A farmer in south suburban Mokena is on a mission to increase access to fresh produce. He's growing lush greens, herbs, and vegetables without soil, fertilizer, or even sunlight.
It's a process called hydroponic farming, and it's happening right here in the Chicagoland area. Derek Drake and Brad Schiever, co-founders of Ditto Foods, joined ABC7 Chicago to talk more about this new way of farming.
Drake said Ditto's produce are farmed without any pesticides or herbicides. He grows it all locally. Schiever said the farm grows about three acres of vegetables a year, and since it's indoors, winter does not affect the growing season. On top of their growing process, Ditto Foods is also available for purchase at Chicagoland grocery stores, and those outside Chicago can also purchase seedling starters to start growing hydroponic plants.
