Urban Acres is a family owned business that has developed a way to use Fall River’s famous Durfee Union Mill space in a whole new way. Using a highly sophisticated hydroponic method of growing vegetables and other produce indoors with 100% organic pest control methods, this company is able to create the perfect growing environment. Their hydroponic system not only allows them to avoid chemicals and contaminants, but also to grow better tasting and more nutritious produce by hand mixing the right nutrients to optimize plant growth and flavor. Thanks to the climate controlled growing environment, Urban Acres can allow all produce to ripen right on the vine and be picked at the peak of perfection. They now make it possible to get chemical free produce through their own CSA. The January 10, 2013 SEMAP Annual Winter Networking meeting was held at Urban Acres to allow farmers from the region a chance to tour the facility and to become more familiar with hyroponic agriculture. Click here for a short video. For more information, go to their website or contact owner Brad Dean at 508-965-1997

(Top row) Urban Acres owner Brad Dean and sales assistant Amanda Ribeiro stand next to some of the crops that they harvest every day. (Row two) Cilantro, dill, romaine lettuce, endive and tomatoes are among the many kinds of produce that they sell. (Row three) Brad talks with Ian Hemingway of Cape Abilities Farm and South Shore farmer Vin Bucca about some of the experimental plantings in the first floor laboratory. (Bottom row) Brad and SEMAP program director Sarah Cogswell welcomes participants to the SEMAP Annual Winter Networking meeting held at Urban Acres.