BrightFarms launches R&D hub with Bayer veteran, greenhouse expert
Irvington, N.Y.-based BrightFarms is forming BrightLabs, an innovation and research lab at its Ohio growing facility, as well as launching a new lettuce product.
Matt Lingard, a former Bayer plant scientist with 15 years of experience working at the intersection of biotechnology and greenhouse science, will lead the BrightLabs team as vice president of agriculture and science, according to a news release.
“We’ve built up a team of the best minds in indoor agriculture to officially launch BrightLabs, where we’ll develop the next phase of game-changing products and technology solutions for our operations,” CEO Steve Platt said in the release.
BrightLabs will focus on developing proprietary and patented ecosystems for plants to thrive, increasing their flavor, yields and texture in the process.
The company is studying the plant’s microbiome, the naturally occurring bacteria that help determine its health, Lingard said.
“Instead of pouring dollars into artificial lighting research, we’re developing cutting-edge biotechnology solutions to out-maneuver our competition with the most productive indoor farms in the industry," Lingard said in the release.
This multi-million dollar research and development investment is part of the company’s $100 million Series E Fundraise led by Cox Enterprises, and represents a tenfold increase in the company’s research capabilities. Ten percent of the company is now dedicated to developing growing solutions.
Already known for proprietary research on growing spinach in a hydroponic system, BrightLabs aims to double its production of the crop, which is the industry’s best-selling tender leaf variety. BrightFarms will also launch NutriGreens in June.
BrightOS, the company’s proprietary data system, will help the BrightLabs team accelerate their research with machine learning and advanced data analysis.
BrightFarms’ five greenhouses – in Ohio, Virginia, Illinois, Pennsylvania and North Carolina — cover 1.2 million square feet and produce 9 million pounds of fresh lettuce annually. By the end of 2021, BrightFarms leafy greens will be available at more than 3,500 stores.
