Whole Foods Market has partnered with Gotham Greens to build the nation's first commercial-­scale rooftop greenhouse for growing year-round local produce atop the store in Brooklyn.

The 20,000-square-foot greenhouse, currently under construction along with the forthcoming Whole Foods Market store in Gowanus, is scheduled to open later this fall. Gotham Greens will use the space to grow premium quality, pesticide-free produce for sale in Whole Foods Market locations throughout New York City.

Whole Foods also plans to offer educational opportunities for area school student to learn about greenhouses, farming and various environmental initiatives.

"Talk about local! This project takes the discussion from food miles to food footsteps," said Viraj Puri, Gotham Greens Co-Founder. "Our greenhouse will provide Whole Foods Market shoppers with access to the freshest, most delicious leafy greens, herbs and tomatoes, year-round that will be grown right above the store's produce department."

"We're thrilled with this partnership and to be part of the growing national movement of farmers and food producers committed to responsibly produced food."