In the heart of Burlington, Vermont, a community-driven initiative is redefining local food production and sustainability. Village Hydroponics is harnessing hydroponic technology to cultivate fresh, nutrient-rich produce all year round—even through Vermont’s harsh winter months.
A Mission Rooted in Community and Sustainability
At its core, Village Hydroponics is more than just a farm; it is a mission-driven organization committed to food justice and environmental sustainability. By growing produce in a controlled environment within shipping containers, Village Hydroponics extends the growing season and ensures a steady supply of fresh food when traditional farms are dormant.
The project emerged from the success of two community-based initiatives, The Peoples Farmstand and The Peoples Kitchen, which provide culturally relevant, nutritious vegetables to underserved communities. Recognizing the need for a reliable year-round produce source, Village Hydroponics was created to address food insecurity and empower the local community.
“Our goal at Village Hydroponics is to provide fresh, culturally relevant produce to our community year-round, regardless of the season. By using hydroponic technology, we not only reduce water use and carbon emissions but also create a more resilient local food system. We want to empower people with access to nutritious food while demonstrating that sustainable agriculture is possible even in challenging climates,” says Executive Director Nour El-Naboulsi.
Climate Resilience Through Innovation
One of the key elements that sets Village Hydroponics apart is its emphasis on climate resilience. The use of shipping containers as growing spaces allows the organization to circumvent climate-related challenges that traditional farms face. This approach not only reduces Vermont’s reliance on imported produce—cutting down food miles and carbon emissions—but also leverages Burlington’s commitment to renewable energy to power operations efficiently.
Additionally, hydroponic farming methods used by Village Hydroponics consume up to 90% less water than conventional agriculture, offering a sustainable solution to water conservation while ensuring food security.
Advancing Food Justice in Burlington
Beyond its environmental impact, Village Hydroponics is deeply committed to food justice. By providing access to fresh, healthy produce throughout the year, the organization is actively working to bridge the gap in food accessibility for Burlington’s underserved populations. El-Naboulsi refined the selection of crops to focus on what families would enjoy most. Some of the crops grown at Village Hydroponics include arugula, cilantro, bok choy, Nepal mustard greens, and Swiss chard.
Through mutual aid efforts and partnerships with local organizations, Village Hydroponics distributes its produce where it is needed most, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all.
Looking Ahead: A Model for the Future
Village Hydroponics serves as a model for sustainable local food production, combining technology with social impact to create a resilient food system. As they continue to grow, they are exploring opportunities to expand their reach and collaborate with other organizations to further their mission. Looking ahead, El-Naboulsi envisions offering in-person and online workshops on hydroponic growing and securing additional grants to expand Village Hydroponics’ reach and impact.
Join us on Tuesday, March 11, from 3:00–5:00 PM PST at Vivid Canopy at Indoor Ag-Con 2025 to connect with Nour El-Naboulsi, a passionate advocate for diversity in controlled environment agriculture! El-Naboulsi will be part of an engaging panel discussion, sharing insights on fostering inclusivity and innovation in the industry. After the panel, take advantage of the networking round robin to meet El-Nabouls and other professionals, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities in CEA. Don’t miss this chance to build meaningful connections and be part of a more diverse and dynamic industry!
