80 Acres Farms Unveils Its Largest and Most Advanced Facility in Kentucky

Key Takeaways

1. 80 Acres Farms has opened a 200,000-square-foot farm in Boone County, Kentucky, making it the company’s largest and most advanced facility.
2. The new farm is expected to produce up to forty million servings annually, leveraging proprietary hardware and software solutions.
3. The $95 million investment will create 125 jobs in Kentucky and expand the company’s reach to new markets, including approximately 700 new Kroger stores.
4. The farm operates on the proprietary Loop platform, developed by 80 Acres Farms’ tech-focused subsidiary, Infinite Acres.
5. With the completion of the Kentucky farm, the company plans to open another 200,000-square-foot farm in Georgia in 2024.

This week, 80 Acres Farms, a leader in vertical farming based in Hamilton, Ohio, announced the opening of its largest, most advanced, and most productive farm in Boone County, Kentucky. The 200,000-square-foot facility is positioned to serve customers across multiple states and markets and is expected to grow up to forty million servings of produce per year.

A Milestone for 80 Acres Farms

The new farm is a significant milestone for 80 Acres Farms, as it is about three times the size of the company’s previous largest farm and at least four times as productive. “There is nothing like this anywhere else in the world,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear during a preview tour of the facility. The farm represents a $95 million investment in Kentucky and is expected to create 125 new jobs.

Technological Advancements

The farm operates on 80 Acres Farms’ proprietary Loop platform, developed by the company’s tech-focused subsidiary, Infinite Acres. The Loop platform encompasses crop management software, algorithms, environmental controls, robotics, and automation. It is supported by partnerships with leading international technology companies, including Siemens, a proud supplier of hardware and software solutions at the farm.

Market Expansion

The new facility will enable 80 Acres Farms to reach many more restaurants and retailers, including approximately 700 new Kroger stores announced last month. “To support our expansion into new markets and products, we need more capacity,” said Mike Zelkind, CEO and co-founder of 80 Acres Farms. The farm will also support the company’s new grab-and-go salad kits, further diversifying its product offerings.

Future Plans

With the completion of the Kentucky farm, 80 Acres Farms’ construction team will now focus on Georgia, where the company plans to open another 200,000-square-foot facility in 2024. This move aligns with the company’s goal of achieving worldwide food security.

Image provided by 80 Acres Farms