Indoor vertical farming is rapidly reshaping the agricultural landscape, offering a solution to some of the most pressing challenges in food production. This innovative approach eliminates reliance on land, mitigates the impact of unpredictable weather, and shortens the supply chain by bringing food production closer to consumers. Agritech entrepreneur Arama Kukutai, the chief executive of Plenty, emphasizes that while vertical farming is not a panacea, it serves as a crucial lever for enhancing sustainability and profitability in agribusiness.
Plenty, founded a decade ago, operates two of the world’s most advanced indoor vertical farms in the United States, with its flagship facility located in Compton, California. Opened in 2023, this farm is capable of producing the equivalent of over 100 hectares of greens within a single city block. The produce is sold at major retailers such as Whole Foods and Walmart, ensuring that it reaches consumers quickly. Kukutai highlights the company’s expertise in cultivating a diverse array of crops, with a current focus on leafy greens and berries. “We’ve proven that more than 50 crops can be grown indoors,” he shared during a recent Zoom interview.
Unlike traditional greenhouses that depend on sunlight, vertical farms utilize artificial lighting to optimize growth. This technology allows for significantly higher yields compared to outdoor farming. Kukutai points out that to achieve the same production levels as Plenty’s indoor farms, one would require an astonishing 350 hectares of outdoor farmland for every hectare of vertical farm space. The strategic locations of Plenty’s farms enable rapid distribution, with the Compton facility shipping products within a day’s range to millions of consumers.
The recent opening of a new farm in Richmond, Virginia, marks a significant milestone as it is the world’s first vertical farm dedicated to growing strawberries in partnership with Driscoll’s. However, Kukutai acknowledges the challenges of replicating this technology in regions like New Zealand, where energy costs can be prohibitive. “You need an affordable power price to make it work,” he explains, stressing the importance of energy accessibility in determining farm locations.
Kukutai, of Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui, and Te Aupouri descent, has a rich background in agritech, co-founding Finistere Ventures, which has invested in numerous agritech companies, including Plenty. He notes the critical role that dairy has played in New Zealand’s agricultural economy, highlighting it as a key factor in his interest in technology’s application in food production. His journey from investor to CEO of Plenty reflects his commitment to scaling innovative solutions in the agritech space.
The global food landscape is changing, with projections indicating that by 2050, the world will need approximately 70% more protein. Traditional farming methods may not suffice due to land constraints. Kukutai argues that technological advancements will be essential for the primary sector to meet this demand. “What we have really done with Plenty’s technology is turn the way we grow food into more of a manufacturing process,” he states, noting that vertical farming can operate year-round, independent of seasonal fluctuations.
As New Zealand navigates its own agricultural challenges, Kukutai believes that embracing technology is crucial. He points to the importance of international engagement, drawing parallels with the successes of companies like Rocket Lab. “The important thing here is getting internationally engaged,” he asserts.
With vertical farming technology proving its viability, the next step involves scaling up and establishing partnerships globally. Plenty is actively exploring collaborations with major investment partners in the Middle East and retail giants in the U.S. as it seeks to expand its reach and impact. The journey toward widespread adoption of vertical farming is underway, and with it, the potential for a more sustainable and efficient food production system.
