A groundbreaking farming project in downtown Westbrook, Maine has secured nearly $60 million in new financing from a combination of public and private sources. Vertical Harvest Farms is constructing a 51,000-square-foot hydroponic farming building on Mechanic Street, with $59.5 million in funding from private finance companies, USDA’s Rural Development Business & Industry Loan Guarantees, and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans.
The farming project, which began construction in 2021 and is set to open this summer, is expected to employ over 60 people. Nona Yehia, CEO of Vertical Harvest, stated their commitment to growing local, fresh, and fair food while ensuring inclusivity in the future of food.
Using hydroponic farming techniques, the project will grow leafy green vegetables without soil, allowing for efficient use of space and year-round production. Rhiannon Hampson, USDA Rural Development Maine State Director expressed excitement about Vertical Harvest joining the team to build communities and feed Mainers. The farm’s operation will ensure fresh produce availability to Mainers even during the winter months with a farm-to-fridge philosophy of delivering within 24 hours.
Vertical Harvest estimates that they will be able to produce 2.5 million pounds of lettuce, petite greens, microgreens, and herbs annually. With this innovative technology and commitment to sustainability, Vertical Harvest Farms is poised to revolutionize the way we grow food in Maine.
