Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Boychuk.
Tracy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The Roof Crop grows food on roofs. Started in 2013, our first green roof farm was installed and planted on our HQ in West Town. We grow exclusively in a proprietary green roof system developed by Omni Ecosystems and sell to such restaurants and bars as Bad Hunter, Momotaro, Publican, Nico Osteria, Quiote, Avec, Publican Anker, Vol 39/Boleo and Pacific Standard Time.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any start up, we’ve learned as much through our missteps as we have our successes. We’ve been fortunate to have knowledgeable and interested chefs along for the ride. They are great sources of inspiration and patience. Our largest hurdle is adapting a meadow green roof system to a more consistent method of farming. Some crops like to cooperate, some not so much!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Roof Crop – what should we know?
We grow food, edible flowers and cut flowers in a proprietary green roof system using responsible farming practices.
We are not out to replace farms and feel all types of urban farms, rural farms, tech farms and greenhouses are worth the exploration but what sets us apart is that we are essentially re-terra forming urban areas with ecosystems that were here before the city was. As a seasonal, open air system we provide for pollinators and mitigate the heat island effect.
I’m most proud of the people who have come on board to work for The Roof Crop. From the original crews from Omni Ecosystems and Runner Collective, to our expanded staff at The Roof Crop, each person who has invested their time in this project has been inspired and inspiring.
We also offer programmatic engagements with the building communities that we farm and the enthusiasm from commercial and residential tenants alike keep us moving forward.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Curiosity. Each time we are faced with a new question we genuinely want to find out the answer!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1516 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
- Website: theroofcrop.com
- Phone: 312-841-6686
- Email: hello@theroofcrop.com
- Instagram: @theroofcrop
- Facebook: facebook.com/theroofcrop
- Twitter: @theroofcrop
Image Credit:
Main photo: Clay Stang
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