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Building interiorActiveSince 2015

AeroFarms Newark Vertical Farm

Newark, United States · Operator: AeroFarms

Overview

2015 vertical farm conversion of 70,000 sq ft warehouse (formerly steel-supply company). Produces 2 million lbs microgreens annually in 36-foot tall stacked beds under LED lights. Uses 95% less water and 50% less fertilizer than traditional farming. Created 100+ jobs for Newark residents. Delivers within hours to Manhattan markets and Singapore Airlines. Functions as R&D facility for next-generation crops.

Citizen participation

R&D facility open to research partnerships. Next-generation crop development. Employment opportunities for Newark residents (100+ full-time positions). Technology demonstration and training.

Operating model

Vertical farm microgreens production and sales. Annual production: 2 million lbs leafy microgreens. 15 miles from Manhattan with same-day harvest delivery. Supplies Singapore Airlines and other premium markets. Water/energy efficiency through LED and hydroponic systems.

Impact

Annual 2 million lbs production supports local food supply. 95% water savings and 50% fertilizer reduction minimize environmental impact. Repurposes abandoned industrial building for food production. Created 100+ jobs. Eliminates long-distance transport, reducing food loss and carbon footprint. Model for urban food security.

Land tenure

Lease

Leased industrial building in Newark. Land-use conversion from steel supply to vertical agriculture.

Crops

  • kale
  • lettuce
  • bok choi
  • watercress
  • arugula
  • mizuna
  • red-leaf lettuce
  • microgreens

Scale

6,503 m²~70,000 sq ft warehouse (converted from former steel-supply company building)

Sources(4)

Related cases

AeroFarms Newark Vertical Farm — Urban Farm DB