Vertical Farming 2.0: Smarter, leaner, and more impactful. 🌱
As the vertical farming industry matures, so do the systems that power it. Our Head of Farm Technology & Systems, Arik Griffin, recently spoke with our partners at Thrive Agritech (@thriveagritech) about what it takes to build the next generation of smart, scalable farms.
In the conversation, Arik shares how Vertical Farming 2.0 is defined by:
✅ Operational efficiency
✅ Profitable, data-driven systems
✅ Refined processes that scale impact
✅ Innovation that strengthens the food system
This is Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with purpose. It`s designed to deliver real returns while moving the needle on the future of food.
#VerticalHarvest #VerticalFarming #CEA #AgTech #SmartFarming #FutureOfFood #SustainableAg #FoodSystemInnovation #ControlledEnvironmentAgriculture
🌆 Featured in the Washington Post!
“We’re building a local food system,” says our co-founder and CEO, Nona Yehia (@verticalnona), in our latest Washington Post feature. 📰🌱
What we’re creating in Westbrook, ME shows that inclusive, hyperlocal farming can spark real change—revitalizing cities, creating jobs, and increasing access to fresh food.
As Nona puts it: “We hope this model we`re building in Maine will be in cities across the United States.”
📲 Read more at the link in bio.
This is how we grow the future. Together.
#VerticalHarvest #WashingtonPost #LocalFoodSystem #CEA #FoodEquity #UrbanFarming #HyperlocalFood #FarmingForTheFuture #InclusiveEmployment #SustainableCities
📣 Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). And a great reminder that accessibility isn’t a checkbox, it’s a commitment to equity, dignity, and inclusion.
🌱 Why should every business bring in the Disability Community to view a worksite through the lens of accommodations and accessibility?
Because it changes everything.
Recently, at Vertical Harvest Maine, we invited a group of experts — including ADA specialists, Disability Rights advocates, employment support reps, and most importantly, individuals with lived disability experience — to tour our new farm and offer feedback on how we could increase accessibility in our workspace. @disabilityrightsmaine
What did we learn?
So much.
And that we should have done this even sooner.
Seen here: our new accessibility ramp at Vertical Harvest Maine!
Inclusion at all levels of a project is essential. There are countless considerations that non-disabled individuals might overlook when designing for accessibility. What we gained wasn’t just insights — we gained community.
To other businesses: Don’t avoid this process out of fear of getting it wrong. Be humble. Be open. Instead of worrying about what you missed, get to work making it better. That’s how growth happens.
Stay tuned to learn more (more learnings in the coming months)!
#GAAD2025 #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveDesign #VerticalHarvest #BuiltForEveryone #MaineFarm #CommunityDriven #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
🌱 Another big story in Mainebiz!
Hot on the heels of our Washington Post feature, we`re honored to be spotlighted in another major story—this time by @Mainebiz!
The article highlights how our Jackson, Wyoming and Westbrook, Maine facilities are creating inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By leveraging technology like Zoom and Google Chat, and tailoring training to diverse learning styles, we`re breaking down barriers to entry and fostering a workforce that reflects the richness of our community.
Co-founder and CEO Nona Yehia (@verticalnona) shares, “First and foremost, this is about smart business. We know that companies that embrace inclusive hiring gain access to a highly motivated, untapped talent pool made of the right people who bring problem solving skills, dedication, and fresh perspectives. We’re addressing this critical national labor issue."
Discover how we`re bridging the gap between workforce shortages and untapped talent pools: Click the link in bio! 🔗
#InclusiveHiring #VerticalFarming #DisabilityEmployment #SmartBusiness #VerticalHarvest
🌱 Featured in the Washington Post!
Today is a great day! We woke up to AN AWESOME STORY that reflects our mission.
The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) ran a story about how “We’re now in vertical farming 2.0,” says Nona Yehia, our co-founder and CEO. 🥬 🥬 🥬 @verticalnona
The piece goes on to characterize the current shift in our industry and the next generation of vertical farms as solving challenges that the big tech, highly capitalized players could not. We`re excited to see the dialog evolve into what we`ve known from firsthand experience, that hyperlocal and regionally-focused vertical farming is better equipped to help revive urban areas and solve food insecurity. THIS IS THE FUTURE OF VERTICAL FARMING.
#CEA #VerticalFarming #VerticalHarvest #FutureOfFarming #HyperlocalFood #FoodFutures #SustainableCities
🔗 Link in bio for the full story!
🌱 Today is International Day of Plant Health! 🌍✨
At Vertical Harvest, healthy plants are just the beginning. Our farm was built to evolve—with changing tastes, climates, and communities.
🎥 In this video, our Head of Farm Technology & Systems, Arik Griffin, speaks with our tech partner, Thrive Agritech, about how our racked-and-stacked hydroponic design allows us to grow local greens year-round—bursting with flavor and texture you just can’t get from field-grown produce.
This flexible, tech-enabled approach to farming helps us:
✅ Maximize flavor and freshness
✅ Respond to market demand
✅ Build climate resilience
✅ Support economic inclusion and nutrition security
Big thanks to @thriveagritech for helping us share our story and our mission to grow food with purpose. 💚
#InternationalDayOfPlantHealth #SmartFarming #VerticalFarming #FoodSystemInnovation #UrbanAgriculture #Hydroponics #GrowWithPurpose #ThriveAgritech
🌸 Happy Mother’s Day from Vertical Harvest! 🌸
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating every kind of mom — whether you’re a mom yourself, thinking about how much you appreciate your own, or you’re a mother to a movement like our own Nona Yehia and Caroline Croft Estay. At Vertical Harvest, we honor the spirit of motherhood: believing in something so deeply that you pour your heart and soul into helping it grow — whether that’s people, plants, or progress.
And let’s be real — moms everywhere want you to eat your greens! 🥬 We’re hellbent on healthy, and we grow produce that fuels families, feeds futures, and makes moms proud.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to show love this Mother’s Day? Sponsor a Tray in her honor — it’s a small act with big impact, supporting economic inclusivity, climate resilience, and nutrition security.
And because every mom deserves something fresh: stay tuned for our limited-edition tote drop — coming soon. 💚
#MothersDay #MotherToAMovement #EatYourGreens #SponsorATray #GrowWell #VerticalHarvest #HellbentOnHealthy #InclusiveImpact #ToteDrop
We had some amazing visitors at the farm! 💚 Heather, Shawn, and Alicia from The Good Crust (@thegoodcrust.maine) stopped by for a deep-dive into inclusive, meaningful employment—a mission close to all our hearts. So much thoughtful conversation, shared vision, and exciting ideas for the future! 🙌
Even better? They came bearing gifts 🩷 (our team is very into local carbs).
Here’s to growing connection—and maybe even some collaboration on the horizon! 🌱💫 #InclusiveEmployment #LocalLove #TheGoodCrust #VerticalHarvest #FutureCollabs #Pizza
🌟 Friendship in Full Bloom! 🌟
This past weekend, members of our Vertical Harvest team joined the Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Maine in Portland! 💜🚶♀️🌿 @friendshipwalk @bestbuddiesmaine
We’re proud to stand alongside Best Buddies Maine in championing inclusion, connection, and community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lots of great community and connection and support for Best Buddies Maine! Even on a gray and rainy day! To everyone who walked, cheered, and supported—thank you for growing a more inclusive world with us. 🌍💚 We also ran into our buddy Beacon the Puffin with the Maine Mariners. @beaconthepuffin @marinersofmaine
#GrowWell #InclusionWorks #BestBuddies #FriendshipWalk #VerticalHarvest #PortlandMaine #DisabilityInclusion
🧠 Mental Health Awareness Month | Healing Through Farming 🌿
At Vertical Harvest, we know that growth isn`t just physical—it`s personal, emotional, and communal. Our Grow Well model recognizes mental health as foundational to thriving lives and meaningful work.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we`re shining a light on how farming can be a path to healing:
🌱 Routine and responsibility create a sense of purpose
🌞 Living greens support mood and energy
🤝 Inclusive teams cultivate belonging and connection
🧘♀️ Mindful moments in the greenhouse promote calm and focus
Farming at Vertical Harvest isn`t just a job, it`s a journey toward wellness. For our team, healing grows here.
[Alternative text: Image 1: Vertical Harvest team members looking at microgreens trays].
#MentalHealthAwareness #GrowWell #HealingThroughFarming #VerticalFarming #WellbeingAtWork #InclusiveEmployment #GrowWithUs
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VERTICAL HARVEST HEADQUARTERS & MEDIA INQUIRIES
info@verticalharvestfarms.com
PO Box 641
Jackson, WY 83001
JACKSON, WYOMING
info@verticalharvestfarms.com
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Jackson, WY 83001
