The farm will be built at the Berkley Riverfront Development, located along the Missouri River, close to downtown Kansas City. After years of preparation, the nearly five-acre site is ready for construction. The farm is part of the larger Port Authority plan for the riverfront, which is one of the largest urban riverfront development sites in the country.
The farm will energize the riverfront while dramatically scaling up urban agriculture in Kansas City. It will grow enough crops to meet the fresh vegetable consumption needs of up to 5,000 Kansas City residents, create 25 full-time, green-collar jobs, facilitate over 100 construction jobs, and prevent storm water from going into local waterways. By growing locally, BrightFarms delivers produce that is thousands of miles fresher, more flavorful, and better for the community.
“BrightFarms is not only growing local produce, they are growing our local economy,” says Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James. “We are thrilled to welcome BrightFarms to our community, which is rapidly becoming a model of sustainability.”
Councilman, 1st District At Large Scott Wagner, says, “The history of Kansas City is intertwined with the history of US Agriculture. BrightFarms’ entrance into Kansas City puts our city back on the forefront of 21st Century agriculture and we are very excited to be a part of that.”
Missouri’s Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, says, “This farm advances the sustainable redevelopment of our riverfront, our city, and our community, creating green-collar jobs and bolstering the local economy.”
“In addition to improving our local food security and creating jobs that cannot be outsourced, this project will enhance Kansas City’s nationwide reputation as a hub of innovation and one of the most modernizing economies in America,” says Senator Holsman.
President & CEO of the Kansas City Port Authority Michael Collins says, “Today marks a very significant day for the Port Authority and BrightFarms. BrightFarms will be producing whole and fresh foods crops in an environmentally and logistically sustainable way. This project will serve as the first of many expected announcements.”
“The Kansas City Port Authority and elected officials have been tremendous champions of BrightFarms and have a visionary plan for the future of this City” says BrightFarms CEO, Paul Lightfoot. “We can’t wait to grow millions of pounds of fresh local produce a year and partner with the most innovative local supermarket.”
