August 10, 2025

Detroit Urban Agriculture Initiative Thrives at HiO Farm

News Summary

The HiO Farm, co-owned by Noelle Stull in Detroit’s Core City, is revolutionizing local gastronomy with sustainable produce. Since 2020, the farm has established a unique synergy with the nearby Takoi restaurant, providing fresh, specialty ingredients while promoting urban agriculture and community engagement amidst food deserts.

Detroit Urban Agriculture Initiative Thrives at HiO Farm

Detroit, Michigan is witnessing a transformative shift in its food landscape, largely driven by initiatives like HiO Farm. Co-owned by Noelle Stull, HiO Farm operates on a one-acre plot in Core City, focusing on sustainable and specialty produce to enhance local gastronomy.

Since beginning its harvests in 2020, HiO Farm has created a closed-loop system that integrates directly with Takoi, a nearby restaurant co-owned by Stull’s partner, Brad Greenhill. This system allows for seamless transport of freshly harvested ingredients—such as Anaheim peppers, eggplants, Bing tomatoes, Hispi cabbage, and Thai peppers—from the farm to the restaurant, enriching Takoi’s menu with unique varieties not commonly found in local markets.

Operational Synergy with Takoi

Takoi, which originated as a food truck in 2014 known as Katoi, has always valued local and unique ingredients. In 2019, Greenhill recognized the necessity of growing these specific produce items himself due to a lack of availability in local suppliers. This led to the development of HiO Farm, creating a dynamic relationship between the kitchen and the farm where ongoing communication regarding produce yields informs dish design.

Now in its sixth harvest, HiO Farm has established effective methods to align what is grown with the seasonal demands of Takoi’s menu. Stull, who initially lacked agricultural experience, has significantly developed her skills through mentorship from established local farmers, including Andy Chae and Amy Eckert of Fisheye Farms. Her team, consisting of three to four dedicated members, works diligently to cultivate crops and manage the day-to-day operations at HiO Farm.

Sustainable Practices and Community Engagement

Adopting sustainable farming practices is a key focus of HiO Farm. Greenhill emphasizes the role of local ingredients in crafting flavorful and distinctive dishes. This commitment to sustainability aligns with a broader movement of urban agriculture in Detroit, which has seen increasing support and recognition, particularly in the context of combating food deserts across the city.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture found that only 1.4% of U.S. farmers identify as Black, a statistic that highlights systemic inequalities within the agricultural sector. In response, the city has enacted favorable measures, including the Urban Agriculture Ordinance, which facilitates more urban gardening and community farming efforts, thereby promoting food justice and local economic development.

Indigenous to Detroit: Empowering Community and Future Prospects

Urban agriculture, as demonstrated by HiO Farm, is becoming a vital element in fostering economic opportunities and enhancing community resilience. The integration of various urban farming initiatives not only aids in environmental sustainability but also promotes neighborhood cohesion. Many projects focus on engaging youth and enhancing community ties through educational workshops and hands-on experiences.

The recent *Animal Keeping Ordinance*, which permits the keeping of chickens, ducks, and bees in backyards, encourages local food sourcing and further establishes an infrastructure for sustainable living within the community. As HiO Farm continues to evolve, it looks toward enhancing its educational outreach efforts, such as offering cooking classes and private dining experiences that highlight the farm’s fresh produce.

HiO Farm is not just cultivating crops; it is also turning vacant urban spaces into productive agricultural hubs that embody food sovereignty and community development. The potential future of urban farming in Detroit lies in the integration of innovative technologies and partnerships that can further enhance environmentally friendly farming practices.

As urban agriculture gains momentum, HiO Farm stands as a model of how community engagement, sustainable practices, and resilience can be interwoven to create accessible food sources in urban centers like Detroit.