How one farm got off the ground in Sarasota
Vincent Dessberg found opportunity in a crumbling economy, converting his old, glass shop to a new-age, hydroponic farm based on a simple realization: "Nobody needs glass. Everybody needs to eat."

Although the rooftop approach is unique, Dessberg is not in uncharted territory.

Hydroponic farming can be a profitable businesses, said John Lawson, owner of Hydro Harvest Farms in Ruskin.

After "a six figure expenditure" in the business five years ago, Lawson expects a profit this year or next.

Lawson has volume on his side. He grows 25,000 plants on about an acre -- an amount that would take six to seven acres on a conventional farm.

He turned to hydroponics because of limited space and to conserve water. The method demands just 20 percent of the water a traditional farm needs.

Rooftop hydroponics also appeals to Lawson. He is partnering with Florida Aquarium in Tampa to build a hydroponic farm on the roof there next year.

Those rooftop vegetables will not go to restaurants, however. Instead, the crops will feed fish.