Area 2 Farms to launch second urban farm in Fairfax City, transforming long-vacant site into sustainable agriculture hub

Area 2 Farms, a Northern Virginia-based startup focused on hyper-local, soil-based farming, is partnering with Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) to open a new sustainable urban farm at 9571 Fairfax Boulevard by the end of 2025. The project, supported by a Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (EDA) grant and a 10-year lease agreement, will convert a long-vacant commercial site at Fairfax Circle into a year-round agricultural and community space.

How the Fairfax City project fits into a broader urban agriculture trend

The Fairfax City farm represents more than a local economic development initiative—it aligns with a national movement toward reimagining food systems through urban agriculture. In recent years, cities across the U.S. have been repurposing vacant commercial and industrial properties into food production hubs to shorten supply chains, reduce transportation emissions, and increase community access to fresh produce. This shift has been driven by both consumer demand for locally grown food and the recognition that traditional supply chains are vulnerable to disruptions, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fairfax City’s 2024 zoning amendment, which made this agricultural use possible, mirrors similar policy adjustments in municipalities nationwide. The decision underscores how local governments are rethinking land use to accommodate climate resilience, food security, and sustainable development priorities.

Details of the investment and site transformation

The project’s financial package includes $25,000 in EDA funding, a 10-year property lease, and a commitment by Area 2 Farms to invest in exterior upgrades, including a large public-facing mural designed to improve the visual identity of Fairfax Circle. This site enhancement strategy is intended to position the farm not only as a food production facility but as a landmark destination.

Fairfax City’s support builds on earlier sustainable agriculture initiatives, such as its $7,000 matching contribution in 2024 to secure an Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Planning Grant. That grant provided the groundwork for developing food system innovations that are now coming to fruition with the Area 2 Farms expansion.

Christopher Bruno, CEO and Director of Fairfax City Economic Development, framed the initiative as a bold example of municipal innovation. “We didn’t just fill a vacant lot; we challenged everyone to think differently about how space, sustainability, and community intersect,” Bruno said. “This project represents an investment in education, health, and the creation of place.”

Area 2 Farms’ model and mission

Founded with a mission to “move the farm, not the food,” Area 2 Farms specializes in soil-based growing methods optimized for compact urban spaces. Its farms grow leafy greens, root vegetables, herbs, and specialty crops in controlled environments, enabling year-round harvests without reliance on long-haul transportation.

The company’s first site in Arlington, Virginia, has already produced more than 20,000 harvests, served over 1,000 customers, and hosted 1,500 student visits. By bringing production closer to consumers, the company addresses multiple urban challenges: lack of transparency in food sourcing, reduced freshness due to shipping, and limited availability of organic produce in certain neighborhoods.

CEO and Founder Oren Falkowitz emphasized that the Fairfax City partnership reflects shared values between the municipality and the company. “This project perfectly embodies our mission to turn underutilized spaces into thriving hubs for fresh produce and community engagement,” Falkowitz said.

Community engagement and education

The Fairfax City farm will integrate a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, giving members weekly or biweekly shares of seasonal produce harvested at peak ripeness. In addition to the CSA model, the new site will include the company’s first farm stand, offering on-demand produce purchases, specialty goods, and value-added items.

Area 2 Farms also plans to deepen its outreach through partnerships with Fairfax City Public Schools and local civic groups. These collaborations will involve student farm tours, agricultural workshops, and nutrition education programs aimed at fostering early awareness of sustainable food systems.

Linking urban agriculture to health and economic impact

The benefits of localized farming go beyond environmental sustainability. Urban farms like Area 2’s can contribute to improved public health by increasing access to fresh produce, which supports dietary diversity and helps address “food deserts” in underserved areas. Moreover, the adaptive reuse of vacant sites contributes to neighborhood revitalization, raising property values, attracting foot traffic, and supporting adjacent retail businesses.

Economic studies on urban agriculture have shown that even small-scale farms can create a ripple effect in local economies. Beyond the direct jobs created for farm staff, supply purchases, transportation, marketing, and event hosting generate additional economic activity. Fairfax City officials expect this project to become a model for how small municipalities can integrate food production into economic development plans without large land footprints.

Expert and market sentiment

While Area 2 Farms is a privately held company and does not disclose financial data, its growth trajectory and expansion into Fairfax City suggest investor confidence in the scalability of hyper-local agriculture. Analysts tracking food innovation trends note that startups combining environmental, social, and technological solutions—particularly those tackling supply chain inefficiencies—are attracting attention from both venture capital and impact investment funds.

In the context of Northern Virginia’s competitive innovation ecosystem, which already includes major hubs for clean tech and agtech research, the Fairfax City project adds to the region’s reputation for fostering high-impact, sustainability-focused ventures. Early sentiment from urban planning and agricultural policy circles has been positive, with observers pointing to the project as a case study in integrating agricultural production into dense, mixed-use areas.

Strategic positioning in a growing sector

Urban agriculture remains a relatively small segment of the overall food production industry but is expanding rapidly. According to the USDA, controlled-environment agriculture and urban farming have seen double-digit annual growth rates in the last decade. This growth has been driven by technological advances in growing systems, heightened consumer awareness, and municipal policies encouraging local food production.

Area 2 Farms’ soil-based approach distinguishes it from many vertical farm operators that rely solely on hydroponics or aeroponics. Advocates argue that soil-based systems can produce crops with richer nutrient profiles and flavor complexity while maintaining operational efficiency.

What’s next for Area 2 Farms and Fairfax City

With the Fairfax site slated to open by year-end, the focus will shift toward construction, community outreach, and integrating the farm into local food networks. Officials hope the farm will serve as a springboard for additional sustainable development initiatives in the city.

Industry observers expect Area 2 Farms to continue exploring partnerships with municipalities seeking to revitalize unused properties while addressing food security challenges. Should this model prove financially sustainable, it could pave the way for replication in similar suburban-urban contexts nationwide.

Fairfax City leaders have indicated that the farm’s performance could influence future zoning considerations, potentially opening the door for more agricultural uses in urbanized settings. In that sense, the project is not just about farming—it’s about reshaping the regulatory and cultural framework around what cities can be.