Bowery Farming, the largest vertical farming company in the U.S., will open a smart indoor vertical farm in Locust Grove, Georgia. The project is expected to create 100 jobs in Henry County.

The company’s expansion comes in response to a sharp increase in demand across the Southeast for its freshly grown greens and lettuces. Bowery Farming will operate a large-scale commercial farm located at Colvin Drive and Highway 42. The company will begin hiring in 2022.

“We’re thrilled to announce our expansion beyond the Northeast and into the Atlanta, Georgia, area,” said Irving Fain, CEO and Founder of Bowery Farming. “Our smart indoor farm in Locust Grove will showcase Bowery’s technology leadership and innovation from seed-to-shelf. It’s a significant step in addressing the critical challenges of the current agricultural system and working toward wider access to fresh, local pesticide-free produce, year-round.”

By strategically expanding to Henry County, the company will provide locally grown produce to a population of 20 million people within a 200-mile radius of its new state-of-the-art farm. Committed to sustainability, Bowery’s farms are powered 100 percent by energy from renewable sources and grow local, pesticide-free protected produce. Additionally, Bowery’s smart indoor farms grow crops 365 days a year, regardless of weather conditions.

“Georgia leads in cutting-edge advancements in agriculture and the creation of sustainable farming solutions that push the industry forward,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “I’m confident Georgia’s rich farming history, our innovative AgTech ecosystem, and our strategic geographic location will lead to further success for Bowery Farming. I want to thank them for investing in our state and appreciate all the work our local and regional partners are doing to grow and diversify industries in the metro Atlanta region.”

Bowery Farming provides leafy greens and herbs to more than 800 U.S. grocery stores and major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Albertsons, and more.

“We welcome Bowery Farming to metro Atlanta and join with our partners in support of this new agricultural operation in our region,” said Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick. “Metro Atlanta is a great location for food processing businesses due to our highly skilled workforce, our efficient transportation system, as well as direct access to a deep customer base that will benefit Bowery Farming.”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) was represented by Global Commerce Project Manager Virginia Sengewald in partnership with the Henry County Development Authority, the City of Locust Grove, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia EMC. A strategic arm of GDEcD, the Georgia Center of Innovation is cultivating an ecosystem of opportunities in Georgia to meet the demand for locally sourced fresh produce through its Agricultural Technology (AgTech) and Energy specialists. The Center of Innovation helps Georgia’s businesses capitalize on opportunities and confront challenges in the state’s key industries.