Vertical Harvest Farms

The U.S. just rejected the UN Sustainable Development Goals. So where does that leave us? Regardless of where you stand politically, this decision is a stark reminder that progress isn’t guaranteed - it’s something we have to fight for, build, and sustain at every level, especially locally. At Vertical Harvest Farms, we’ve always believed that the real work of sustainability, equity, and economic resilience doesn’t just happen in global agreements - it happens in communities, businesses, and local economies. If policy isn’t going to lead the way, then we have to. How do we, as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, double down on local action to ensure that sustainability, inclusivity, and economic opportunity remain at the forefront? This isn’t just a question for the future - it’s a challenge for right now. Let’s share, learn, and push forward - because this work doesn’t stop.

🚨 Food prices are about to rise - again. With fresh produce among the first products to be impacted by tariffs, we’re reminded just how vulnerable our food system is. In 2022, Mexico and Canada supplied over half of our fresh fruit and nearly 90% of our fresh vegetables. A disruption in trade means higher costs, supply chain instability, and less access to fresh, healthy food - especially in cities. It’s time to rethink where and how we grow our food. Bringing food production back to our cities isn’t just about resilience - it’s about economic opportunity. Vertical farming creates local jobs, strengthens regional economies, and ensures communities have a reliable, cost-effective food supply year-round. It’s a modern manufacturing solution that works in tandem with traditional agriculture to stabilize our food system in times of uncertainty. We can’t afford to wait. The need for secure, local food economies has never been clearer. Now is the time to invest in innovative solutions that make our cities stronger and our food supply more resilient. #FoodSecurity #LocalFoodEconomy #VerticalFarming #EconomicResilience #FutureOfFood

✨ We just turned the lights on. ✨ This isn’t just about flipping a switch - it’s about taking the next step toward building a resilient, high-performing food system. With this first glow in our newest farm in Maine, we’re one step closer to scaling a model that strengthens local economies, ensures a reliable workforce, and produces fresh, sustainable food year-round. These lights don’t just power a farm… they signal progress, efficiency, and the hard work still ahead. At Vertical Harvest Farms we’re building something new, an innovative, inclusive business designed to be more adaptable and productive by tapping into an often-overlooked talent pool. People of all abilities are an essential part of this workforce because diversity drives operational strength, reduces turnover, and creates a committed, engaged team. But building something new takes time. We are hitting milestones, learning, adapting, and strengthening our foundation as we go. There are still challenges to navigate, but each step brings us closer to proving that a smarter, more sustainable food economy is possible. This is an exciting moment, but just one of many. The work continues, and we’re here for it. Let’s grow. #LightsOn #VerticalHarvest #FutureOfFood #InclusiveWorkforce #SustainableBusiness #EconomicResilience

We’re excited to be back at the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) Forecast Conference today! Come visit Mark Burnes and Zachary Smith, AIA, NCARB at Booth #31 to hear the latest about projects nearing completion, especially Vertical Harvest Farms and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences

I heard some news today that has touched me deeply, the passing of one of my true heroes dickson despommier. It all started with a phone call. Dickson said to me, “If you can do this in Wyoming at three stories, what would happen if you went to ten stories? A hundred? You could change the way we feed our cities.” That call emboldened me and our scrappy team to follow through on the dream that became Vertical Harvest Farms. His words weren’t just encouragement...they were a challenge, a spark that ignited a movement. What we built because of his belief is just a small part of his vision for a better world, one where cities are fed sustainably, where innovation meets necessity, and where bold ideas reshape the future of food. Every time I saw him- which was far too few times -sparks flew. We had a deep appreciation for each other, a mutual understanding that ideas have the power to transform the world when backed by passion and persistence. Like so many others, we were inspired by Dickson Despommier’s wit, courage, and boundless energy. He didn’t just theorize about a different way forward...he championed it, pushing all of us to think bigger, be bolder, and never back down from a challenge. His legacy is not just in the vertical farms around the world but in the minds and hearts of those he encouraged to dream, to innovate, and to act. It takes people like Dickson to change the world, and he did just that. The godfather of Vertical Farming will always live on in our green hearts, in every thriving farm that stand as proof of his vision. We are forever grateful for his wisdom, his passion, and his unwavering belief that a better future is always possible. #DicksonDespommier #VerticalFarming #SustainableAgriculture #UrbanFarming #FoodSecurity #ClimateResilience #InnovateForGood #FutureOfFood #Sustainability #SmartAgriculture #GreenRevolution #ImpactLeadership