Vertical Harvest Farms, a futuristic farming project in downtown Westbrook, has secured nearly $60 million in funding from a combination of public and private sources. The 51,000-square-foot hydroponic farming building on Mechanic Street is expected to open later this summer, creating over 60 job opportunities.
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, utilizing hydroponic farming techniques that allow 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. “We are thrilled to have received this funding and look forward to bringing fresh produce to our community,” said Yehia. “Our goal is to make healthy and nutritious food accessible to everyone.”
