Upward Farms

Upward Farms was a vertical farming company based in Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2013, the company focused on integrating aquaponics, microbiome science, and controlled-environment agriculture to produce organic microgreens and fish. It operated under different brand names before adopting the Upward Farms name in 2020. The company discontinued its vertical farming operations in 2023.

History of Upward Farms

Founding and Name Changes

Upward Farms was founded in 2013 by Jason Green, Ben Silverman, and Matt La Rosa. Initially established as Edenworks, the company later rebranded to Seed & Roe, before becoming known as Upward Farms. The organization was created with the goal of developing an urban agriculture system that emphasized sustainable production methods.

Operations and Technology Behind Upward Farms

Controlled Environment Agriculture

Upward Farms operated in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, combining aquaponics and indoor farming techniques. The company produced USDA-certified organic microgreens and hybrid striped bass at its Brooklyn facilities. Its products were distributed through regional retailers, including Whole Foods Market.

Microbiome Focus

The company developed a microbial systems approach to plant production, focusing on the role of soil and water microbiomes in crop health. This concept, which the company referred to as “Ecological Intelligence,” aimed to improve productivity through microbial management within its farming systems.

Expansion and Investments

In 2021, Upward Farms expanded to a larger production site in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The same year, the company announced plans for a 250,000-square-foot facility in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, which was expected to become one of the largest indoor vertical farms. A ribbon-cutting event was held in 2022, though the facility was never completed.

The company raised over $140 million in funding, including a $121.7 million Series B round led by investors in June 2021.

Closure and Transition Of Upward Farms

End of Vertical Farming Operations

In early 2023, Upward Farms announced it would cease all vertical farming operations. This included the closure of its Brooklyn headquarters and the suspension of development at the Pennsylvania facility. According to the company, the decision was influenced by the operational complexity and capital requirements associated with scaling vertical farming systems.

Shift to Microbiome Research

Following the end of its farming operations, a portion of the Upward Farms team continued working on microbiome research. The company stated this area remained a focus due to its potential applications in broader agricultural contexts. However, as of 2025, the company’s official website is no longer active, and no public updates, filings, or business activity have been reported. Based on available information, it is believed that the company has fully ceased operations.

Key Milestones of Upward Farms

• 2013: Founded as Edenworks in New York.
• 2020: Rebranded as Upward Farms.
• 2021: Announced plans for a large-scale farm in Pennsylvania and raised $121.7 million in Series B funding.
• 2022: Held a ribbon-cutting for the Pennsylvania site (construction not completed).
• 2023: Ended vertical farming operations and shifted focus to research.

Summary Table