Brussels, Belgium – January 25, 2026 — In the vibrant Ixelles district of Brussels, a transformative wave of urban agriculture is taking root, with 50 innovative vertical farms set to reshape local food production. Secured through a €10 million EU grant announced last month, this initiative promises to elevate organic yields by 30% across the district by the end of 2026, fostering fresher produce and stronger community ties.
The project, spearheaded by the Ixelles Urban Agriculture Collective (IUAC) in partnership with local innovators like Urban Harvest and Eclo, installs compact vertical farming units on rooftops, warehouse walls, and underutilised courtyards. These multi-tiered systems, reaching heights of up to four metres, employ hydroponic techniques that recirculate nutrient-rich water, slashing usage by nearly 90% compared to field-grown crops. “This marks a milestone for sustainable living in our neighbourhood,” said Marie Dupont, IUAC coordinator and lifelong Ixelles resident. “Residents will harvest microgreens, baby herbs, and strawberries right from their building’s facade, turning concrete spaces into thriving green oases.”
Ixelles, known for its bustling cafes, art galleries, and diverse markets, has long embraced green initiatives. The new farms build on successes like Delhaize’s rooftop greenhouse in the area, where fresh basil and tomatoes thrive year-round. Now, with EU backing, the scale expands dramatically. Each of the 50 units—equipped with precision LED lighting, automated climate controls, and compostable cellulose substrates—will produce up to 1,000 units of organic greens monthly. Collective output could reach 50,000 units, supplying nearby restaurants, organic shops such as Färm, and community-supported agriculture groups like GASAP.
Local chefs are already enthusiastic. At ChezWawa in Ixelles, head chef Lucas Moreau plans to feature the farms’ output in daily specials. “The proximity means unparalleled freshness—no transport emissions, peak flavour, and support for our local economy,” Moreau noted during a recent site preview. The farms also prioritise crop variety, including nutrient-dense microgreens grown in circular systems that repurpose brewery byproducts, echoing Eclo’s mushroom cultivation in nearby Anderlecht.
Community engagement forms the heartbeat of the project. Starting this spring, IUAC will host free workshops at sites like the former Ateliers des Tanneurs, teaching residents hydroponic basics and permaculture principles. Families, schools, and corporate teams from firms like Nimaculteurs will tend shared plots, promoting social bonds and hands-on education. “We’ve seen rooftop gardens boost employee wellbeing; these vertical farms take that further, creating shared abundance,” remarked Stéphane De Swaef, a permaculture advisor involved in the rollout.
Environmentally, the benefits ripple outward. Vertical farming enhances urban biodiversity, improves air quality through natural filtration, and regulates microclimates in densely packed Ixelles streets. By 2026, the 30% yield increase—verified through pilot data from Urban Harvest’s strawberry systems—will reduce reliance on imported organics, cutting food miles and bolstering Brussels’ resilience to supply disruptions. Co-founders Alexandre van Deun and Olivier Paulus of Urban Harvest highlighted the scalability: “Our no-nonsense designs ensure high yields in minimal space, perfect for city districts like Ixelles.”
The EU grant, part of a broader push for resilient food systems, underscores Brussels’ leadership in urban innovation. Funds cover installation, training, and maintenance for five years, with IUAC matching contributions from district businesses. Early adopters include the Delta hospital campus and fashion outlet Caméléon, where rentable slots mirror successful models like Peas & Love.
Residents report heightened optimism. At a January community forum, 85% of attendees endorsed the farms, citing easier access to affordable organics amid rising living costs. “It’s not just food; it’s a lifestyle upgrade—healthier meals, greener views, and pride in our district,” shared pensioner Elena Rossi, who volunteered for the first planting day on 15 February.
As construction begins next week, Ixelles stands as a beacon of progress. These vertical farms weave sustainability into daily life, yielding not only crops but a brighter, more connected future for Brussels’ beating heart.
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Image Credit: Photo by Jean-Paul Colemonts on Pexels
