teaches participants about growing, harvesting, and managing a farm. Our
program also strengthens basic work skills and helps participants develop skills needed to obtain
employment.

Youth Education

The Farm offers educational programming for children and youth to teach them about hydroponic farming and help them better understand where their food comes from in order to establish healthy eating habits.

Agri-therapy

Agri-therapy offers veterans who are suffering from PTSD with hands-on activities, such as planting and
harvesting, in a calm environment to help reduce stress.