BrightFarms Unveils Cutting-Edge Greenhouse in Texas for Fresh Salads

BrightFarms Expands to Texas with State-of-the-Art Greenhouse

In a significant move for the indoor farming industry, BrightFarms has opened its first greenhouse in Texas, situated in Lorena. This facility marks a pivotal expansion as the company aims to provide fresh, locally grown produce to the South Central and Southwest regions of the U.S. BrightFarms is already making waves with its advanced farming techniques, and this new location will help fulfill the increasing demand for fresh salad greens across Texas.

The new greenhouse, which spans an impressive 1.5 million square feet, is designed to produce about 25 million salads annually. BrightFarms has integrated cutting-edge cooling technology, including KUBO’s Ultra-Clima system, which enables the greenhouse to maintain optimal growing conditions throughout the year. This is crucial given Texas's often extreme weather conditions, as the system ensures that the plants thrive regardless of external temperatures.

Steve Platt, the CEO of BrightFarms, expressed his enthusiasm about this expansion: "Texans deserve the freshest, highest-quality produce, and we're thrilled to deliver just that. Our greenhouse expertise and advanced technology will make fresh greens available year-round in the Lone Star State. We’re also proud to support Texas agriculture through our involvement in the GO TEXAN Program."

In addition to providing fresh produce, the Lorena greenhouse is expected to create over 250 jobs for the local community. Mayor Tommy Ross of Lorena welcomed BrightFarms, emphasizing the dual benefits of job creation and access to ultra-fresh greens. "Their commitment to innovative agricultural practices not only drives economic development but also ensures that Texans have access to healthy, locally grown produce," he stated, highlighting the positive impact on the community.

Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business, plays a significant role in BrightFarms’ growth trajectory. After becoming the majority investor in October 2020 and fully acquiring the company in August 2021, Cox Enterprises has committed over $2 billion to sustainable businesses and technologies. Steve Bradley, president of Cox Farms, remarked, "With the opening of our new greenhouse in Texas, we are taking another significant step toward securing a sustainable food supply."

BrightFarms' long-term vision includes expanding this new greenhouse capacity to nearly 100 acres, establishing additional regional hubs in Illinois and Georgia, and ensuring that their products reach two-thirds of the U.S. population. This ambitious plan solidifies BrightFarms' role as a national leader in indoor salad production, with the company already operating multiple high-tech greenhouse farms across various states, including New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

They operate under a framework that emphasizes local farming practices, which notably reduces transportation costs and times. By eliminating these logistical hurdles, BrightFarms can offer fresher salads to consumers while using less water and land compared to traditional agricultural methods.

As BrightFarms prepares to unveil more greenhouses in the upcoming months, they continue to be at the forefront of a trend that prioritizes efficient, sustainable agricultural practices. With each new facility, the chances of accessing fresh, nutrient-rich salads increase for consumers, augmenting the food supply chain in a beneficial manner.

For more details about BrightFarms and to locate their products, consumers can visit their official website at www.brightfarms.com. The future looks bright for indoor farming, especially with innovators like BrightFarms leading the charge in creating sustainable food systems.