The innovative team behind ØsterGRO share with us the journey behind Denmark’s first urban farm.
Based in Copenhagen’s ‘Climate Quarter’ lies ØsterGRO – an urban farm built upon the roof of a former car auction house. The idea behind ØsterGRO’s rooftop farms is inspired by sustainable living, eating and being.
The 600 square metre farm grows organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers. It also has a greenhouse, henhouse and three bee-hives, providing a community with a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports biodiversity and local food production.
ØsterGRO was officially established in 2014 with the vision and reality being formed by Kristian, Livia and Sofie – each inspired by an urban farming movement that was happening in New York. Their vision was realised through a collaboration with generous people within their community who were all equally committed to creating practical solutions to climate change. A collective effort of funding, from grants to individual donors, marked the beginning of Denmark’s first rooftop farm.
Ten years on, ØsterGRO has expanded and are proud to operate multiple community supported agriculture (CSA) projects, as well as being home to the renowned all-year-round communal eatery – Gro Spiseri – serving the best of the season’s produce in the middle of their urban farm.
Operating as a CSA, ØsterGRO sells its produce to 40 members. The members pay in advance of the season for a weekly share of the harvest. From June to November, these members enjoy a weekly bounty of freshly harvested vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, grown both on the rooftop and at another farm – Stensbølgård. They are also invited to participate in caring for the farm’s hens and rabbits.
Along with the abundant harvests, the three bee hives produce around 80 kilos of honey annually, available to members and the restaurant, with any surplus sold at the Christmas market in December (though surplus is a rarity!).
“ØsterGRO is not only from the members and volunteers who participate in the project. It is a green breathing space for the whole city!”
Building on its success in hosting numerous lunches and dinners in the beginning, ØsterGRO expanded its offerings with Gro Spiseri – the all-year-round communal eatery. Set in the farm’s greenhouse, Gro Spiseri features a single long table, providing an intimate dining experience amidst the urban farm. A small team of eight people craft social and informal meals inspired by the seasons, making sure to spotlight the delicious ingredients from other local growers, producers, and low-impact fishermen and hunters.
Through Gro Spiseri, the rooftop farm extends its invitation to the public. The open-door policy ensures that ØsterGRO’s lush oasis is accessible to all, fostering a deeper connection between locals, the community and sustainable living. Throughout the year, guests can savour seasonal breakfasts, lunches and dinners around the long table in the greenhouse, as well as enjoy events like the Spring and Christmas markets.
Beyond producing food, ØsterGRO serves as a hub for knowledge sharing and education. A teaser for both the young and old, a green oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle, where people can inspire each other to a more sustainable lifestyle. The team work to educate the public about creating relationships between consumers and farmers.
The farm’s vision is not for cities to become completely self-sufficient with rooftop-grown food, but to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas. Reflecting on how urbanisation has distanced people from the origins of their food, ØsterGRO seeks to reconnect city dwellers with the agricultural processes that sustain them. By bringing this knowledge back into the city, ØsterGro hopes to restore an appreciation for the hard work and dedication involved in food production.
“We don’t do urban farms to create the illusion that we can be self-sufficient in the city – but to grow awareness and community.”
Due to high demand, ØsterGRO expanded its reach in 2018 with the creation of FællesGro, a CSA that serves members in Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Østerbro, and Dyssegård. This initiative supports three organic farms, allowing members to pick up fresh harvests weekly in their neighborhoods. ØsterGRO thrives on the enthusiasm and dedication of its diverse community, welcoming people of all ages and nationalities. Participants have the opportunity to get their hands dirty, meet incredible individuals, and learn about organic and regenerative farming methods.
To further engage the community, ØsterGRO hosts weekly volunteer days every Tuesday from April to December. Volunteers can join in, learn from experienced gardeners, and contribute to the farm’s upkeep. At 1pm, everyone comes together for a delicious vegetarian lunch, creating a vibrant atmosphere of shared energy and community spirit.
ØsterGRO’s success is due to to the power of community and the shared commitment to growing. The space offers a green sanctuary in the heart of the city, where people can learn and be inspired to adopt more eco-friendly habits.
