OKO FARMS TURNS 10 THIS YEAR!! 🥳

In 2013, we established our first farm site in Bushwick, Brooklyn with the mission to demonstrate aquaponics as a sustainable farming technique that increases food security and mitigates the impact of climate change. For the past decade, we've carried out that mission and expanded it to include spreading the knowledge and skills to practice aquaponics.

As the only publicly accessible and outdoor aquaponics farm in New York City, Oko Farms engage a diverse range of people and communities by exposing them to the powerful potential of urban aquaponics farming. Our farm is an urban oasis that features a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers growing in water alongside freshwater fish in a recirculating ecosystem that conserves water.

Oko Farms strives to move beyond maintaining our work towards increasing the potential of our impact and the longevity of the organization itself. Your contribution will directly contribute to the following four goals:

Beyond River Street: Securing our next location: Our River Street location is not permanent! This 10,000 square foot site on the Williamsburg waterfront has proven our capacity to grow in both food production and programming. Your gift will support the operation of our current farm and allocate resources towards a new farm-site and a seamless transition for our 400+ fish and the aquaponics systems that ensure reciprocal well-being for our plants, too.
Increasing production for our Food Donation Program: In 2022, our first full farm season at our Williamsburg farm, we donated 450 pounds of freshly harvested fish and produce to our community. In 2023 we expect that number to double.Our partner, One Love Community Fridge, distributes our produce through community fridges all over New York City. Your donation will support Oko Farms in reaching our projected impact of 1,500 lbs of produce in 2024, along with an increase in programming that connects community members to aquaponics as an accessible and environmentally sustainable method of growing food.
Further the reach of accessible Aquaponics Education: As the only publicly accessible outdoor aquaponics farm in NYC, we engage community members through farm tours, aquaponics education workshops, and youth internships. Funds raised through the campaign will grow the reach of our programming by covering the costs of Title 1 school farm tours, BIPOC scholarships for aquaponics intensive workshops, paid internships for local low-income youth, and remote educational opportunities for people around the world.
Farms to Communities: For Oko Farms, success is ensuring that vulnerable communities have the tools to grow food for themselves in the face of increasing economic and environmental uncertainties. Increasing food production and accessible education are steps we take towards this greater vision. In 2024 we aim to increase our capacity to consult with local communities and organizations on developing and maintaining their own aquaponics systems.

We could not have gotten to where we are today without our entire ecosystem of supporters; our team, our board, funders, visitors from near and far, teachers, students, workshop participants, volunteers, and beyond. We have seen the ripple effect of our work; empowering individuals and communities around the world to grow their own food and contribute to a world that cares for plants, animals, and community members mutually.

Oko Farms' 10-Year Anniversary Fundraising Campaign

Towards food security, climate change mitigation & longevity

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