Growing the Future: How Lufa Farms Is Reinventing Urban Food Systems

In Episode 11 of the Irrepressibles Podcast, we sit down with Emily Peloquin, Communications Coordinator at Lufa Farms. From Montreal rooftops to thousands of weekly grocery baskets, Lufa has been redefining how cities feed themselves for over 15 years. Emily shares the company’s origin story, the hurdles they faced convincing skeptics, and why building resilient, transparent food systems matters more than ever.

The Big Idea – Food Where People Live

What started as a “crazy idea” became the world’s first commercial rooftop greenhouse. Founder Mohamed Hage wanted to rebuild trust in food by growing it where people actually live, not miles away on trucks or planes. Today, Lufa operates five rooftop greenhouses across Montreal, reducing transportation emissions, reusing wasted space, and bringing transparency back to the dinner table.

Building Resilience and Community

Lufa’s model isn’t just about growing food — it’s about creating resilient systems. By working with 450+ local producers and offering fully customizable weekly baskets, they empower communities to eat fresher, support local farmers, and reduce dependency on fragile global supply chains. Emily notes that the pandemic proved just how vital resilient, local food sources are.

The Tactical Takeaway – Make Better Choices Easier

Emily stresses that real change happens when sustainable choices become the easy ones. From hydroponic systems that recycle 90% of water to coconut husk substrates that reduce waste, Lufa integrates innovation with accessibility. And with online ordering, weekly deliveries, and flexible options, they remove barriers for busy consumers.

Conclusion

Emily’s story reminds us that food is personal, cultural, and deeply tied to community. Lufa Farms proves that with creativity, discipline, and persistence, it’s possible to build a food system that’s good for people and the planet.

🎧 Listen to Episode 11 of the Irrepressibles Podcast now — and discover how rooftops could hold the key to feeding our future.