Green Sense Farms is the world's largest indoor vertical farm.
By growing in a controlled indoor environment in stacking towers, it can plant 24/7 and harvest 365 days a year, pesticide, herbicide and GMO free.
All environmental factors can be controlled including LED lights, environmental control (humidity, temperature, and CO2) and fertigation (irrigation, drainage and fertilization).
As Heather Clancy from Forbes recently wrote: “Vertical farms are capturing attention for two big reasons: local interest in produce that doesn't have to be transported hundreds of miles before it makes it to the kitchen, and the need to find new food sources for the world’s growing population. That means farmers will need to produce up to 70% more food, tough to do in a world where 80% of the land suitable for farming is already in use. It stands to reason that indoor alternatives will continue to blossom, especially in expanding urban communities.”
Green Sense Farms is currently raising funds so it can expand its operations and build a network of Farms in the USA, Canada, China and Scandinavia so its produce is always locally grown and fresh. It grows high-quality micro-greens, baby green culinary herbs and lettuces.
It can grow these high-quality crops consistently through its automated computer controls which provide the precise amount of light, nutrients, water, temperature and humidity, to create ideal growing conditions year-round.
By putting these farms at the point of consumption and distribution, it reduces the amount of miles food travels and ensures that its crops are always fresh and nutritious.
Its sustainable growing practices reduce waste and conserve resources, making its product good for consumers and the environment.
It currently serves produce companies and supermarkets (like WholeFoods) that seek high-quality leafy greens and culinary herbs that are locally grown, sustainably farmed and chemical free.
Green Sense Radio Show, hosted by Founding Farmer, Robert Colangelo, is heard in syndication nationwide on 37 stations coast to coast and available through podcasts. The radio show plays an important role in its education and outreach as well as its marketing strategy.
KEY FACTS
- 2015 Revenue: $788K
- Harvest capacity ~3 million plants per year
- Opened first farm in China in August, 2016
- Innovation partners include Phillips
- Products currently distributed to grocery stores, produce companies, and select restaurants
- Harvest year-round, using a fraction of the land, water, and fertilizer of traditional field farming
EXIT STRATEGY
The company believes there is a tremendous financial opportunity for indoor vertical farming.
Its goal is to build a network of indoor vertical farms and grow the value of its business by operating profitable Farms.
Its options for an exit strategy might include:
- Selling the network of Farms to a strategic investor or a financial investor.
- An IPO.
- Merging with or acquiring other indoor vertical farming operations and paying investors a dividend from profits.