Key Takeaways:
- Plenty Richmond Farm planted its first commercial batch of strawberries, aiming for its first harvest in early 2025.
- The company has finalized its strategic pivot to strawberries, closing the Compton leafy greens farm due to rising operational costs in California.
- Plenty’s advanced modular growing technology positions it to address a market gap with year-round, premium-quality strawberries.
- The closure marks a bittersweet moment for Plenty, recognizing the contributions of its Compton team to vertical farming innovation.
Strategic Shift to Strawberries
Plenty Unlimited planted its first commercial batch of strawberries at its Richmond Farm as part of a strategic shift to focus exclusively on strawberries. This decision follows years of development in modular growing systems designed to support a variety of crops beyond leafy greens.
Strawberries represent an opportunity to address a market gap by offering locally grown, peak-season-quality fruit year-round while commanding a premium price. The transition builds on Plenty’s expertise in vertical farming and advanced technology, which enables precise, scalable cultivation.
Compton Farm Closure
As part of this strategic pivot, Plenty has announced the closure of its Compton leafy greens farm, citing the rising cost of operations in California, including increasing energy prices.
Acknowledging Community Support
Plenty expressed gratitude to Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, the City Council, and the community for their support: “We were welcomed into the community from day one and have been proud to hire many members of our team from the City of Compton. We hope that our engagement with local schools has helped spark a greater interest in STEM and shown students the wide variety of future paths in STEM that are possible.”
Plenty Unlimited Latest News
World’s First Indoor, Vertically Farmed Berry Facility (2024/09/25)
Plenty Unlimited Inc. has opened the world’s first indoor, vertically farmed berry farm in Richmond, Virginia, aiming to produce over 4 million pounds of strawberries annually. The facility, which uses 30-foot-tall vertical growing towers, is part of Virginia’s growing leadership in controlled environment agriculture. The farm’s patent-pending, modular growing system allows for uniform nutrient delivery, improved airflow, and more intense lighting, resulting in increased yield and consistent product quality. The farm’s AI monitors over 10 million data points daily across 12 grow rooms, adjusting the environment to meet the plants’ evolving needs. The partnership with Driscoll’s combines advanced technology with Driscoll’s century-long expertise in berry cultivation, ensuring consistent flavor and quality. The farm represents a $300 million investment in Virginia, with the broader campus expected to generate over 300 jobs.
Expands Its R&D Facility In Wyoming (2024/09/05)
Plenty Unlimited Inc. is set to build the world’s largest vertical farming research center in Laramie, Wyoming, with the state’s largest economic development grant. The facility will enhance Plenty’s R&D capabilities and strengthen its position in the indoor farming sector. The facility will integrate genetics, AI-driven data, and custom growing environments, allowing the company to accelerate crop development and explore new plant uses beyond fresh produce. The facility will open in summer 2026, fostering research partnerships and driving innovation in sustainable agriculture.
Revolutionizing Greens with Plenty’s Spring Mix (2024/03/14)
Plenty Unlimited is thrilled to announce its latest product, the Spring Mix, a testament to the company’s continuous innovation in both product assortment and sustainable farming practices. This new addition promises a perfect melody of flavors that is sure to become a staple for salad enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers alike. Through the integration of biodiverse cultivation methods, Plenty not only enhances the taste and quality of their Spring Mix but also underscores their dedication to sustainability. This approach ensures that the greens are not just good for you, but good for the earth as well.
Leadership Appointment (2023/11/13)
Plenty Unlimited Inc. announced progress in developing its new R&D facility, set to become the largest and most technologically advanced indoor vertical farming research center globally. With a $22.5 million grant from Wyoming and support from the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance, the project appointed MOA Architecture as the architecture and engineering firm. Sasha Preuss was recruited as the Vice President of Plant Science and will focus on scaling the company’s R&D efforts. The Laramie Research Center promises to enhance Plenty’s crop variety and technology, notably its custom LED lighting systems.
Plenty Doubles California Retail Presence with Zero-Pesticide Leafy Greens in Whole Foods and Gelson’s Markets (2023/08/25)
Plenty Unlimited Inc. has expanded retail availability in California, doubling its presence in the state. Its zero-pesticide leafy greens are now available at over 180 locations, including Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets. The opening of Plenty’s first commercial-scale farm in Compton has enabled the company to scale up its production, aiming to grow up to 4.5 million pounds of leafy greens annually. The company’s innovative approach to farming allows for pesticide-free, bleach-free greens that require no washing before consumption. More expansion is planned, with a new farm set to open in Richmond, Virginia, in 2024.
Plenty and Driscoll’s Break Ground on Virginia Vertical Farm (2023/07/31)
Indoor vertical farming company, Plenty, and well-known berry brand, Driscoll’s, marked a construction milestone in Richmond, VA, for a new indoor vertical farm dedicated to strawberry production. The new farm will serve the Northeastern United States and is set to provide fresh produce to East Coast communities starting next year. The campus features Plenty’s vertical growing platform utilizing data analytics, machine learning, and customized lighting, which is claimed to achieve yields 150-350 times greater per acre than traditional field farming while conserving natural resources. The partnership aims to offer a consistent, high-quality product to a significant berry consumption region in the US.
Vertical Farm in Compton: Plenty Unveils Its Latest Facility (2023/05/19)
Plenty Unlimited announced the opening of its new Plenty Compton Farm, a sophisticated indoor vertical farm in Compton, California. The farm is designed to produce 4.5 million pounds of leafy greens per year within a single city block, making it 350 times more efficient than a traditional farm per acre. The farm employs Plenty’s patented 3D vertical architecture, which maximizes space usage and automates all stages of the farming process. The farm will cultivate four varieties of leafy greens: Baby Arugula, Baby Kale, Crispy Lettuce, and Curly Baby Spinach. The spinach, in particular, is one of the few vertically grown, pesticide-free spinach varieties available worldwide. Plenty’s freshly harvested leafy greens will be distributed through several channels, including local grocers in Compton, Bristol Farms, Northern California Whole Foods Market stores, and Southern California Walmart stores.
Realty Income and Plenty Partner Providing Up To $1Bn For Development Opportunities (2023/02/22)
Realty Income Corp has partnered with Plenty Unlimited Inc. to support the development of Plenty’s indoor vertical farms. This strategic alliance will see Realty Income acquire and provide funding for properties to house Plenty’s indoor farms, with up to $1 billion of development opportunities available. The partnership represents an advancement in how indoor farming assets get capitalized and paves the way for their development as an asset class. With Plenty’s innovative technology platform and Realty Income’s real estate expertise, the two companies are positioned to revolutionize the future of sustainable agriculture.
Plenty Unlimited Inc. to Build the World’s Largest Vertical Farming Research Center in Wyoming (2023/02/03)
Plenty Unlimited Inc. will build the world’s largest vertical farming research center in Laramie, Wyoming, with $20 million in funding from the State, City, and Laramie Chamber Business Alliance. The 60,000-square-foot center will double Plenty’s current research space and enhance its capacity to revolutionize indoor agriculture. The center is expected to bring 125 new jobs and work closely with universities, startups, and vendors to advance Wyoming’s indoor farming research ecosystem. The project will move into the design phase and begin construction later in 2023, opening in early 2025.
Plenty Partners with Bristol Farms in SoCal Expansion (2022/09/23)
Plenty Unlimited Inc. is partnering with Bristol Farms to bring its pesticide-free leafy greens to Southern California, exclusively at Bristol Farms for the remainder of the year. This marks the first time Bristol Farms has carried indoor, vertically-grown produce. Bristol Farms will offer Plenty’s Baby Arugula, Baby Kale, Crispy Lettuce and Mizuna Mix at all its locations throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Santa Barbara County. Plenty is the world’s most technologically advanced indoor farm and grows produce year-round using its proprietary technology.
Plenty To Build a USD 300 Million Campus in Virginia With Driscolls (2022/09/15)
Plenty Unlimited Inc. has secured 120 acres of land in Virginia to build the largest indoor vertical farm campus in the world. The campus will have farms growing crops such as strawberries, leafy greens, and tomatoes. The first farm will grow indoor, vertically farmed Driscoll’s strawberries, which will be available in winter 2023-2024 in the Northeast. The investment is estimated to be around $300 million and is expected to bring over 300 jobs to Virginia.
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