In the heart of downtown Westbrook, a futuristic farming project is taking shape. Vertical Harvest Farms has secured nearly $60 million in funding from a combination of public and private sources for its 51,000-square-foot hydroponic farming building on Mechanic Street.
The financing includes support from private financial companies as well as loans from the USDA’s Rural Development Business & Industry Loan Guarantees and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans. This collaboration emphasizes a commitment to building communities and providing food security to Mainers, as stated by USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson.
Construction on the farming project began in 2021, and it is anticipated to open later this summer, creating over 60 job opportunities. Utilizing hydroponic farming techniques, the project aims to grow leafy green vegetables without soil, using a nutrient solution to support plant growth. This method allows for the cultivation of numerous plants in a smaller space compared to traditional farming practices that require more land.
Vertical Harvest Farms estimates that they will be able to produce 2.5 million pounds of lettuce, petite greens, microgreens, and herbs annually. Operating year-round, the farm aims to provide fresh produce to Mainers even during the winter months with a focus on delivering farm-to-fridge within 24 hours. CEO Nona Yehia expressed the company’s mission of creating locally grown, fresh, and equitable food options for all.