Urban agriculture company Area 2 Farms is rolling out a nationwide franchise expansion to expand its hyper-local indoor farming model.
The company was founded in 2020 and its headquarters are in Arlington, Virginia. Its roots may have started further south. Area 2 Farms’ CEO, co-founder, and modern-day Oren Falkowitz grew up beside a citrus grove in Delray Beach, Fla., which was eventually shut down and redeveloped. Witnessing the loss shaped his perspective on the decline of local agriculture.
“Our guiding mantra is simple: ‘move the farm, NOT the food,’” he said. “I want to see an Area 2 Farms location within a 10-mile radius of 90% of the U.S. population, with local farmers serving as the beating heart of their communities.”
Each indoor farm requires less than 5,000 square feet (on average), and the franchise isn’t just for seasoned farmers. “We want people who see the incredible value in our proven, turnkey approach,” said Falkowitz.
Area 2 Farms uses soil-based farming techniques rather than hydroponics, which can limit crop diversity, and relies on a direct-to-consumer model to support local economies, similar to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). “Right now, we’re focused on what we grow, beautiful lettuces, vibrant greens, herbs, root vegetables, and microgreens,” said Falkowitz. “But it’s evolving. We fully expect to become an even greater, more comprehensive source of fresh, daily nutrition for the communities we serve.”
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A Franchise Designed for Local and National Impact
Area 2 Farms’ franchise model could help combat widespread food deserts in urban areas. According to the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas, more than 18.8 million Americans live in one. “Food deserts exist simply because the traditional supply chain decides it’s inefficient,” Falkowitz said. “I believe that high-quality, organic produce is a basic local staple, not some elite luxury. By empowering local entrepreneurs to step up as farmers, we’re building these farms directly inside the communities that want them most.””
Looking Ahead
The Virginia-based brand’s current franchise plans target South Florida, Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., Columbus, Ohio, Nashville, Tenn., and Austin, Texas. “Think of it as global change on a very local scale. It’s so much more than just agriculture. It’s a real opportunity to reshape how our cities look, feel, and function for generations to come,” said Falkowitz.
