Beanstalk to expand indoor vertical farming production

The company's new facility will be located in Herndon and will produce pesticide-free leafy greens and speciality herbs using proprietary hydroponic growing technology, which will reportedly achieve annual sales of more than $5 million in three years.

Beanstalk sells its salad mixes and herbs through national grocery retailers and northern Virginia farmers markets, as well as its on-site retail store.

"As a hub for innovation of all kinds, Fairfax County is an ideal location for Beanstalk's innovative indoor farm facility," said Victor Hoskins, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) president and CEO.

"By utilising its hydroponic growing technology in a larger space, Beanstalk will be able to produce even more pesticide-free greens year-round. The FCEDA congratulates the company on its expansion plans in Fairfax County."

Beanstalk co-founder Jack Ross developed its highly automated production system to efficiently grow plants in a dense, palletised format. According to FCEDA, using this technology, the company can produce food four times as efficiently as traditional hydroponic farming.

"Jack and I are incredibly proud to be developing our technology and growing local produce in Virginia. Being 'Virginia Grown' ourselves, we are excited to be bringing new technology to the industry and new jobs to our home state," said Beanstalk co-founder, Michael Ross.

Fairfax County board of supervisors chairman, Jeffrey McKay, added: "We are always looking for innovative investments to move our economy forward in Fairfax County. Beanstalk's new facility will not only bring new jobs to the community, but it also is a creative solution to using advancements in technology to increase access to fresh food options."

Source and Photo Courtesy of Foodbev Media

Source: Foodbev Media