The world’s first large-scale vertical farm for growing berries has opened in Richmond, Virginia, promising to revolutionise food production.

The Plenty Richmond Farm – developed by Plenty Unlimited in collaboration with farming company Driscoll’s – will produce over 1.8 million kilograms of strawberries annually, using roughly 3 700 square metres of space. By growing vertically in nine-metre towers, the farm uses 97% less land, and up to 90% less water than traditional farming methods.

The farm’s advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), monitors and adjusts the environment in 12 growing rooms to optimise conditions for the crops. This controlled environment ensures year-round production with consistent quality and reduces the need for pesticides.

Additionally, Plenty’s patent-pending pollination system uses airflow to increase efficiency, eliminating the need for bees.

Driscoll’s CEO, Soren Bjorn, emphasised that the partnership combines his firm’s expertise with Plenty’s cutting-edge technology to grow premium strawberries locally. The farm’s produce is expected to hit grocery shelves in early 2025.

The facility represents a $300-million investment and is part of a larger plan to meet growing food demands while addressing environmental concerns.

Virginia Governor, Glenn Youngkin, praised the project for its economic and environmental benefits, underscoring the state’s leadership in controlled environment agriculture.

This farm is a milestone in sustainable food production, providing a model for future vertical farming endeavours aimed at reducing food waste, lowering environmental impact and ensuring a stable food supply throughout the year.

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