According to a recent report by Reuters, US-based indoor agriculture startup Plenty Inc is actively seeking land in Chinese cities to establish new high-tech farms. These facilities use advanced LED lighting systems to grow organic vegetables indoors, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional farming methods.
Plenty's CEO, Matt Barnard, revealed during an interview with Reuters that China could potentially host at least 300 such large-scale indoor farms. The company is backed by major investors like Amazon and Softbank Group, which have shown strong interest in the potential of vertical farming.
Currently, Plenty is expanding its operations in China, actively recruiting staff and scouting for suitable locations in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. In Japan, the company has already secured some farm sites and built a local team. However, Barnard did not provide specific financial details about the expansion plans.
At present, Plenty operates one farm in San Francisco, with another set to open in Seattle in the first half of 2018. Barnard emphasized that the company sees a huge opportunity to offer consumers healthier, safer, and more delicious food products than what is currently available on the market.
The company’s agricultural model involves growing vegetables and herbs in vertical towers within controlled indoor environments. Nutrients are delivered through a water circulation system, while LED lights simulate natural sunlight to promote year-round growth. This closed-system approach minimizes pests and allows for optimal growth conditions.
This model could be particularly appealing in China, where per capita arable land is less than one-third of that in the United States, and soil contamination from heavy metals and pesticides is a significant concern.
Barnard noted that each farm can range from 3 to 10 acres (1.2 to 4 hectares) and produce up to 150 to 350 times the output of traditional farmland. Additionally, these farms will feature “experience centers†where customers can taste the products and witness the production process firsthand.
He said, “People can trust it, this is very important.†Barnard expects the Chinese market to eventually contribute between 25% and 50% of the company’s total business.
To reach consumers, Plenty is working with restaurants, online retailers, and supermarkets. While the products will be priced higher than most items in the Chinese market, the proximity of the farms to urban areas reduces transportation costs and preserves freshness. This also allows for greater variety, as there’s no need to select only crops that can withstand long-distance transport.
Despite the benefits, the company does face challenges, particularly regarding energy costs. Barnard pointed out that electricity prices in China are higher than in California. However, he remains optimistic, stating that choosing the right location with favorable energy rates can still lead to success.
As the global demand for safe and sustainable food continues to rise, Plenty’s innovative approach could play a key role in shaping the future of agriculture in China and beyond.
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