Governor Youngkin Announces New High-Tech Hydroponic Growing Operation in Louisa County

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin introduced right this moment that Higher Future Farms, Inc. will construct a brand new progressive hydroponic greenhouse and processing facility on a 61-acre web site within the Louisa County Industrial Air Park. The corporate just lately secured funding by means of Generate Capital, a number one sustainable infrastructure funding and working platform. The mission will convey tens of hundreds of thousands of {dollars} in new capital funding to the county and create native year-round jobs. At full capability, the ability is anticipated to supply a number of million kilos of leafy greens per 12 months. The corporate has a gross sales settlement for its manufacturing with Taylor Farms, the nation’s largest salad and fresh-cut vegetable producer. This mission additional secures Virginia’s place as a nationwide chief in indoor agricultural manufacturing.

“I wish to thank Higher Future Farms and Generate Capital for making this necessary funding in Virginia,” stated Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I commend them on the brand new jobs and contemporary, native produce this mission will present to customers within the Commonwealth and past.”

“This funding in managed atmosphere agriculture helps enhance the Commonwealth’s place as a frontrunner within the subsequent era agricultural sector,” stated Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “I’m happy that the Commonwealth might companion with Louisa County by means of the Governor’s AFID Fund to safe this thrilling win for Virginia.”

“Higher Future Farms’ world-class indoor greenhouse operation in Louisa County will convey new year-round jobs and strengthen Virginia’s standing as a high state within the managed atmosphere agriculture business,” stated Secretary of Commerce and Commerce Caren Merrick. “An funding like this gives not solely a extremely sustainable leafy greens supply, it additionally represents rising profession alternatives for Virginians. Whereas hiring for jobs at Higher Future Farms received’t start till 2024, candidates can get in on the bottom flooring now by visiting www.careers.betterfuture.farm.”

“That is one other step within the evolution of our 28-year journey to offer contemporary, high-quality produce to prospects throughout North America,” stated Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO. “We sit up for bringing native, greenhouse grown lettuce to Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic area.”

“We’re excited to convey high-quality, domestically grown lettuce to Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic area at scale,” stated John McMahon, COO, Higher Future Farms, Inc. “Our farm will develop year-round and in a strategic partnership with Taylor Farms, will ship to retailers inside hours of harvest.”

“Generate believes that scalable, sustainable options for agriculture have a vital position to play in future-proofing communities,” stated Scott Jacobs, Chief Govt and Co-Founder, Generate Capital. “We’re happy to assist Higher Future Farms and Louisa County within the building of this cutting-edge facility to enhance water effectivity and scale back the carbon impression of meals miles.”

“This mission exemplifies agricultural innovation,” shelp Louisa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Duane Adams. “We’re happy this facility will convey new job alternatives for our residents whereas affirming the county’s dedication to agribusinesses as a rising and very important a part of our native economic system.”

“This mission is an incredible enhance for Louisa County and a strategic funding in Virginia agriculture, the Commonwealth’s largest personal business,” stated Senator Bryce Reeves.

“Contemplating the common age of farmers is age 58, I’m delighted that Higher Future Farms is increasing their disrupting innovation of farming to Louisa County. Their funding will contain our youth and will remodel farming for future generations whereas creating jobs that may preserve our graduates in Louisa County,” stated Delegate John McGuire.

The Virginia Division of Agriculture and Client Companies (VDACS) and the Virginia Financial Improvement Partnership (VEDP) labored with Louisa County and the Louisa County Industrial Improvement Authority to safe the mission for the Commonwealth. Governor Youngkin accredited a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Improvement Fund, which Louisa County will match with native funds.

Help for Higher Future Farms’ job creation will probably be offered by means of the Virginia Expertise Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Neighborhood School System and different greater training companions, with funding assist from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia Normal Meeting. Launched in 2019, this system accelerates new facility start-ups by means of the direct supply of recruitment and coaching providers which are absolutely personalized to an organization’s distinctive merchandise, processes, tools, requirements, and tradition. All program providers are offered without charge to certified new and increasing corporations as an incentive for job creation.

About Higher Future Farms, Inc.

Based in 2022, by enterprise companions John McMahon and David Drescher, Higher Future Farms will produce quite a lot of contemporary leafy greens year-round for the wholesale market in its first state-of-the-art indoor hydroponic greenhouse operation. McMahon and Drescher are seasoned entrepreneurs who convey a wealth of enterprise and indoor rising expertise to the brand new firm together with established produce business relationships. Higher Future Farms’ first facility is underneath building in Louisa, Virginia. Be taught extra data, please go to www.betterfuture.farm.

About Generate Capital

Generate Capital PBC is a number one sustainable infrastructure firm driving the infrastructure revolution. Generate builds, owns, operates, and funds options for clear power, transportation, water, waste, agriculture, and digital infrastructure. Based in 2014, Generate companions with over 50 know-how and mission builders and owns and operates greater than 2,000 property globally. Generate is the one-stop store providing pioneers of the infrastructure revolution tailor-made funding and assist wanted to get initiatives constructed. The corporate’s Infrastructure-as-a-Service mannequin delivers inexpensive, dependable and sustainable assets to hundreds of shoppers, corporations, communities, faculty districts and universities. Collectively, they’re rebuilding the world. For extra data, please go to www.generatecapital.com.

About Taylor Farms

Taylor Farms is a number one North American producer of salads and wholesome contemporary meals with manufacturing services throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Taylor Farms is grounded in a dedication to high quality, assured provide, innovation, sustainability, and meals security. Taylor Farms is household owned and primarily based in “The Salad Bowl of the World” Salinas, California. For extra data, scrumptious recipes, and extra, please go to www.taylorfarms.com and observe Taylor Farms on social media.