Urban farm to open in Fairfax
Fairfax is getting a farm. It’s not a traditional farm, however; it’s an urban farm being developed as a partnership between Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) and Area 2 Farms.
The new farm will be located on a long-vacant site at 9571 Fairfax Boulevard at Fairfax Circle. FCED expects it to open by the end of 2025.
Area 2 Farms will cultivate year-round greens, microgreens, root vegetables, herbs, and specialty items.
The farm will offer a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, providing year-round fresh, organic produce. The site will also feature a farm stand, giving the community direct access to additional products.
Area 2 Farms runs a CSA out of its first urban farm in Arlington, offering members a weekly delivery of fresh, organic produce.
FCED is supporting the farm in Fairfax with a $25,000 grant and a 10-year lease. Area 2 Farms will invest in exterior improvements, including a mural designed to enhance the Fairfax Circle intersection and exterior site improvements.
According to FCED, the farm will serve as “a beacon for community engagement through localized farming and civic initiatives.” The agency says the project will “promote sustainability, pedestrian activity, and innovative investment in a key commercial activity center.”
The Fairfax City Council approved a zoning amendment in 2024 to facilitate the project.
“It’s ironic that we had to amend our zoning code to allow this type of agricultural use in a city and a region that was once rolling fields of farmland,” said City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine S. Read. “It demonstrates the need for local government to regularly reimagine land use in ways that support our priorities today and into the future. Our community cares about issues of environmental sustainability and educating consumers about the sources of the foods they eat.”
Sure am glad we’re focusing on the really important issues at Fairfax Circle like a urban farm:
I mean, it’s not like the current constant stream of homeless people jaywalk-meandering across traffic is a safety issue or anything.
But yes, urban farm. Very important.
What would you suggest is done to improve traffic safety in Fairfax Circle?
Art installations and hobby farm for hipsters? These will be perfect backdrop for homeless population while they urinate deficate in public. Is this why the Board gave themselves a raise and increased our property taxes? No wonder we lost so big in November. We support dumb ideas and expect to win?
Maybe if they are fed, they won’t be begging for your change <3
This is a great way to bring agriculture to an urban environment and utilize a vacant site. George Mason University also has a farm on campus that provides free fresh veg. More of this, please.
Hey Phil D Farmer – since your team supports dumb ideas and doesn’t win, why not get on the side of the team that has good ideas and wins? Stop complaining when the same people are elected to office over and over again and the results are the same. You do know what the definition of insanity is, don’t you?
What a great use for a vacant site! Bringing fresh farm fare year round to provide better nutrition for all in the area.
In the mid-1970’s my mom led an effort to reintroduce urban farming in Pennsylvania, calling to mind the Victory Gardens of WWII. She worked to have land set aside for community gardens and with the seed companies to distribute vegetable and fruit seeds for planting. When I initially moved to Arlington, I saw many stretches of unused street space set up for community gardening. Encouraging urban farming of any kind is a win – it’s a win for the residents, a win for the environment, and makes for a more enriched and interesting streetscape which serves as a magnet for more interesting businesses instead of endless rows of vape and phone shops.