December 29, 2015 | seedstock

It’s been another exciting year here at Seedstock, full of stories about people moving mountains to make their local food systems stronger.

We took a look back at some of our most-read stories for 2015. Enjoy, and see you in 2016!

5 Practical and Successful Vertical Farms

Vertical farms: the idea captures our imagination. We envision their upward-twisting frames nestled between the steel and chrome skyscrapers of the big city. Each floor overflows with plant life, bringing local food and a breath of fresh air to cities with a footprint smaller than any “horizontal” farm.

But is vertical farming practical, or just a fantasy?

Read more here.

From Farm to Fork and Back Again: New California Law Seeks to Close Food Waste Loop

California’s regulations governing organic food waste became more stringent on September 28, 2014, as Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1826 into law.  The law requires commercial generators of food waste to have it composted or transformed to energy via anaerobic digestion.

Read more here.

The Little Library That Could: Advocates Change Seed Exchange Laws in Minnesota

Minnesota’s first public seed library, held at theDuluth Public Library, came to the attention of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture after the story was picked up by the Associated Press in late 2014. But not in a good way. After 200 people exchanged around 800 packets of seed, the library was informed by the Department that Minnesota statute 21.80-21.92 prohibited the exchange of non-commercial seeds. The library was breaking the law.

Read more here.

Singapore Urban Farm Design Looks to Engage Active Seniors

A new paradigm for senior living is rising in famously lavish Singapore—one in which baby boomers can age in a comfortable environment that aids their mental and physical wellbeing through growing their own food.

Read more here.

Six U.S. Correctional Facilities With ‘Farm to Prison’ Local Food Sourcing Programs

Here is a list of six farm-to-prison programs that are making a difference in the lives of the incarcerated by sourcing from local vendors, and in some instances, even growing their own produce.

Read more here. 

10 Places to Learn to Be A Farmer Across the Nation

he average age of American farmers is 58.3 years, according to the U.S. Census of Agriculture. Young farmers are needed, and those who are inexperienced have a variety of farmer training programs (many of them focusing on sustainability) to choose from.

Read more here.

Can Aquaponics Thrive in the Midwest? Indiana Startup Bets On It

How can a cold, Midwestern state grow organic produce all year, while also providing fresh fish to the local community?

Read more here.

Food Waste to Energy: Louisville, Kentucky Food Hub Plans Onsite Power Plant

A food hub is in the works for the west side of Louisville, Kentucky, but it’s no ordinary food hub. Organizers also envision an onsite power plant, consisting of an anaerobic digester that would turn waste into methane gas.

Read more here.

Instead of a Golf Course, a Farm is the Centerpiece of a New North Carolina Subdivision

Imagine a housing development built around green space. But instead of a golf course or park, a farm is at the community’s centerpiece. This concept is becoming reality in Durham, North Carolina.

Read more here.

New York City’s Edenworks Advances Urban Aquaponics with Custom Ecosystems

New York City resident Jason Green wanted good local produce available in his city on a year-round basis. Concluding that other New Yorkers wanted the same thing, he addressed this insufficiency with aquaponics.

Read more here.