See the abandoned warehouse that transformed into a job-creating organic farm in Detroit's Brightmoor

"Resilience" is a word that comes up a lot at VEJ.

It's easy enough to talk about it, but how do you do it? Where do you go to see an example of it? 

One of the most amazing examples of resilience (and resourcefulness) you will find anywhere just happens to be in a plain industrial building in Detroit's Brightmoor neighborhood. 

That building, once a blighted and crumbling warehouse, is now home to Artesian Farms, one of the country's fastest-growing hydroponic organic food businesses. Artesian Farms leafy greens make it into grocery stores and onto plates at restaurants all over southeast Michigan and beyond. And while leafy greens are growing at Artesian Farms, so are career and job opportunities for the people of the Brightmoor neighborhood.

Read more about Artesian Farms here:

• Brightmoor's Artesian Farms and the power of impact investing (Model D, Oct. 2016)
• Vertical farming sprouts in Detroit's Brightmoor district (Detroit Free Press, May 2015)

"The story of Artesian Farms hits all the right notes," said VEJ executive director BT Irwin. "It shows that you don't have to choose between economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. They can go hand in hand, even in a neighborhood that has to overcome a lot of negative inertia and real barriers to growth."

That's why VEJ is pleased to be hosting its first-ever Eco-Eating Tour at Artesian Farms on Saturday, March 23. Artesian Farms founder Jeff Adams will lead this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and tell the story of how he started the farm in an abandoned warehouse. 

Tickets for this rare inside look at one of the country's most innovative food businesses are $20. Proceeds support VEJ's educational, outreach, and volunteer programs. 

Click here to get your tickets.