Vertical Farming TodayVertical Farming Today
  • News
    • Academia / Learning
    • Aeroponics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Business
    • Container Farms
    • Controlled Environment Agriculture
    • Data & Analytics
    • Energy
    • Environment
    • Fertilisers
    • Harvesting Technology
    • Hydroponics
    • Lighting
    • Microsensors
    • Plant Health
    • Robotics
    • Software
    • Sowing and Planting
    • Sustainability
    • Vertical Farming
    • Water & Irrigation
    • Weather & Climate
    • Yield Monitoring
  • Features
  • Videos
  • Events
  • Email Newsletters
  • About This Site
  • Meet the Writers
  • Advertising
Twitter LinkedIn
  • About This Site
  • Advertising
  • Meet the Writers
  • Free Email Newsletters
LinkedIn Twitter
Vertical Farming TodayVertical Farming Today
Get Weekly Email News Alerts >
  • News
        • Academia / Learning
        • Aeroponics
        • Artificial Intelligence
        • Business
        • Container Farms
        • Controlled Environment Agriculture
        • Data & Analytics
        • Energy
        • Environment
        • Fertilisers
        • Harvesting Technology
        • Hydroponics
        • Lighting
        • Microsensors
        • Plant Health
        • Robotics
        • Software
        • Sowing and Planting
        • Sustainability
        • Vertical Farming
        • Water & Irrigation
        • Weather & Climate
        • Yield Monitoring
  • Tech Features
  • Videos
  • Stocks & Shares
    • Agrify Corp (AGFY)
    • AppHarvest (APPH)
    • GrowGeneration Corp (GRWG)
    • Hydrofarm Holdings Group Inc (HYFM)
    • Kalera PLC
    • Signify N.V. (LIGHT:AMS)
    • Urban-Gro (UGRO)
    • Village Farms International (VFF)
  • Events
    • North America
    • Europe
    • MENA
    • Asia
    • South America
Vertical Farming TodayVertical Farming Today
Home»News»Aeroponics»Appalachia: America’s new agtech capital?
Aeroponics

Appalachia: America’s new agtech capital?

Anthony JamesBy Anthony JamesJuly 3, 2020No Comments
Appharvest are no strangers to constructing greenhouses
Share
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

AppHarvest, a US start-up already committed to building North America’s largest ‘controlled environment agricultural facility’ – a US$97 million, 2,760,000ft² hydroponic greenhouse on 60 acres of land in Morehead, Kentucky – has now announced ambitious plans to turn the long-suffering Appalachia region into the USA’s leading centre for agricultural technology.

The company is one of 17 signatories including the Dutch government, the state of Kentucky, several universities and numerous private companies of an international agreement to create a new agtech capital in Appalachia, a region spanning some 13 US states (West Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia), where 42% of the population is rural, compared with 20% of the national population.

The agreement calls for a series of research programs, construction of a centre of excellence and the building of further greenhouses that could eventually supply 45,000,000 lb of fresh vegetables each year and see some 30,000 jobs in sustainable vegetable cultivation created across the region.

It will also see the opening of a Dutch representative office in Kentucky to spur investment in the state by Dutch agtech companies at the forefront of current innovations.

Appharvest are no strangers to constructing greenhouses
Large scale hydroponic greenhouse construction (Image source AppHarvest)

Dutch expertise

The Netherlands is the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter, even with a land mass just one-third the size of Kentucky. Dutch technology enables farmers to grow up to 30 times more fruits and vegetables on a single acre indoors compared with a single acre outdoors, all the while reducing water usage by 90%.

Dutch agtech companies Dalsem, Signify, Certhon, Light4Food, Priva and Rijk Zwaan, along with Dutch public-private network organization NLWorks and two Dutch universities, will help their American partners to build new greenhouses, develop distribution to retail, and set up a local training and knowledge infrastructure, as well as attract further investment.

This agreement offers Dutch companies and knowledge institutions the opportunity to open a new foreign growth market for products, services and knowledge. With a US market for 80,000,000m² of greenhouses, the turnover potential for Dutch companies is estimated between €400-800 million.

Over the past two years, multiple delegations of Kentucky representatives visited the Netherlands to meet with nearly 20 cutting-edge leaders in the agriculture industry. Top Dutch officials also travelled to Kentucky to meet with its governor, as well as higher education and economic development officials. 


Why Kentucky?

Kentucky’s central geographic location provides a huge advantage in agtech: AppHarvest, which is currently focused on growing tomatoes at its Morehead facility, says its produce can reach 70% of Americans in a day’s drive, meaning fresher food and less food waste as grocers benefit from extended shelf life. Growing fruits and vegetables closer to where people eat them also helps prevent the frustrating supply issues that COVID-19 continues to reveal, caused by America’s increasing reliance on agricultural imports.

Meanwhile, Kentucky has also established an agtech advisory council to expand the state’s economy and create jobs, and launched a new website, www.agritech.ky.gov, dedicated to the same purpose.

The council will include leaders in state government and local government, education and the business and labour sectors in Kentucky. Members will convene periodically to meet with the governor and advise him on matters relating to the agtech industry.

It is hoped such initiatives will address the economic and social challenges facing the state, which continues to be blighted by the decline in its once-thriving coal industry. Experts estimate the new centre of controlled vegetable cultivation could see up to US$10 billion invested in Kentucky in the coming years.

AppHarvest founder and CEO, Jonathan Webb
AppHarvest founder and CEO, Jonathan Webb

“In Kentucky, we’re going to reopen and rebuild our economy even stronger than it was before COVID-19,” said Andy Beshear, Kentucky’s governor. “Partnerships like this one highlight our state’s 21st century leadership and limitless potential. I can’t wait to see the agtech industry continue to grow in Eastern Kentucky, led by AppHarvest and other companies that are reimagining the future of farming.”

“This long-term partnership will add jobs and create a new signature industry for our Appalachian region,” added AppHarvest founder and CEO, Jonathan Webb. “It also demonstrates the kind of international cooperation that we need more of on the national level.”

“We didn’t reach this agreement overnight,” concluded Beshear. “It is the result of years of preparation and international cooperation, and I couldn’t be more grateful that each of these partners worked together to make it possible. The world is starting to recognize something Kentuckians have seen all along: our Appalachian region’s remarkable promise.”

Who has signed the agreement?

Signatories to the agreement include:

  • Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality (LNV), Directorate International Affairs;
  • Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Office of the Governor;
  • Dutch AgriTech companies Dalsem, Signify, Certhon, Light4Food, Priva and Rijk Zwaan;
  • The Netherlands’ HAS University of Applied Science and Fontys University of Applied Sciences;
  • The University of Kentucky, Morehead State University, University of Pikeville, Eastern Kentucky University and Berea College;
  • Dutch public-private network organization NLWorks;
  • AppHarvest.
Share. LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email
Anthony James

With over 20 years experience in editorial management and content creation for a broad spectrum of market-leading B2B magazines and websites in the transport and technology sectors, Anthony has written news and features covering everything from airport security to autonomous vehicles, and stadium design to sustainable energy.

Related Stories

Lighting

White light only increases energy costs for growers

March 17, 2023
Sustainability

iFarm invites architectural designs for new futuristic vertical farm in Bali, Indonesia

March 16, 2023
Latest News

White light only increases energy costs for growers

March 17, 2023

iFarm invites architectural designs for new futuristic vertical farm in Bali, Indonesia

March 16, 2023

UP Vertical Farms – Canada’s first hands-free vertical farming operation is launched

March 3, 2023
In the Spotlight

Fischer Farms’ new four-acre vertical farm set to open in England this summer

February 23, 2023

Fischer Farms is to open a new vertical farm in the English county of Norfolk…

Visited our sister title?
Farming Technology Today
Site Information
About This Site
Advertising
Meet the Writers
Free Email Newsletters
LinkedIn Twitter
  • Farming Technology Today
© 2022 Vertical Farming Today is a Firetop Media publication by Firetop Ltd 4854392 | © Editorial images: stock.adobe.com | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Analytics" category .
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Necessary" category .
elementorneverThis cookie is used by the website's WordPress theme. It allows the website owner to implement or change the website's content in real-time.
PHPSESSIDsessionThis cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
CookieDurationDescription
ab1 yearOwned by agkn, this cookie is used for targeting and advertising purposes.
CMID1 yearCasale Media sets this cookie to collect information on user behavior, for targeted advertising.
CMPRO3 monthsCMPRO cookie is set by CasaleMedia for anonymous user tracking, and for targeted advertising.
CMPS3 monthsCMPS cookie is set by CasaleMedia for anonymous user tracking based on user's website visits, for displaying targeted ads.
CMST1 dayCasale Media sets this cookie to collect information on user behavior, for targeted advertising.
DSID1 hourThis cookie is set by DoubleClick to note the user's specific user identity. It contains a hashed/encrypted unique ID.
id1 year 1 monthSet by Google DoubleClick, this cookie is used to create user profiles to display relevant ads.
IDE1 year 24 daysGoogle DoubleClick IDE cookies are used to store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads and according to the user profile.
KADUSERCOOKIE3 monthsThe cookie, set by PubMatic, registers a unique ID that identifies a returning user's device across websites that use the same ad network. The ID is used for targeted ads.
KTPCACOOKIE1 dayThe cookie, set by PubMatic, registers a unique ID that identifies a returning user's device across websites that use the same ad network. The ID is used for targeted ads.
mc1 year 1 monthQuantserve sets the mc cookie to anonymously track user behaviour on the website.
mdata1 year 1 monthThis cookie is used by Media Innovation group and registers a unique ID to identify a visitor on their revisit, in order to show them relevant ads.
OAGEOsessionOpenX sets this cookie to avoid the repeated display of the same ad.
OAID1 yearCookie set to record whether the user has opted out of the collection of information by the AdsWizz Service Cookies.
ov1 year 1 monthThis cookie is set by the provider mookie1.com. This cookie is used for serving the user with relevant content and advertisement.
pxrc2 monthsThis cookie is set by pippio to provide users with relevant advertisements and limit the number of ads displayed.
rlas31 yearRLCDN sets this cookie to provide users with relevant advertisements and limit the number of ads displayed.
test_cookie15 minutesThe test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies.
uuid3 monthsMediaMath sets this cookie to avoid the same ads from being shown repeatedly and for relevant advertising.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE5 months 27 daysA cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.
YSCsessionYSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.
yt-remote-connected-devicesneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt-remote-device-idneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
CookieDurationDescription
__gads1 year 24 daysThe __gads cookie, set by Google, is stored under DoubleClick domain and tracks the number of times users see an advert, measures the success of the campaign and calculates its revenue. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are set on and will not track any data while browsing through other sites.
_ga2 yearsThe _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_154262053_11 minuteSet by Google to distinguish users.
_gid1 dayInstalled by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
CONSENT2 yearsYouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
u1 yearThis cookie is used by Bombora to collect information that is used either in aggregate form, to help understand how websites are being used or how effective marketing campaigns are, or to help customize the websites for visitors.
uid1 year 1 monthThis is a Google UserID cookie that tracks users across various website segments.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
CookieDurationDescription
GoogleAdServingTestsessionNo description
ppwp_wp_session30 minutesNo description
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
CookieDurationDescription
na_id1 year 1 monthThe na_id is set by AddThis to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
na_rn1 monthThe na_rn cookie is used to recognize the visitor upon re-entry. It allows to record details on user behaviour and facilitate the social sharing function provided by Addthis.com.
na_sc_e1 monthThe na_sc_e cookie is used to recognize the visitor upon re-entry. It allows to record details on user behaviour and facilitate the social sharing function provided by Addthis.com.
na_sr1 monthThe na_sr cookie is used to recognize the visitor upon re-entry. It allows to record details on user behaviour and facilitate the social sharing function provided by Addthis.com.
na_srp1 minuteThe na_srp cookie is used to recognize the visitor upon re-entry. It allows to record details on user behaviour and facilitate the social sharing function provided by Addthis.com.
na_tc1 year 1 monthThe na_tc cookie is used to recognize the visitor upon re-entry. It allows to record details on user behaviour and facilitate the social sharing function provided by Addthis.com.
ouid1 year 1 monthAssociated with the AddThis widget, this cookie helps users to share content across various networking and sharing forums.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
CookieDurationDescription
d3 monthsQuantserve sets this cookie to anonymously track information on how visitors use the website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by CookieYes Logo