A groundbreaking development in urban agriculture has taken root in Chesterfield County, Virginia, with the inauguration of the world’s largest indoor vertical berry farm. This state-of-the-art facility, spearheaded by Plenty Unlimited Inc., marks a significant stride toward sustainable, high-efficiency food production within urban settings.
The newly unveiled Plenty Richmond Farm is a $300 million investment situated within the Meadowville Technology Park. Spanning a 120-acre campus, it stands as the largest indoor vertical farm complex globally. The facility employs advanced vertical farming techniques to cultivate strawberries year-round, aiming to supply fresh produce to approximately 100 million consumers within a day’s drive from Richmond.
Utilizing 30-foot-tall grow towers, the farm integrates proprietary software to meticulously control environmental factors such as temperature, light, and humidity. This precision agriculture approach ensures optimal growing conditions, leading to consistent quality and higher yields.
The farm’s operations are bolstered by a collaboration with Driscoll’s, a renowned berry producer. This partnership combines Driscoll’s expertise in berry cultivation with Plenty’s innovative vertical farming technology, aiming to deliver premium strawberries to markets in the Northeast, the largest berry consumption region in the U.S.
Beyond its agricultural innovations, the Plenty Richmond Farm is poised to make a substantial economic impact on the region. The facility is expected to create over 300 jobs, contributing to local employment and economic growth.
Vertical farming represents a paradigm shift in agricultural practices, particularly in urban environments where space is limited. By growing crops in stacked layers within controlled indoor settings, vertical farms can significantly reduce water usage—by up to 95% compared to traditional farming methods—and eliminate the need for pesticides. These farms also minimize the carbon footprint associated with food transportation by situating production closer to consumers.
The Plenty Richmond Farm exemplifies these benefits, offering a model for sustainable, efficient, and scalable food production that can be replicated in urban centers worldwide.
The vertical farming industry in the United States is experiencing robust growth, with market size projected to reach $3.94 billion in 2025 and expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% to $6.59 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by increasing demand for locally grown, pesticide-free produce and the need for sustainable agricultural solutions in the face of climate change and urbanization.
However, the industry also faces challenges, including high initial capital investment and energy consumption. Innovations in energy-efficient technologies and economies of scale are essential to address these hurdles and ensure the long-term viability of vertical farming enterprises.
The opening of the world’s largest indoor vertical berry farm in Virginia signifies a transformative moment in urban agriculture. By integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, the Plenty Richmond Farm sets a precedent for future agricultural developments aimed at feeding growing urban populations while minimizing environmental impact.
