Design: Goldsmith. Company; Photo: Ruben Dario Kleimeer.
The aim of the initiative, said initiator Peter Van Wingerden, was to shorten the distance between the production and consumption of food. With the majority of the world’s population now living in urban areas, the demand for fresh food in cities is on the rise.
WHY A FLOATING FARM?
Our planet is under high pressure and we are (in) directly experiencing the consequences. Climate change, the rising sea level and the predicted growth of the world population are the challenges we face together.
“We also want to reduce transportation because now food is transported all over the world, with planes and ships and trucks, and that creates a lot of pollution. And it also creates food losses,” said Van Wingerden.
If you want to get their fresh milk you have to bring your own bottle.
Floating Farm also has an educational function. By showing consumers, and children in particular, how food is produced, their awareness of this can grow.
CIRCULAR FLOATING FARM
Wherever possible, Floating Farm is self-sufficient and circular. Floating solar panels thus provide for all the energy needs, rainwater is captured on the roof and then purified.
Most of the cattle feed comes from the city. The menu for the cows consists of brewers’ grains, bran, potato scrapings and grass from playing fields and golf courses in the city. The cows process these ‘waste products’ into healthy dairy for local residents.
ANIMAL WELFARE
If the cows want to walk a bit, that is also possible on the playground. There is also fresh water available 24/7 and the cows can use a massage brush.