Indoor-farming company BrightFarms has officially launched its first greenhouse in Texas, marking a significant expansion into the South Central and Southwest regions. This new facility in Lorena is not only the company’s second greenhouse opening this year, following one in Illinois, but also serves as a crucial regional hub in BrightFarms’ ongoing mission to provide fresh, locally grown produce.
The CEO of BrightFarms, Steve Platt, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering the freshest and highest-quality produce, stating, “Texans deserve the freshest, highest-quality produce, and we’re thrilled to deliver just that.” He noted that with their greenhouse expertise and advanced technology, BrightFarms aims to provide year-round access to fresh greens across the Lone Star State.
Located on a substantial 1.5 million square feet, the Lorena greenhouse is designed with state-of-the-art cooling and climate technology, including the KUBO Ultra-Clima system. This innovative system ensures optimal growing conditions throughout the year, which is a significant advantage in healthy produce cultivation. The new facility is projected to produce around 25 million salads annually, a notable contribution to the local food supply.
In addition to enhancing local food availability, the establishment of this greenhouse will create more than 250 jobs for the community, complete with competitive benefits. Lorena’s Mayor, Tommy Ross, expressed his excitement, stating, “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome BrightFarms into our community, creating jobs and bringing fresh, locally grown produce right here to Lorena.” He acknowledged that the company’s cutting-edge agricultural practices not only drive economic growth but also contribute to the health and well-being of the community.
BrightFarms operates as a prominent brand under Cox Farms, a controlled-environment agriculture venture owned by Cox Enterprises. Steve Bradley, the president of Cox Farms, highlighted that the opening of the Texas greenhouse signifies a substantial step in securing a sustainable food supply. This expansion is aligned with Cox Enterprises’ broader commitment, which has seen an investment exceeding $2 billion in sustainable businesses and technologies. He stated, “With the opening of our new greenhouse in Texas, we are taking another significant step toward securing a sustainable food supply. This milestone reinforces Cox’s investment of over $2 billion in sustainable businesses and technologies, ensuring healthy, responsibly grown produce for generations to come.”
Cox Enterprises has positioned itself as North America’s largest greenhouse operator, having surpassed 700 acres across its brands by November 2024. With plans to expand to nearly 100 acres in new greenhouses across Texas, Illinois, and Georgia, BrightFarms is set to enhance its reach, effectively catering to more than two-thirds of the U.S. population. This expansion underscores the growing demand for locally sourced, sustainable produce, as consumers increasingly prioritize the quality and origin of their food.
The arrival of BrightFarms in Texas represents a shift towards more innovative agriculture practices, catering to the modern consumer’s expectations. It also reaffirms the importance of local production in ensuring fresh food availability. As residents of the area will soon have access to produce grown nearby, it establishes a connection between consumers and their food source, fostering transparency and sustainability in the food supply chain.
In conclusion, the opening of BrightFarms’ greenhouse in Texas is a pivotal development for the local community and the broader cultivation landscape. The commitment to maintaining high-quality, sustainable agricultural practices while also generating new employment opportunities is a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved. As similar operations expand across the country, the industry may witness a continued shift towards enhanced sustainability and local food sourcing, setting a new standard for future agricultural practices.
