Fruits and vegetables are grown in aeroponics on the roof of the Marché d'Intérêt National in Toulouse. This is the challenge taken up by Magalie Rosso, founder of the start-up Les Fermes Ionaka.
A structure that allows green roofs to reduce urban heat pockets / © Les Fermes Ionaka
White columns of 2 meters with 36 slots each stand on the roofs of the MIN of Toulouse. The first ones were installed in May 2022. Tomatoes, zucchini, strawberries, cucumbers, herbs but also edible flowers are some of the many products grown in this aeroponic farm. A way for the founder to "bring vegetables back to the city" thanks to a productive technique that is "the most adapted to urban environments".
A 30% higher yield than open-ground crops
In addition to saving up to 90% of water thanks to the closed-circuit system, aeroponics allows for a 30% higher yield than open-ground crops and faster growth.
© Les Fermes Ionaka
The fruits and vegetables harvested are intended to supply the restaurant owners of the MIN. Eventually, the founder wishes to develop her concept and propose turnkey Ionaka farms for other structures such as local authorities, and public or private organizations.
For more information :
Les Fermes Ionaka
ionaka.fr