Key Takeaways:
- Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) supports a new sustainable urban farm by Area 2 Farms at 9571 Fairfax Boulevard.
- The project includes a 10-year lease, $25,000 in EDA funding, and exterior site improvements, including a public mural.
- The farm will offer a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, providing year-round local produce.
- The initiative transforms a vacant commercial property while promoting sustainability and local food access.
- FCED and Area 2 Farms aim to strengthen connections between urban residents and local food production.
Fairfax City Economic Development and Area 2 Farms’ Partnership Overview
Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) and Area 2 Farms have partnered to bring a new urban farm to Fairfax City, scheduled to open by the end of 2025 at 9571 Fairfax Boulevard. The project was made possible by a zoning amendment approved in 2024 and city support through the Economic Development Authority (EDA). Funding includes a $25,000 contribution from the EDA, alongside a 10-year lease agreement. Area 2 Farms will invest in exterior improvements, including a mural designed to enhance the Fairfax Circle intersection.
Project Goals and Community Impact
The new farm will provide fresh, local produce through the farms’ CSA program, offering year-round greens, microgreens, root vegetables, herbs, and specialty items. The site will also feature the company’s first farm stand, giving the community direct access to additional products.
FCED said the project aligns with city goals to revitalize underutilized spaces, support sustainability, and increase pedestrian activity. The initiative builds on prior investments in local food system innovation, including the city’s 2024 AFID Planning Grant.
Statements from Fairfax City Economic Development and Area 2 Farms’Leadership
Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read said the project shows the importance of reimagining land use to support modern priorities. “Our community cares about issues of environmental sustainability and educating consumers about the sources of the foods they eat. Area 2 Farms brings us a project that aligns with our core values on many levels,” she said.
Oren Falkowitz, Founder and CEO of Area 2 Farms, added, “This project perfectly embodies our mission to ‘move the farm, not the food,’ turning an underutilized space into a hub for fresh produce and community engagement.”
Christopher Bruno, CEO and Director of FCED, said, “We didn’t just fill a vacant lot; we challenged everyone to think differently about how space, sustainability, and community intersect. This project represents an investment in education, health, the creation of place, and collaboration.”
