Oko Farms

From the archive - our first year growing lemongrass. It was the beginning of growing crops that represent immigrant communities on our Aquaponics farm. So far, it has become a great way to connect with people, make aquaponics farming more accessible, and to re-discover my childhood cuisine. More importantly, its just awesome to see these vegetables + herbs grow in water. Our 6-week course explores various plants we’ve cultivated in the past 7 years on our farm. Link in bio... to learn more about the course. In the pic is @ristephens . Hi Ricky #aquaponics #lemongrass #farminginwater #freshfood #nycfarm #locallygrown #workshop See more

We post a lot about the plants we grow and not enough about our fish. The fish are an integral part of aquaponics and what makes this integrated farming system closer to traditional soil farming than hydroponics. We’ve raised a wide variety of fish, but by far our favorites are carp. Carp are various species of freshwater fish native to Asia. Various species of carp have been domesticated and reared as food fish across Europe and Asia for at least 2,000 years. Ornamental... fish like goldfish and koi belong to the carp family along with other edible members including common carp and mirror carp. We raise goldfish, koi and mirror carp. These fish are hardy, adaptable and omnivorous making them an excellent option for aquaponics especially if you embrace a more permaculture, Lo-TEK approach. Although it is edible carp are not commonly consumed in the U.S., they are eaten by millions around the world. This year, we’re expanding our mirror/common carp production. There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting which fish to raise. We select for adaptability and hardiness. Check out our 6 week course at www.okofarms.org. We an entire class dedicated to fish cultivation. #aquaponics #fish #carp #farminginwater #sustainableag #nycfarm #growyourownfood #urbanfarm #workshop See more

Excited to join these women leaders of La Newyorkina, Tanabel, Casa Dragones Tequila and MOFAD - Museum of Food and Drink - representing restaurants, food activism, recipe development for an engaging discussion about their career pathways, their day-to-day work and the key issues facing the food industry today. . To register: https://lmhq.nyc/events/women’s-breakfast-connecting-through-food #womenleaders... #foodactivism #womenwholead #foodjustice #sustainability See more

Looking forward to be a part of this panel discussion (THIS WEDS) with Lindsey Boylan for Manhattan DeliverZero FABSCRAP Sims Municipal Recycling Facility Lower East Side Ecology Center on moving towards a more efficient circular economy. Posted @withregram GreenHomeNYC Curious about new and exciting developments in the sustainable world? At our annual Green Catwalk you’ll hear rapid fire presentations from speakers who are redefining waste and moving towards a circular... economy. Jan 27th at 6:30pm ET Link in @greenhomenyc bio to register for FREE Interested in volunteering with GreenHomeNYC? our monthly volunteer orientation starts at 6p ET. #circulareconomy #sustainabledevelopment #onlineevents #zerowaste #savetheplanet #innovation #sustainabledesign #circulardesign

In the process of cataloguing the Lo-TEK inspirations for our new farm site. We define Lo-TEK as local, inexpensive, handmade, easily constructed systems embedded with traditional ecological knowledge, practices, and beliefs. Sawah Tambak (Rice-Fish Aquaculture) is an aqua farming system from Indonesia. This ancient system was created specifically to ensure food security in times of both extreme drought and flood. It includes year-round simultaneous production of rice and... fish (milkfish, common carp, freshwater prawns etc). In this system, species symbiosis is crucial and includes a diversity of aquatic life including zooplankton, roundworms and sometimes ducks. This symbiotic rice-fish system produces a high yield of crops that are nutritious, organic and economical to produce. The different species play various roles including pest control, fertilization, weed management and mosquitoes control. Sawah Tambak in Indonesia includes 12.5 thousand rice-fish farms that feed 15 thousand households. #aquaponics #farminginwater #foodsecurity #sustainability #indigenousfarming #localfood #farmtotable See more

Join us for our six-week Aquaponics Training Intensive program. Here is your opportunity to learn about this ancient eco-system method that combines plant production with fish cultivation. Each week focuses on a different aspect of aquaponics including microbiology, aquaculture, hydroponics, water quality parameters and system design. Learn more and sign up at www.okofarms.org... #aquaponics #sustainablefarming #nycfarm #locallygrown #farmtotable #farminginginwater #workshop #nonprofitsmatter

Don’t miss the next IG Live -Tues at 6pm ET - with special guest Ghetto Gastro Pierre Serrao. Pierre, co-founder of Ghetto Gastro, and Yemi will discuss creative ways the organization is addressing food insecurity in The Bronx and what they are doing now to raise awareness and get young people engaged. . #ghettogastro #foodjustice #foodinsecurity #urbanag #aquaponics #sustainability #fundraiser #okofarms #urbanfarming #urbanagriculture #regenerativeagriculture #womenwhofarm #fundraisingcampaign #brooklynfarms #nycfarm #foodjustice #foodsovereignty #womeninag #urbanagriculture #pleasedonate #donationswelcome #fundraiser #fundraising #nonprofitsofinstagram #nonprofitsoninstagram

Every Friday, a group of us get together to harvest for the farmers market on Saturdays. Its a fun get together of sorts that is a necessary part of our mission. More importantly, without the support of @baby___spinach our presence at the Maria Harnandez Park with @riseboronyc would not have been possible this year. The farm has been able to thrive and serve despite several challenges due to the endless support from @baby_spinach, @pansypao , @biologytud.ent @isanotissa, Ga...bby, Toyosi, Pedro and so many others. It truly takes a village and we are grateful for ours. ps: thanks @sincerelyvonnie for joining us this Friday #aquaponics #freshfood #sustainability #sustainable #nycfarm #farminginwater #locallygrown See more

Cooking with Jute leaves also known as Ewédú (Yoruba) or Molokhia (Middle East). It is a nutritious leafy green that is high in iron and vitamin C. Check out this quick way to cook Jute or any leafy vegetables you may be unfamiliar with. . Video credit: Isa Jamira . #juteleaves #jute #ewedu #molokhia #leafygreens ... #foodjustice #foodinsecurity #urbanag #aquaponics #sustainability #fundraiser #okofarms #urbanfarming #urbanagriculture #regenerativeagriculture #womenwhofarm #fundraisingcampaign #brooklynfarms #nycfarm #foodjustice #foodsovereignty #womeninag #urbanagriculture #pleasedonate #donationswelcome #fundraiser #fundraising See more

Working in the rain and packing nasturtium for this Saturday market at Maria Hernandez park. Nasturtium - native to Central and South America - is mostly appreciated for its beauty in the garden and sometimes for its ability to trap or repel insects. We have a tendency to underestimate a pretty face. What’s really special about this plant is its nutritional and medicinal properties. The flowers, stem and leaves are edible. The flavor is similar to radish, watercress or ...even mustard as it is a relative of the mustard family. It makes a beautiful and tasty addition to salads. It can be added to sandwiches and makes a delicious pesto. It is very high in Vitamin C, and is a great way to boost the immune system during the changing seasons. In South America, it is used to treat bladder ailments and for coughs, sore throat, and the flu. Apparently, it works best to chew the leaves every hour at the onset of a sore throat. You can also steep the leaves in hot water for tea. #aquaponics #freshfood #locallygrown #farminginwater #sustainability #sustainable #womeninag #nycfarm #nasturtium See more

Mint is one of the easiest plants to cultivate - persistent, unruly, resilient and generous. On our aquaponics farm, it is show stopper in the summer months, when it flowers and attracts a large number of pollinators. It is also one of the most versatile plants you can grow with culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. Pictured here is spearmint, not to be mistaken for peppermint. What’s the difference? Peppermint is a lot more minty (40% menthol) and less sweet than spearmi...nt (1%) which is mostly used for culinary purposes. Research has proven that both peppermint + spearmint have antiviral properties and can help to alleviate nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, cramps, sore throat, stress, and muscle pain. #aquaponics #mint #herbalmedicine #nycfarms #locallygrown #sustainability #growyourown #womenwhofarm See more

Thank you to Andrew Lim of New American Economy for a thought provoking IG Live on the role of immigrants in farming! . Key highlights shared: - Stories of refugees leaving home country due to conflict - and bringing their love of farming to the US - What it means to demand good affordable food... - Why we are so dependent on immigrant labor - How COVID forced us to pay attention to essential workers - Gov’t is far behind. There are entrenched interests. The system is structured not meant to protect workers - Challenges for small farmers - don’t have capital to modernize, to buy seed, etc. - Change needed at a societal level, structure of the society we value. - Need to make informed decisions about where food comes from - Need to elect representatives who care to change the status quo. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGTRrUElHDn/ . This is a part of our IG Live Fundraising Series. To donate to our GoFundMe, bit.ly/donatetookofarms - THANK YOU! . #newamericaneconomy #foodjustice #foodinsecurity #urbanag #aquaponics #sustainability #farmpolicy #fundraiser #okofarms #urbanfarming #urbanagriculture #regenerativeagriculture #womenwhofarm #fundraisingcampaign #brooklynfarms #nycfarm #foodjustice #foodsovereignty #womeninag #urbanagriculture #pleasedonate #donationswelcome #fundraiser #fundraising

This farming method uses fish poop to fertilize crops, feed urban communities, and protect the planet

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Harvest Festival with @weeksvilleheritagecenter a success. Special thanks to: @chef_sia for the food demo incorporating sweet potato greens. @sashaanniyah for the medicinal workshop featuring culinary herbs.... @hellokristie for the awesome children’s art activity. @minkabrooklyn for reiki, meditation and acupuncture. @isanotissa for the meditational video installation. @baby_spinach, Gabby and Yuli for holding down the farmers market. @flewzcoop for an incredible job organizing the event and @weeksvilleheritagecenter for being a wonderful partner. #gratitude #community #aquaponics #nycfarm #sustainability #festival #urbanfarming #wellness See more

Join us for our IG LIVE conversation this Tuesday at 6pm EST with Andrew Lim, Director of Research of New American Economy . New American Economy is a bipartisan research and advocacy organization fighting for smart federal, state, and local immigration policies that help grow our economy and create jobs for all Americans. . Yemi and Andrew will talk about the US food supply chain and the role of the immigrant workforce and their contributions throughout the food supply chain... - from planting, picking, packaging, transportation, manufacturing, groceries, to foodservice to restaurant workers. . #newamericaneconomy #immigrants #undocumented #immigration #foodjustice #foodinsecurity #urbanag #aquaponics #sustainability #fundraiser #okofarms #urbanfarming #urbanagriculture #regenerativeagriculture #fundraisingcampaign #brooklynfarms #nycfarm #foodjustice #foodsovereignty #urbanagriculture #pleasedonate #donationswelcome #fundraiser #fundraising #nonprofitsofinstagram #nonprofitsoninstagram See more

It was a BEAUTIFUL Day Weeksville Heritage Center to educate Brooklynites on wellness, make some amazing food, experience healing and create art. . THANK YOU to all who came out to support the festival! . Here are a few pic highlights to check out!... PLEASE go to our GoFundMe, bit.ly/donatetookofarms to support our fundraising efforts to help us move the farm and expand our programming to keep on educating the public on more sustainable farming practices. . #weeksvilleheritagecenter #farmersmarket #foodjustice #foodinsecurity #urbanag #aquaponics #sustainability #fundraiser #okofarms #urbanfarming #urbanagriculture #regenerativeagriculture #womenwhofarm #fundraisingcampaign #brooklynfarms #nycfarm #foodjustice #foodsovereignty #womeninag #urbanagriculture #pleasedonate #donationswelcome #fundraiser #fundraising #nonprofitsofinstagram #nonprofitsoninstagram .

***Bergamot/Bee balm - featured today at the Weeksville Harvest Festival*** We grow a wide variety of herbs because of they often serve multiple purposes - culinary, medicinal and pollinator attraction. They also love growing in water and are particularly fragrant in aquaponics. Wild bergamot also known as bee balm is a great example. Like the other herb ladies, she is quite popular with pollinators and makes a great herbal tea. Bergamot leaves are a natural source of thy...mol and can be used for a range of ailments including respiratory infections, fevers, headaches and insomnia. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. #aquaponics #farminginwater #herbs #nycfarm #womeninag #locallygrown #beebalm #bergamot #sustainability See more

It is amazing to see how plants can grow. These okra plants have surpassed my expectations. This was an experiment based on YouTube videos from a backyard aquaponics grower in Indonesia. #aquaponics #farminginwater #freshfood #nycfarm... #sustainable #urbanfarming See more

MINKA brooklyn practitioners will provide services and support for an afternoon of healing activations at Weeksville Heritage Center Harvest Festival titled "Rooting with Strength - Re-imagining Community and Self" on Sat, Oct. 10. Practitioners will facilitate onsite workshops with minimal speaking while creating space. . Taganyahu Swaby specializes in pain management through his acupuncture practice at clinics in the five boroughs. Having had firsthand experience with aut...oimmune illnesses he has had success treating Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn's. Insomnia, Psoriasis, Excema, Menstrual Irregularities, Depression, Thyroid Issues, Digestive Disorders and more. Having worked with children for years & being a parent he has treated his children and other children. . Taganyahu will lead: - 11am-12pm: Yang style Qi Gong - 12:30pm-1:30pm: Ear Acupuncture . Kiyama Monique offers her clients energy medicine and intuitive counsel that helps them dissolve debilitating patterns, boost their innate ability to heal, confidently embody their heart's wisdom, and evolve into their next grandest vision. Overall she seeks to serve as a catalyst for the remembrance and individual embodiment of our True Nature so that we create harmony within ourSelves, between One another, and with the Planet. . Kiyama will lead: - 12:30pm - 1:30pm: Mini Wellness Sessions of Reiki . Alisha Acquaye is a writer, community organizer, and artist. Alisha is particularly inspired by the creative and afrofuturistic methods black people use to reclaim their narratives, and the necessity of self-care as a formative weapon against oppression. . Alisha will lead: - 2pm-3pm: Creating New Love Languages in the Time of Change . #weeksvilleheritagecenter #okofarms #MINKA #selfcare #healing #spirituality #trauma #nonprofitsofinstagram #nonprofitsoninstagram #nonprofitsmatter See more

@sashaanniyah holding a bunch of bergamot leaves. Sasha will be hosting a workshop on using herbs for wellness this Saturday at @weeksvilleheritagecenter. Join us for the harvest festival from 10:00am-3:00pm. #festival #wellness #herbs #aquaponics #womeninag