A long-vacant site in Fairfax Circle will get an unlikely new tenant: Area 2 Farms, a sustainable urban farm that has one location in Arlington. In this new space, Area 2 Farms will provide the community with fresh, locally grown vegetables, microgreens, and herbs.
The farm will open at 9571 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, by the end of the year. There, Area 2 will establish an organic, soil-based vertical farm that will produce leafy greens, microgreens, herbs, and root vegetables year-round. Customers can then get that produce through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs or at a farm stand.
At its pilot farm in Arlington, Area 2 has delivered over 20,000 harvests, welcomed more than 1,000 customers, and hosted more than 1,500 student visits. By bringing farms into urban spaces, Area 2 works to make fresh produce more accessible, increase transparency in food production, and foster stronger relationships between farmers and the community.
“This project perfectly embodies our mission to ‘move the farm, not the food,’ turning an underutilized space into a thriving hub for fresh, healthy produce, and community engagement,” said Oren Falkowitz, founder and CEO of Area 2 Farms.
This new location was established with the partnership of Fairfax County Economic Development (FCED). It’s a way to revitalize a “long-vacant commercial site” and advance the city’s goals to improve sustainability and pedestrian activity. The Fairfax City Council approved a zoning amendment in 2024, and FCED supplied a support grant. The Fairfax City Economic Development Authority also supplied $25,000 in funding.
As part of the 10-year lease agreement, Area 2 agrees to invest in exterior improvements, including a mural. It will also engage in community partnerships with Fairfax City public schools and local civic organizations.
“Our community cares about issues of environmental sustainability and educating consumers about the sources of the foods they eat,” said Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read. “Area 2 Farms brings us a project that aligns with our core values on many levels and is a welcome addition to our city.”
Feature rendering courtesy Fairfax City Economic Development
