BrightFarms signs lease for greenhouse site in Washington, DC

BrightFarms, Inc. and the District of Columbia’s Department of General Services (DGS) signed a lease for the site on which BrightFarms will build the world’s most productive urban farm.

The lease signing follows an announcement in 2013 of the partnership between BrightFarms and the District of Columbia’s Department of General Services. BrightFarms plans to soon begin construction of a 100,000 square foot hydroponic greenhouse, which will be located in Washington DC’s Ward 8.

Earlier this year BrightFarms entered into an agreement with the grocer Giant Food who will be the exclusive retailer in the nation’s capital region of BrightFarms’ year round local produce. Under that agreement, BrightFarms is responsible for financing, building and operating the greenhouse while Giant Food distributes the produce to its stores. The two companies will also work together to distribute produce from the greenhouse to local community organizations that can supply residents who otherwise lack access to fresh produce.

By growing locally, BrightFarms delivers produce that is thousands of miles fresher, more flavourful, and better for the community. The farm also creates 20 full-time, green-collar jobs, facilitates over 100 construction jobs, and prevents storm water from going into local waterways.

The greenhouse will be designed and built in partnership with the City’s Department of General Services and the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation in support of the Mayor’s Sustainable D.C. Plan, which aims to make DC the greenest, healthiest and most liveable city in the nation.

“This greenhouse will be the world’s highest grossing urban farm,” said BrightFarms CEO Paul Lightfoot, “and it will also have one of the greatest positive social impacts.” DGS Director Brian J. Hanlon, remarked, “This is a great example of leveraging the District’s assets to make the most of our real estate portfolio in a dynamic way that produces results which reverberate across the city.”

For more information
BrightFarms
Toby Tiktinsky
Director of Business Development
T: +1 646-480-5265
ttiktinsky@brightfarms.com
www.brightfarms.com

Publication date: Fri 13 Jun 2014