The New Frontier in Farming
As one of the world’s first vertical
hydroponic greenhouses—built on
a sliver of vacant land next to a park-
ing garage—it’s 13,500 square feet
and utilizes a one-tenth of an acre
infill lot to grow an annual amount
of produce equivalent to five acres
of traditional agriculture.
Hydroponic farming is a highly pro-
ductive, environmentally friendly
and space-efficient way to farm. The
method involves growing plants using
mineral nutrient solutions delivered
in irrigated water, eliminating the
need for soil. The water is recirculated,
using 90 percent less water than tradi-
tional farming. Hydroponic farming
allows control over plant nutrition for
optimal flavor and quality, and some
hydroponic crops grow at twice the
pace of their soil-based peers, making
it an ideal alternative farming option
for Jackson Hole’s climate.
Vertical Harvest’s produce does not
compete with traditional area grow-
ers but instead tries to reduce the
amount of imported produce and
related transportation charges to local
businesses from large-scale distribu-
tors suppling Wyoming from distant
states. The organization’s specially
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designed recirculating hydroponic
methods save land and water, elimi-
nate agricultural runoff and chemical
pesticides, and offer the benefits of
efficient, high-yield, local, year-round
food production…and some pretty
tasty leafy greens.
Sam Bartels, Business Development
Director, says, “We currently deliver
produce twice weekly to several local
restaurants and grocery stores. When
we reach capacity we will be produc-
ing 100,000 pounds of produce per
year.” There’s also a public retail space,
“Market,” which sells the farm’s pro-
duce—including tomatoes, microgreens
and lettuce to locals and visitors.
“Unexpected challenges are the
nature of all farming,” explains Sam,
“and whenever you have a business
rooted in something that is living you
can always expect the unexpected—
hydroponics is no exception. We may
have a different list of challenges, but
they are farming challenges all the
same. With this being said, our farm
is incredibly unique.”
Vertical Harvest is more than just a
farm. CEO Nona says they are starting
to see an impact on social innovation