If we’ve learned anything from COVID-19, it’s that you can’t rely on fast shipping, especially when it comes to food products. Food shortages were not something many people thought possible for America—until they began happening all over the country.

The problem? Our dependence on foreign imports and lack of support for small-scale, domestic farmers. Global supply chains are incredibly fragile. Monoculture farming (large farms that grow one product, like corn or wheat) is less healthy than growing multiple crops and destroys acres of formerly arable soil. Shipping fruits and vegetables cross-country produces a tremendous amount of food and emission waste—and produce arrives less nutritious and less tasty.

The antidote to globalization? Hyper-localism. As traditional agriculture becomes less and less feasible in and around cities, agricultural experts are looking to hyper-localized social commerce solutions that incorporate fresh produce into building plans and foster urban communities. Urban agriculture is the amenity of the future. Here’s why it’s essential for your Atlanta property.

What is Hyper-Localism?

It sounds way more complicated than it is. Hyper-localism is a term borrowed from journalism that means coverage of small, local events. As a social marketing tactic, hyperlocal refers to targeting and listening to small, specialized consumer groups. It’s about really getting to know the people who buy from you. When it comes to food sourcing, hyper-localism means growing produce nearby or even on-property.

These strategies go hand-in-hand in building a community around your commercial or multi-unit residential Atlanta property.

All over the country, new properties are looking for ways to incorporate agriculture into their amenities. It’s more than landscape design—it’s urban farming. Stack House Apartments in Seattle incorporated a community garden into a rooftop terrace space. Brooklyn Grange operates the world’s largest rooftop farming operation, growing 100,000 pounds of produce each year. Here in Atlanta, Copiana is the only company in the country that provides properties and commercial spaces with aeroponic tower farms. Across America, building-integrated agriculture is the next big thing.

Benefits of Localism

Localism is the idea that focusing on the specific community needs is healthier and more sustainable than globalization. Paying attention to what’s local makes you more aware of your tenants' needs, which builds community and makes tenants and clients feel more connected to your space.

Urban farming brings that message home. To provide food reliably and sustainably to urban space, we need to rely on food from across town rather than across the world. Local produce is better for the community and the environment.

How to Make Local Produce a Property Amenity

Copiana is uniquely positioned to bring the amenity of fresh produce to your property.

We're looking to remake the food supply model in favor of hyper-local, seasonal, year-round produce at its nutritional peak. We can do that anywhere, with no soil, 10% of the water, and 90% less space than traditional farming.

Vertical farming works for all types of fruits and vegetables—anything that grows above ground. This means lots of greens and herbs, but also tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. We can grow indoor or outdoor all year long, and every four weeks or so, your tenants get fresh produce. The best part? We do it all for you: installation, maintenance, and even harvest and event planning.

Get a first-hand look at how our aeroponic towers impact a property’s sense of community here:

Copiana Harvests

Our monthly harvest events provide a unique way for a community to gather and harvest the produce they’ve watched grow. Our harvest team literally picks produce off the vine and hands it to tenants—talk about hyperlocal! And they’re not shy about sharing their love for produce either. Jackie Greene, Copiana’s Vice President of Business Development, says, “One of my favorite things about Copiana is how passionate our team members are about explaining to others why fresh, local produce is very important.”

Our events go beyond simply gathering fresh greens. This winter, we held a coat drive for The East Lake YMCA. Later in the spring, we’ll set up herb-infused lemonade stands at harvest events using herbs from your towers. In the summer, we like to move your towers outdoors to get some sun, giving your property a unique landscaping feature. Our aeroponic tower farms help you make the most of your property. Take it from one of our clients:

 

"Our partnership with Copiana has allowed us to create an urban farming environment that our tenants and guests can enjoy. Tenants say they enjoy watching our six towers grow right within our courtyard area. With Copiana as our service partner, we have been able to enhance the sense of community among our valued tenants."

Grace Meyers, RPA®

Vice President, Property Management, MadisonMarquette

 

That sense of community is key to retaining valuable, long-term tenants and high occupancy rates for your Atlanta property. Are you interested in growing your property value by creating a hyperlocal food environment that boosts participation and fosters social engagement? Get in touch with us to learn more about the customized solutions Copiana can provide for you.