Newark to house world's largest vertical farm

Newark's Ironbound district will soon be home to the world's largest vertical farm.

A group of investors is turning an old industrial building in Newark into the headquarters to technology farming company AeroFarms, the group announced today. A rendering of the Newark headquarters, which the company says will open its first phase during the second half of this year. (Credit: AeroFarms)

Indoor urban farming company, AeroFarms, plans to headquarter in a 69,000 square foot converted steel factory, where the company anticipates producing around two million pounds of green veggies and herbs per year.

The East Ward facility is expected to provide 78 jobs, and should be partially open by the end of the year. Supporters hope the farm will help introduce more healthy food options to the locale, and benefit the economy by "attracting and retaining" more business to the area according to a press release.

The $30 million renovation is a result of a partnership between city officials, the RBH Group, Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, Prudential Financial Inc., AeroFarms, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

According AeroFarm's website, the company has also operated a farm inside the city's Philips Academy Charter School for the last five years, working to integrate agricultural practices into the curriculum there.

Filed Under: AeroFarms, farming, Ironbound, Newark, The Jim Gearhart Show, urban farming

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Newark to house world’s largest vertical farm