5 Points Farm: Nurturing a Greener Future
A “little tiny old house” on Post Street is home to the latest entry on Riverside’s eclectic food scene. Opened in 2023, 5 Points Farm is a unique indoor vertical operation featuring aeroponic towers that grow vegetables and herbs through a perfect balance of air, water, nutrients, seeds and light. This arrangement uses up to 95% less space and water than traditional soil-driven farms. “We've got 5,700 plants growing behind us, which is incredible in a 400-square-foot room,” says co-owner David Bane.
David and his wife and co-owner Joann Bane have shared a journey to urban farming as singular as their farm model. A nurse for over 30 years, Joann has always had an interest in nutrition and using food as medicine. Meanwhile, David has a background in engineering and architecture, and ran a machine shop for 20 years in buildings on the same property. Already facing declining business as his industry steadily shifted overseas, the pandemic dealt a final blow to David’s shop.
That setback led to the couple’s career change. “I found myself bored and too young to retire”, says David. The couple noticed a flier for agriculture classes offered through the UF/ IFAS extension at the local YMCA, and David enrolled. They also visited another aeroponic operation, Atlantic Beach Urban Farms near Mayport, and were blown away by the quality of the produce. “Their lettuce was just so good – just the flavor and the fact of how fresh it was,” says Joann. The pair purchased their first vertical towers and never looked back.
David designed the farm to be a zero-waste operation – even the water is recycled. The onsite co-op farm store features their nutrient-dense produce, pickles, sauces and dressings made in-house along with products from other local producers. “It’s been a journey to build an urban farm in the community,” says Joann. “You really get to know your neighbors that come in and get excited about what we’re doing.”
Though the pair are relatively new to farming, the future is looking greener and more sustainable for 5 Points Farm, and they’re finding opportunities to diversify. The couple have surrounded themselves with an innovative staff and volunteers with backgrounds in engineering, nutrition, education and the culinary arts. They’re developing a statewide aeroponics curriculum for children and have plans to host educational classes in the former machine shop on the property.
Additionally, David has participated in a USDA study on aeroponics and is now developing new LED growing light prototypes. He has even written an e-book on custom LED light installation for vertical towers. “We want our community to be happy, healthy and successful,” says Joann. “And it all starts with good nutrition and good education.”
