Plenty Unlimited Breaks Ground on World’s Largest Indoor Vertical Farm in Virginia

Plenty Unlimited has recently initiated the construction of what is set to be the world’s largest indoor vertical farming facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The $300 million campus project marks a significant shift for the company, which is partnering with berry supplier Driscoll’s to establish its first-ever strawberry farm.

Despite being widely recognized as a producer of leafy greens for East Coast communities, this new facility, located just outside of Richmond, is set to broaden access to regionally-grown fruits and vegetables throughout the year. In addition to boosting local agriculture, the project is also anticipated to create approximately 300 jobs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr, and Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick joined Plenty CEO Arama Kukutai for the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.

In a statement, Governor Youngkin lauded the initiative, saying, “Virginia and Plenty are leading the way in the new age of agriculture.”

Plenty has already been cultivating Driscoll’s strawberries at its plant science research facility in Wyoming, but the Virginia project represents the first full-scale farm dedicated to this fruit. The endeavor leverages Driscoll’s proprietary genetics and berry expertise, coupled with Plenty’s cutting-edge indoor farming technology and plant science knowledge.

To achieve yields reported to be 150 to 350 times greater per acre than traditional field farming, Plenty uses proprietary data analytics, machine learning, and customized lighting. This approach is facilitated by the vast amounts of growth data generated by its platform. The company also plans to build 30-foot towers within the facility, utilizing technology that simulates the perfect spring day, enabling it to reach these high yield rates.

Commenting on the project, CEO Kukutai stated, “The Northeast is the largest berry consumption region in the US, with a dense population of berry-loving consumers. Our partnership with Driscoll’s, coupled with Plenty’s optimized technology platform, ensures we can consistently grow premium berries closer to where these consumers live, providing fresh, consistent quality.”

The Chesterfield County campus is scheduled to be developed in several phases over the coming six years, with the Driscoll’s berry farm expected to be operational by the winter of 2023-24.