Prison City Brewing in Auburn has announced the expansion of its urban farm project on North Street, which will be aided by the recent purchase of equipment from a local grower.
In a news release Tuesday, brewery co-owner Dawn Schulz said it has purchased hydroponic equipment from Strawberry Fields, a family-run farm business on Route 20 in the town of Sennett.
Prison City will begin installing the equipment in May and offer U-pick strawberries at the brewery by the end of June, Schulz said. The urban farm will also grow fruits and vegetables for use in seasonal beers and farm-to-table menu items. Eventually, it will offer farm tours, community-supported agriculture and an expanded lineup of farmhouse-style beers made with ingredients grown on-site.聽
鈥淭he North Street location was always intended to include urban farming 鈥 it just took us a few more years than anticipated!鈥 Schulz said.
鈥淭his project has been a long time coming, and we鈥檙e so excited to finally bring this vision to life.鈥
Strawberry Fields owners Doug and Linda Eldred are retiring from hydroponic farming, Schulz said, but will continue to operate a retail florist and gift shop. She and Prison City thanked them for their partnership and their dedication to "innovative farming practices." Their approach to hydroponic farming using an accessible, soil-free environment has allowed for an extended growing season and yielded strawberries and other fresh produce from June through October. That approach aligns with the brewery's own mission of creating a "sustainable, community-focused brewery experience," Schulz said.
Prison City's urban farm is located at 251 North St., site of its production facility and beer garden. For more information, visit .