The greenhouse sector has experienced notable growth and technological advancement throughout 2024, with significant developments from several industry players who are adopting innovative practices to address crucial global issues such as food security and climate change. Companies including Gotham Greens, BrightFarms, Mucci Farms, Van der Hoeven, and Vertical Harvest Farms are leading the charge in expanding their operations and integrating advanced technologies into their agricultural practices.
Gotham Greens has notably launched a substantial hydroponic greenhouse in Seagoville, Texas, spanning 210,000 square feet. The facility is designed to provide year-round fresh produce while utilising up to 90% less water and 97% less land than conventional farming methods. The new greenhouse incorporates sophisticated automation, climate control, and data science to optimise growing conditions. As a Certified B Corporation™ and Public Benefit Corporation, Gotham Greens is committed to social and environmental sustainability, and the facility is anticipated to create approximately 100 full-time jobs. In 2023 alone, the company donated nearly 40,000 pounds of food to local families, reinforcing its dedication to alleviating food insecurity in the region.
BrightFarms has also made significant strides with the opening of its first Texas greenhouse located in Lorena, covering an expansive 1.5 million square feet. The new facility utilises the advanced KUBO’s Ultra-Clima system, enabling it to optimise growing conditions and create 250 jobs across the Texas Triangle region. BrightFarms operates under the umbrella of Cox Enterprises' Cox Farms division, which oversees over 700 acres of greenhouses—positioning it as North America’s largest greenhouse operator. The company plans to ramp up leafy green production to serve two-thirds of the U.S. population.
Additionally, Mucci Farms is enhancing its North American presence through the acquisition of Hacienda North Farms, which adds 159 acres to its existing operations in Ontario, Canada. This means that Mucci Farms now controls over 650 acres of greenhouse space under Cox Farms' management. The company focuses on high-yield, chemical-free produce and employs innovative technologies to improve sustainability, aiming to increase efficiency while reducing environmental impacts.
Van der Hoeven is pioneering automated greenhouse technology with the completion of a 61-acre fully automated greenhouse in Virginia, dedicated to year-round leafy green production. This facility features automated transplanting, harvesting, and packaging systems. Furthermore, the company is involved in a transformative project in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, where it is developing a greenhouse equipped with advanced climate control and cooling technologies. This particular venture is set to produce 4,000 tons of fruits and vegetables annually, catering to food security needs in arid regions.
Urban agriculture is also seeing significant investment through Vertical Harvest Farms, which secured $59.5 million to construct a hydroponic farm in Westbrook, Maine. The planned facility aims to produce 2.5 million pounds of leafy greens each year, contributing to local food production while reducing food waste. This initiative places an emphasis on inclusive employment opportunities, particularly for individuals with disabilities. The project is financed through a combination of federal loans and private investments, mirroring regional food system objectives.
As the greenhouse sector continues to embrace automation, sustainability, and advanced technologies, these companies exemplify the shift towards more resilient agricultural practices capable of meeting contemporary societal and environmental needs.
Source: Noah Wire Services