World's Largest Indoor Vertical Farm Coming To Essex County

Developers and city officials gathered in Newark on Thursday to break ground on a $30 million facility that will serve as the future corporate headquarters of AeroFarms.

The project – billed as the world’s largest indoor vertical farm – will eventually have the capacity to grow up to two million pounds of baby leafy greens and herbs per year, its developers say.

According to a release, the 69,000 square-foot facility will serve as the corporate headquarters of AeroFarms, creating vertical farm and global headquarters in a converted steel factory located at 212 Rome Street.

The first phases are slated to open in the second half of 2015. Developers and city officials estimate that the facility will create approximately 78 jobs in a local community with an unemployment rate that is twice the national average.

Additionally, AeroFarms has partnered with the Ironbound Community Corporation to create a recruiting and job training program targeting local residents, a release stated.

“Newark is becoming a destination for high-tech and environmentally-friendly development, and this project in the East Ward will bring jobs and prosperity to our city,” stated Mayor Ras Baraka. “This development initiative is a win for everyone involved, and will have a major impact on our city’s economic and physical health.”

Photo courtesy of the City of Newark