Irvington, N.Y.-based controlled environment agriculture grower BrightFarms says it will ship its leafy greens from its newest greenhouse in Macon, Ga., which opened in 2024.
The facility, once fully built, will span 1.5 million square feet and is a short drive from parent company Cox Enterprises in Atlanta. The company said this is its third new build in less than six months, following greenhouse openings in Lorena, Texas, and Yorkville, Ill.
“The Southeast is one of the fastest-growing markets for indoor-grown greens, and this facility allows us to meet rising demand with high-quality, locally grown produce,” BrightFarms Chief Commercial Officer Abby Prior said in a news release. “We’re also proud to be part of the Georgia Grown program, supporting local agriculture and contributing to the state’s economy.”
BrightFarms said it deploys Green Automation’s high-tech lettuce growing system and Kubo’s Ultra-Clima technology to ensure optimal growing conditions year-round. The company said it delivers its leafy greens to retailers in as little as 24 hours of harvest and can serve two-thirds of U.S. consumers with its fresh greens, with its three regional greenhouse hubs.
The company said last month it will suspend operations at its early-stage facilities in Selinsgrove, Pa., Rochelle, Ill., and Hendersonville, N.C., later this year as it focuses on scaling and operating its new high-tech greenhouse hubs.
BrightFarms said the Macon greenhouse is home to the first-ever Cox Farms Discovery Center, an educational hub designed to train the next generation of Cox Farms agricultural workers, support retailers and further its mission to provide fresh, accessible produce for all.
“Through Cox Enterprises, we’ve been proud to call Georgia home since 1939,” Cox Farms President Steve Bradley said in a news release. “Our deep commitment to the state is reflected in our investments across industries, from Cox Communications to philanthropic initiatives like Cox Conserves, and many more. With our new Macon greenhouse, we’re bringing the promise of fresh food to our home state, supporting the future of agriculture, workforce development, and community growth.”
