Appalachia-based AppHarvest is an applied technology company that’s building some of the world’s largest indoor farms. In January, the company delivered their first-ever harvest—beefsteak tomatoes—to leading grocery chains in the US, including Walmart, Publix, and Kroger.
The Kentucky-based company recognized for its focus on restoring economically suffering communities in former coal nations recently gained home economics legend, Martha Stewart, as a board member.
AppHarvest is destined to become a national leader in alternative farming. Its pioneering indoor technology uses recycled rainwater, saves space, and yields 30 times more food than a conventional farm.
Several AppHarvest facilities are already producing fruits and vegetables; their Morehead Kentucky headquarters can grow up to 45 million pounds of chemical pesticide-free, non-GMO tomatoes per year. The benefit of the facility being indoors is it allows them to grow year-round, unimpeded by the problems of the seasons.
Martha Stewart explained:
AppHarvest’s high-tech, sustainable approach is the future of food, and this first harvest allows us to provide consumers with chemical pesticide-free, nutrient-rich, flavorful produce that’s making a difference they can feel good about. I’ve been testing the early sample tomatoes, which are delicious, and I’m already looking forward to integrating them into my kitchen and recipes this year.
AppHarvest has three farms in Kentucky, a 24-hours drive from the doorsteps of approximately 80% of the American population. Their convenient location allows them to keep their commitment to Appalachian communities while ensuring their produce reaches markets fresh and juicy.
The company also collaborates with eastern Kentucky high schools to introduce and incorporate an Agricultural tech curriculum. AppHarvest has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in high-tech container farms (retrofitted shipping containers), providing students with a space to grow food and learn about the importance and benefits of nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Jonathan Webb, AppHarvest founder, and CEO said:
We are determined to build a climate-resilient infrastructure to offer folks a delicious tomato that is sustainably grown right here in Appalachia with 100% recycled rainwater and zero chemical pesticides, making it better for both them and the environment.
The company has secured more than one billion dollars in financing and plans to have twelve farms up and running by 2025.
There are other significant indoor farms in the US, including Plenty’s 2-acre vertical farm run by AI and robots in San Francisco. Impressively, the vertical farm out-produces a 720-acre flat farm!
Kimbal Musk, Elon Musk’s brother, also started an indoor urban farming company based in Brooklyn called Square Roots. The company’s mission is to empower younger generations to begin making urban farms too. Since its launch in 2016, Square Roots has grown over 120 different crops, including strawberries, greens, and vegetables.
