Vatel Bordeaux embraces urban farming

We take this opportunity to announce that Vatel cultivates its own plants and aromatic herbs.

Urban farming: what is it?

It is the practice of producing fruits and vegetables and other plants in or around a city. The plants could grow on roofs, in squares or in public spaces under the form of gardens.

Vatel Bordeaux: Urban farming, an integrated practice

Vatel Bordeaux has adopted urban farming since September 2019, with the aim of prioritizing farm-to-table products, reducing packaging and air pollution. The terrace of the Marco Polo lounge now offers a dedicated space to the urban permaculture. The herbs, plants and vegetables cultivated in this space are used by chef Adrien Ferra at Tables Vatel.

Vatel Bordeaux - urban farming - La Kanopée

Growing plants in a city: what are the techniques?

François Millet brings forward four techniques, as hallmarks of urban farming:

Aquaponics: Plants are cultivated outside the soil, on an elevated base composed of clay pebbles and irrigated by water sourced from an aquarium with fish in it.

Aeroponics: It is a soilless form of cultivating plants

Hydroponics: It is the practice of growing plants without using soil, thanks to a pump that constantly circulates water. Plants absorb the nutrients they need and the water goes back into the tank, to get ready for another round of pumping.

Hydroponics: It is the practice of growing plants without using soil, thanks to a pump that constantly circulates water. Plants absorb the nutrients they need and the water goes back into the tank, to get ready for another round of pumping.

Agriculture in the city: all the hype

Urban farming is practiced by 800 million people worldwide according to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation). In Bordeaux city, the number of collective gardens is now 228 . Municipalities, associations and companies like Kanopée Koncept or « l’Autre Campagne » are joining this trend.

The residents, members of associations and employees aim to accomplish these steps:

Eat in a healthier manner and more affordably
Protect the environment by prohibiting pesticides and reducing water waste, according to Sandra Charetiers , aquaponics uses 80 to 90% less water.
Create social bonds and social diversity

Due to the increasing pace of urbanization, urban farming will continue to develop in the coming decades, and Vatel Bordeaux is proud to set a good example.