Urban Farming Advanced Research and Management (UFARM) Project: A New Era for Urban Agriculture in Cleveland

A Vision for the Future 

Imagine a city where abandoned lots and rooftops of industrial warehouses transform into thriving farms, where cutting-edge drones hover above fields of leafy greens, and where urban neighborhoods once plagued by food deserts enjoy access to fresh, locally grown produce. This is not a distant dream—it is the bold vision of the Urban Farming Advanced Research and Management (UFARM) program, spearheaded by the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) in collaboration with Parallax Advanced Research 

“Parallax/OAI is honored to be moving this initiative forward with LANDWERX as a key partner,” said Dennis Andersh, CEO and President of Parallax Advanced Research / The Ohio Aerospace Institute. “This relationship combines the expertise and commitment of the two organizations to make meaningful progress in urban farming happen faster through a broader reach of resources and capabilities.” 

With strong support from Congresswoman Shontel Brown, an investment from the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Congressionally Identified Projects Program is propelling UFARM to revolutionize urban agriculture in Cleveland. By integrating advanced technology with innovative farming techniques, this initiative will not only enhance food security but also revitalize communities, transforming forgotten spaces into hubs of sustainability and productivity.  

Reimagining Urban Agriculture 

Cleveland, like many cities across the country, faces a food crisis. Vast swaths of the city are classified as food deserts, where residents struggle to access fresh fruits and vegetables. Traditional farming methods, with their heavy reliance on space and resources, simply don’t fit into the urban landscape. This is where UFARM steps in, offering a groundbreaking approach that blends modern technology with agriculture. 

UFARM is bringing to life innovations that will further the efficiency of urban farming, and lead to a more productive and sustainable future. It is using drones equipped with high-tech sensors to monitor crop health in real-time, ensuring that every plant gets the exact nutrients and water it needs,  manages robots to efficiently tend rooftop gardens, reducing waste while maximizing yield, and allows for the creation of repurposed warehouses brimming with vertical farms— structures of hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic systems growing an abundance of produce in climate-controlled environments. 

A Multi-Phased Approach to Change 

UFARM is not just about farming—it’s about creating a sustainable system that benefits the entire community. The project unfolds in several key phases: 

Technology Meets Sustainability 

What makes UFARM truly revolutionary is its integration of cutting-edge aerospace technology into agriculture. Advanced sensor networks will monitor soil conditions, optimizing the use of water and nutrients. Automated irrigation systems will ensure that not a single drop is wasted. High-speed 5G networks and artificial intelligence will process real-time data, predicting crop yields and fine-tuning growing conditions for maximum efficiency. 

Indoor farms, while incredibly productive, are often energy intensive. That’s why UFARM is leveraging Parallax and OAI’s expertise in aerospace energy systems to develop sustainable solutions for reducing electricity consumption. By optimizing energy use, the project aims to make vertical farming not only viable but scalable on a national level. 

More Than Just Farming—A Community Movement 

Beyond the technology and innovation, the initiative aims to create lasting social and economic change. By repurposing vacant lots and rooftops, it will breathe new life into struggling neighborhoods. The fresh produce these efforts will deliver to food-insecure communities will help to promote health and well-being. UFARM's efforts to engage students and educators in STEM-focused urban agriculture programs will inspire a new generation of innovators. 

Through hands-on workshops, educational presentations, and public engagement efforts, UFARM will ensure that the knowledge gained through this initiative doesn’t just stay in Cleveland—it spreads far and wide, influencing urban agriculture efforts across the nation.