In photographer Valery Rizzo
Brooklyn, New York
I’m a portrait and lifestyle photographer with a special interest in urban agriculture, which led me to co-edit Urban Farmers book with gestalten: an informative and inspiring overview on the contemporary practice of urban agriculture around the world – from commercial farms to community and homestead gardens. I live and grew up in Park Slope, a historic neighborhood in Brooklyn. With its tree lined blocks, most buildings have backyards one next to the other, creating a special slice of nature within their center. I started growing my garden several years ago, after the landlord of my building could no longer take care of the space.
A safe haven and learning space where I grow in raised beds and BACSACplanters: vegetables, edible flowers, herbs, together with pollinator perennials – from both seeds and seedlings. This year, I grew ten different types of tomatoes, peppers, okra, fennel, pole beans, borage, herbs, dahlias, aztec marigolds and other flowers.
Besides learning and enjoying how to grow my own food, I love to shop organic & locally grown produce at local urban farm stands and also belong to a member-owned and operated food coop which supports non-toxic, sustainable agriculture and minimally processed healthful foods.
Here are 3 inspiring NYC farms I documented in the book Urban Farmers Not only do these farms provide access to fresh produce, but they also create jobs, build communities, educate the youth, advocate for food justice... bringing much needed positive change in our city.
BROOKLYN GRANGE
They were one of the first urban farms I photographed, and most definitely are responsible for my interest in photographing urban agriculture. With three locations atop industrial buildings in New York City, Brooklyn Grange has created a revolutionary rooftop model, their goals are to grow food, increase green space and build community through urban farming education. My favorite thing from Brooklyn Grange: their mixed salad greens!
@brooklyngrange
OKO FARMS
Oko Farms Oko Farms is an Aquaponics Farm + Education company in Brooklyn. They operate NYC’s only two publicly accessible aquaponics farms, which cultivate vegetables and freshwater fish together in a recirculating aquatic ecosystem. My favorite thing from Oko Farms: their dye plants and the lemongrass!
@okofarms
EDGEMERE FARM
What was an abandoned city-owned lot by the beach in the Edgemere neighborhood of Far Rockaway, Queens, has been converted into a lush space where well kept rows of sustainably grown vegetables, flowers and herbs thrive. My favorite thing about Edgemere Farm: the people and the vibe!
@edgemerefarm
+ SHOP
“Once you know how to buy fresh produce and how to cook it, you should probably know how to grow it too.”
Yemi Amu, co-founder of Oko Farms
From the book Urban Farmers, co-édité par Valery Rizzo, publié by gestalten, textes de Mónica R. Goya.
