Growing Potatoes at JFK Airport

The 5th largest airline in the United States, JetBlue, is growing potatoes at Terminal 5 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The urban organic garden was built from a large amount of stacked recycled milk crates and can produce approximately 1.000 pounds of potatoes per season, and about 2.000 herb plants. The signature potatoes are, indeed, blue.

The so-called T5 farm was launched in 2015, promoting New York agriculture and exploring the boundaries of local food production. Sophia Mendelsohn, JetBlue’s head of sustainability, said: “An airport seems like an unexpected place for a farming experiment, but what better way to explore our role in the food cycle than to harvest right in our own back yard at JFK?”.

The farm was developed through a partnership between JetBlue and TERRA, brand known for providing the airline’s characteristic potato crisps, TERRA Blues, which are available for free on every flight. However, the blue potatoes produced are not for direct consumption yet, but serve for research and educational purposes.

"Throughout aviation history, JFK Airport has been home to many firsts in environmental sustainability", said Michael Moran, General Manager of John F. Kennedy International Airport. "We applaud JetBlue's commitment to protecting the environment and for their green space initiative, marking another first for our airport".

Last year, JFK announced a new luxury terminal for pets, livestock and zoo animals, featuring horse stalls with soft floors, equine showers, private spaces for penguins and massage therapy for dogs. That same year the airport revealed the future of the iconic TWA Flight Center that will be turned into a hotel.

Source: JetBlue