Plenty Opens World’s First Indoor Berry Farm
In a groundbreaking achievement for agtech, Plenty Unlimited Inc. has launched the world’s first indoor farming operation dedicated to berry production in Richmond, Virginia. This impressive facility, covering 40,000 square feet, is engineered to grow over 4 million pounds of strawberries annually exclusively for Driscoll’s, a leading berry supplier. The farm employs 30-foot tall towers and advanced technologies to ensure optimal growth conditions, while the first strawberries are scheduled to make their market debut in early 2025.
Transforming Urban Agriculture
As climate change challenges traditional farming, Plenty’s establishment represents a significant leap toward sustainable urban agriculture. Plenty’s CEO, Adams Kutukai, emphasized the potential for climate-agnostic farming to enhance crop diversity while supporting local production. By utilizing proprietary software to control lighting, temperature, and humidity, Plenty is focused on producing strawberries that meet the desired size, flavor, and shape without the need for pollinators such as bees.
Advancements in Livestock Feed Solutions
Simultaneously, Ginkgo Bioworks has partnered with Missouri-based Novus International to address another critical aspect of agricultural innovation: animal feed. This collaboration aims to develop cost-effective feed additives that enhance the health and productivity of livestock including chickens, cows, and pigs. Given the rising costs and economic pressure on the agricultural sector, this partnership is poised to introduce advanced enzyme technologies that promise improved sustainability and efficiency in livestock production.