Restorative Farms

At Restorative Farms, we are thrilled to be collaborating with Fermata to test the Croptimus AI vision system in our TAPKIT NFT greenhouse at the Hatcher Station Training Farm in South Dallas. This partnership is more than just about improving our crop health—it’s about empowering the next generation of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) urban farmers. The TAPkit, funded and supported by Kosmos Energy, plays a central role in our future urban farmer training program, serving as both a productive growing space and a hands-on training tool for these aspiring farmers. By integrating cutting-edge technology like Fermata’s early detection system, we can teach our trainees how to stay ahead of potential challenges like powdery mildew & other threats...and safeguard their crops. Thank you, Fermata team, for creating tools that make precision agriculture accessible and impactful. Together, we’re equipping growers with the knowledge and technology they need to succeed and sustain their communities. With collaborations like this, we can Grow A Better Dallas.

Dorothy Hopkins It is amazing. We tend to get caught up in the “day to day” but stepping back we are starting to see the realization of something that we collectively envisioned 5 years ago when you first met us. We had a vision. We proposed that a professionally operated urban training farm would have the potential to become a transformative model—a blueprint for revitalizing urban neighborhoods, not just in Dallas but nationwide. We believed that it could be a catalyst for a robust and expansive urban agrisystem. Thanks to the partnership with you & Frazier Revitalization, Inc., we were empowered by DART in 2019 with the then .36 acre vacant plot of land that would eventually become the Hatcher Station Training Farm. Today that vacant plot has grown to become a one-acre vibrant urban farm. With both regenerative “in ground” growing and a 5700 sf CEA TAPKIT NFT greenhouse, it is about growing food but more than that—it’s about addressing critical systemic challenges like poverty, health inequities, environmental degradation, and outdated agricultural policies with a more localized, community-led approach. At its heart, Restorative Farms is about cultivating systems that lift people and neighborhoods, proving that intentional collaboration and visionary thinking can create enduring change. We believe that this model serves as a blueprint for building stronger, more equitable urban communities where the benefits are as sustainable as they are transformative. We can see that how by collaborating authentically and intentionally with community-minded organizations that embrace "outside-the-box" thinking and economically sustainable practices, we can amplify its impact. The TAPkit epitomizes this. This state-of-the-art hydroponic NFT greenhouse supported by Kosmos Energy, exemplifies how strategic partnerships can reimagine urban spaces as centers of state of the art agrisystem career education, resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth. We hope that policymakers and communities will see the value in investing in professional urban agriculture—pragmatic initiatives that empower people with tools, education, and leadership opportunities. These aren’t superficial projects; they are catalysts for equity, sustainability, and community strength.

The future of farming is here, and we’re proud to be a part of it! We're thrilled to be part of this exciting pilot program with Fermata and TAPKIT , and to work alongside these two innovative companies to implement the forward thinking Croptimus AI vision platform. We're eager to use this technology to monitor & enhance the production of leafy greens in our TAPKIT right here in South Dallas. This partnership aligns with our commitment to integrating urban agriculture innovation with urban agtech workforce training. We believe that this initiative enhances our efforts to build a sustainable and scalable S. Dallas agrisystem that addresses food insecurity while also providing economic opportunities. A heartfelt thank you to Avner Shohet, Ron Ahiraz and the entire TAPKIT team for making this collaboration a reality. We are eager to see the transformative potential of this program and its positive impact on urban agriculture. #UrbanFarming #SustainableAgriculture #Innovation #TechInAg #urbanagrisystem

With our TAPKIT hydroponic NFT greenhouse now up and running, it’s time to decide just what exactly we will be growing. This isn’t done with a coin toss. We will have almost 21,000 plants growing at one time and harvesting some 3,000 or so weekly. It’s done with careful planning, market research, and a deep understanding of what our community needs most. We’ll look at high-demand crops, seasonal variations, and the unique capabilities of our TAPkit to produce nutrient-rich, fresh produce efficiently. Every choice we make is about maximizing impact, meeting customer needs, and setting the stage for a resilient, community-centered food system And so that journey begins. Taking into consideration what some of our other regional growers are success with, we still recognize that our growing situation is unique and has its own special attributes. It’s a challenge but also it some ways fun and a journey of discovery. So these first few weeks of operation under the tutelage of TAPkit’s Ron Ahiraz, we’re systematically testing new lettuce (and greens) varieties to find the best performers for yield, quality, and taste. By trialing each under consistent conditions—same light, nutrients, and environment—we gather data on growth, resilience, and flavor. This approach not only lets us identify standout varieties that excel in our setup but helps our team hone their CEA growing chops, helping us optimize production while maintaining high standards for quality and efficiency. A shout out to 3 Star Lettuce and Rob Zagajeski for the generous collaboration in this endeavor. Here’s to pushing boundaries and finding new favorites…. And Growing A Better Dallas. #Hydroponics #SustainableFarming #AgInnovation #UrbanAgriculture

Rooted in insights gathered from numersous community surveys, focus groups, and interviews in South Dallas over seven years ago, Restorative Farms was founded on a visionary approach to building a sustainable urban agrisystem. Collaboration is the backbone of our work, and partnerships—like our alliance with the American Heart Association and DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)—allow us to bring fresh, nutrient-dense food directly to the community. When dedicated action-oriented collaborators and conveners come together, great things happen, and we are deeply grateful for everyone helping to make Dallas healthier and more connected. Thank you to all involved—let’s keep growing the power of community! And Grow A Better Dallas ! #CommunityPowered #UrbanAg #SouthDallas #HealthyDallas #SustainableFood #FreshProduce #PowerOfCollaboration #LocalFoodSystem #DallasStrong #FoodAccess #UrbanAgriculture #CommunityHealth #TogetherForDallas

Growing Opportunity: A Restorative Farms, Kosmos Energy TAPkit Partnership to Grow A Better Dallas This week we were excited to welcome Steve DeShazo, Senior Director of Workforce Initiatives at Dallas College to our Hatcher Station Training Farm in S. Dallas to tour our now-launching TAP NFT greenhouse. At just over 5700 sf, the amazing growing entity will soon be delivering some 3,000 heads of greens weekly, but more than that, amazing career opportunities. Our TAPkit greenhouse manager, Jarred Lake demonstrated our seedling process to Steve and John. Woven into our TAPKIT plan is TAPkit Fellowship program, sponsored by Kosmos Energy whose belief in investing in people is showcased in the Restorative Farms / Kosmos Fellowship Program. In that endeavor we are thrilled to be collaborating with Steve DaShazo and Dallas College, to bring top talent into our Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) fellowship program. This partnership aims to identify and connect motivated individuals with hands-on training opportunities within the high-tech, hydroponic NFT TAPkit greenhouse located at our South Dallas site. By sourcing fellowship candidates through Dallas College’s workforce programs, we’re not only building a pipeline of skilled growers but also creating pathways to meaningful careers in urban agriculture. This collaboration will help strengthen the local agrisystem, equipping the next generation with both the technical skills and community-focused mission essential to fostering sustainable food systems in North Texas and GROW A BETTER DALLAS. #UrbanAgriculture #WorkforceDevelopment #SustainableFarming #GreenhouseFarming #SouthDallas #AgricultureCareers #FutureOfFarming #CommunityImpact #ControlledEnvironmentAgriculture #InvestingInPeople

Balancing Science and Wonder: Seed Starting for a Stronger Dallas With our TAPKIT NFT greenhouse up and running, this week we began the important job of choosing which lettuce and herb varieties we'll grow. With a weekly demand of around 4,000 seedlings to "fuel" our 21,000 plant capacity greenhouse, each choice matters. Which variety? Which supplier? Do potential buyers love them? How well does each one adapt to our North Texas climate? When testing seeds for greenhouse selection we gather data on germination rates, growth speed, yield, plant health, flavor, environmental response, resilience, and batch consistency to identify the most productive and resilient varieties. In that effort, we often get so wrapped up in all that “data” collecting that we often forget to step back and appreciate the amazing & wondrous journey of discovery happening right before us. Watching seeds sprout feels like witnessing a small miracle as tiny shoots emerge, each one showing nature's strength. Every test reveals small differences in how seeds respond to their environment—their flavors, resilience, and the many factors that shape their growth. But ultimately, these trials are about building a dependable and productive growing system tailored to our professional urban farm’s needs. The result? Hopefully, consistent, fresh, and resilient produce that strengthens our local food system, validates a scalable model supporting the S. Dallas communities that we serve. This is one more way we aim to bring change to the community and Grow A Better Dallas. #GrowABetterDallas #UrbanFarming #SeedScience #GreenhouseMagic #TAPkit #Hydroponics #SeedStarting #SustainableFarming #FarmToCommunity #LocalFood #UrbanAgriculture #ResilientGrowth #DallasFarms #PlantingTheFuture #InnovationInAg #NorthTexasAgriculture

Connecting the dots between cannabis and CEA lettuce growth: insights from a pioneer in the field We were thrilled to host Darin Siples, founder and CEO of Grow Glide, at our Hatcher Station Training Farm for an exclusive tour of our TAPKIT NFT greenhouse. As we explored this cutting-edge facility, we couldn't help but notice the parallels between growing cannabis (Grow Glide's primary market) and CEA lettuce. Despite the unique challenges of each crop, there are many fundamental principles that transfer seamlessly between the two. Darin's innovative approach to vertical micro-green farming was an eye-opener for us a few years ago. Now, we're excited to explore future opportunities for collaboration. With his expertise and our TAPkit technology, we may bring another revolutionary solution to the South Dallas urban agrisystem. Our tour was also joined by Ron Ahiraz, TAPkit technician and agronomist, who provided a comprehensive overview of the Galcon Computerized Control Systems GSI PRO irrigation controller. This advanced technology is designed to optimize crop growth. reduce water waste, monitoring the system on a smart phone. Our mission is to not only grow fresh produce but also to create jobs, careers, and opportunities for the community. By working together, we're committed to building a sustainable and thriving local food system that benefits everyone. Join us in our mission to Grow a Better Dallas! #UrbanFarming #Innovation #Collaboration #GrowAGreenerFuture #SouthDallas #TAPkit #GrowGlide #GrowABetterDallas

Welcoming Innovation:  Strengthening Research Collaborations at South Dallas' Hatcher Station Training Farm Yesterday we welcomed back long-time collaborator Desire Djidonou, PhD from Texas A&M University-Commerce to our South Dallas Hatcher Station Training Farm. His introduction to our TAPkit hydroponic NFT greenhouse is a prelude to future research collaborations. We believe that we have some unique resources that local agricultural researchers & innovators, and subsequently the community can benefit from. The state-of-the art TAPKIT and the Galcon Computerized Control Systems cloud-based greenhouse controller are new additions to our urban farming toolset. Having Ron Ahiraz here from Israel to train our crew as well as narrate the system benefits is a plus. While producing fresh, local food is critical, the deeper mission is to transform the entire local food system in a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking way. Bringing these to South Dallas enables us to leverage the latest advancements and research to improve urban farming practices, making them more efficient, scalable, and accessible to everyone. These collaborations fuel our mission to transform the urban agrisystem. By integrating innovative technologies like our TAPkit hydroponic NFT greenhouse and solar-backed cold storage, we’re not only pushing the boundaries of sustainable farming but also setting new standards for food security and resource efficiency. Partnering with Dallas-area universities and educational programs adds an essential dimension, allowing us to connect with students and researchers who bring fresh perspectives and specialized expertise. Our approach turns these partnerships into a dynamic learning ecosystem. Whether we’re working with students on urban agriculture internships, engaging with local tech startups to incorporate smart farming solutions, or collaborating with researchers on soil health improvements, we’re always focused on creating tangible outcomes that benefit our South Dallas community. Together, we’re not just addressing the challenges of today but also paving the way for a resilient and vibrant urban farming future. #growabetterdallas #professionalurbanfarming #communityimpact

Growing the Future: Partnering with CityLab High School to Cultivate the Next Generation of Urban Agriculturists We were proud and excited to recently host a visit from Megan James of DISD’s innovative CityLab High School.  Megan wears many hats at CityLab, serving as the Urban Agriculture Science teacher, CTE Lead, and Internship Coordinator. During her visit, we introduced her to our soon-to-be-launched TAPKIT NFT greenhouse and discussed plans to engage a new cohort of CityLab urban ag interns for 2025. Over the past two years, Restorative Farms has had the privilege of working with Megan and several of her amazing students through CityLab’s CTE agricultural program. These students brought energy, fresh ideas, and a passion for urban farming as they worked in our 16’x40’ hydroponic GroZilla container farm at Fair Park. Their hands-on experience not only helped them expand their agricultural knowledge and skills but also deepened their understanding of sustainable food systems and community health. For us, partnering with these interns has been incredibly rewarding. Their curiosity and commitment remind us of the importance of our mission, and it has been inspiring to watch them grow into confident and capable young leaders in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) field. We’re honored to have played a part in their development. In 2025, we’re excited to continue this valuable partnership—this time offering the much larger, impactful experience of working in our state-of-the-art, 5,700-square-foot TAPkit NFT greenhouse. We can’t wait to see how this next chapter unfolds!