Area 2 Farms Selects Fairfax City for Second Location, Launches Innovative Urban Farm
FAIRFAX CITY, Va., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) and Area 2 Farms have announced a new partnership to bring a sustainable urban farm to Fairfax City. The Northern Virginia-based startup, which is reimagining the future of agriculture through hyper-local, soil-based farming, will open its newest location at 9571 Fairfax Boulevard by the end of the year.
Made possible through a zoning amendment approved by City Council in 2024 and a support grant from FCED, this project includes a 10-year lease for the property, $25,000 in Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (EDA) funding, and a commitment to transform the space through adaptive reuse. As part of the agreement, Area 2 Farms will invest in exterior improvements, including a public-facing mural that will enhance the visual identity and vibrancy of the Fairfax Circle intersection. The city's support builds on a foundation of strategic investment in sustainable agriculture and food system innovation, as exemplified by the EDA's $7,000 matching contribution to secure an AFID Planning Grant in 2024. This initiative not only revitalizes a long-vacant commercial site but also advances the city's goals to promote sustainability, pedestrian activity, and innovative investment in a key commercial activity center.
'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 Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read. 'It demonstrates the need for local governments 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. Area 2 Farms brings us a project that aligns with our core values on many levels and is a welcome addition to our city.'
The transformation of this location exemplifies Area 2 Farms' commitment to deconstructing the traditional food supply chain and reallocating underutilized spaces within communities. By bringing farms directly into urban areas, Area 2 Farms addresses critical issues such as supply chain fragility and lack of transparency in food production, and stronger relationships between farmers and the people they serve.
'We are incredibly excited to bring Area 2 Farms to Fairfax and to partner with a city that shares our vision,' said Oren Falkowitz, Founder and CEO of Area 2 Farms. 'This project perfectly embodies our mission to 'move the farm, not the food,' turning an underutilized space into a thriving hub for fresh, healthy produce and community engagement. The leadership shown by FCED officials in facilitating this project ushers in a new chapter of abundance for the local community.'
Following the success of its pilot farm in Arlington, VA—which has delivered over 20,000 harvests, welcomed over 1,000 customers, and hosted 1,500+ student visits the Fairfax City location marks the next step in the company's mission to connect people, places, and food in a meaningful way. Area 2 Farms also plans to deepen its community engagement through partnerships with Fairfax City public schools and local civic organizations.
The new Fairfax City farm will provide direct access to fresh, local, organic produce through Area 2 Farms' Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Community members will be able to enjoy a year-round supply of greens, microgreens, root vegetables, herbs, and specialty items, harvested at peak ripeness, often just minutes before they are taken home. The farm will also be coupled with Area 2 Farms' first farm stand, which will allow the local community to purchase fresh food, specialty items, and other value-added products that complement their offering.
'This project is a testament to what's possible when vision meets partnership,' said Christopher Bruno, CEO and Director of Fairfax City Economic Development. 'We didn't just fill a vacant lot; we challenged everyone to think differently about how space, sustainability, and community intersect. In doing so, FCED is showing that even a small city can lead with bold ideas. The result is more than an investment in a single property. This project represents an investment in education, health, the creation of place, and the kinds of collaborations that push the boundaries of what local government and business can achieve.
Area 2 Farms invites the Fairfax community to learn more about the new farm and join their CSA program by visiting area2farms.com/fairfax-farm.
About Fairfax City Economic Development Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City, and spearheads innovative programs and strategies devoted to positioning Fairfax City as an ideal location to start, grow, and scale a business. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at gofairfaxcity.com.
About Area 2 FarmsArea 2 Farms designs, builds, and operates local, organic, soil-based vertical farms. By embedding farms directly into the fabric of communities, Area 2 is working to transform how food is grown, delivered, and experienced in the U.S. Its mission is simple: move the farm, not the food.
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