New England lettuce grower planning major expansion in 2020

Since opening its doors in Devens, MA, in 2016, demand has increased so much that Little Leaf Farms now has plans to double its growing capacity in May 2020 to 10 acres in Devens. Little Leaf Farms also plans to break ground in the Eastern Pennsylvania region on a 20-acre greenhouse to supply stores locally, followed by another 20-acre greenhouse located in Western North Carolina to extend distribution of its signature locally-grown lettuce that has a devoted following among consumers in New England. Each acre of greenhouse will yield 25 times that of lettuce grown on an outdoor farm.

To support this expansion, Bank of America has stepped in with more than $18 million of initial financing, to be followed by another $20 million to help finance the company's growth.

"We are changing the way food is grown in New England and changing consumer expectations for fresh produce in this part of the world. There is tremendous opportunity to expand to new geographies and feed families, a fresher, cleaner, more nutritious lettuce than what they can buy today," says Paul Sellew, Owner of Little Leaf Farms.

Little Leaf Farms grows lettuce hydroponically with great efficiency. The company uses 100% captured rainwater and utilizes advanced fertilization and irrigation systems that use 90% less water than field-grown greens so there is no depletion of groundwater reserves. With the nation's dual problem of farming issues that are a result of climate change and growing population demands, Little Leaf Farms has a model growing method that brings year-round sustainable farming to New England and the East Coast with a smaller carbon footprint.

"California is a state without a lot of water, yet that's where most of our nation's lettuce is being grown," Sellew says. "That's unsustainable."

Growing locally and shipping within 24 hours to local stores adds to its efficiency. No human hands ever touch the lettuce as its grown safely, with less risk of contamination. As Little Leaf Farms expands, Sellew said they are also looking at growing new varieties of lettuce.

Source and photo courtesy of Greenhouse Grower

Source: Greenhouse Grower