Here is a “Real Deal” tip for Whole Foods. Today I visited my local Whole Foods in Raleigh, North Carolina and noticed a small garden growing in the parking lot. This got me thinking that Whole Foods should get in to the local organic farming business. There are a number of Development Supported Agriculture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_Supported_Agriculture) projects appearing throughout the country. From urban agriculture to vertical farming, the local farm revolution is underway – shattering all preconceived definitions of a farm.

Whole Foods could add green roofs to their stores – using that space to grow food and reduce stormwater runoff all in one. With the demand for local organic food so high, why not expand the Whole Foods brand to include actual farms? A year ago I would not have written this post. But now, with gas quickly climbing towards $4.50 per gallon and yet another salmonella scare sweeping the nation, local farms seem like a good bet for any business model.