84: AppHarvest: growing more using less resources

The objective of AppHarvest is to grow more with less resources and promote a sustainable approach to agriculture. AppHarvest is constructing the biggest greenhouse in the US and one of the largest in the world with the capacity to ship 45 million pounds of fresh produce annually across North America. This podcast will explore how AppHarvest’s approach to production can bolster food supply and increase resilience in fragile local and international food systems. AppHarvest is creating an environment where government, private businesses and universities (triple Helix approach) work together to support agricultural efforts, drawing heavily on the experience in the Netherlands. The Netherlands found themselves with a severe food shortage during WW2 and focused on growing their own food supply, the country is now the agricultural capital of Europe. Jonathan Webb | AppHarvest Founder & CEO Kentucky native Jonathan Webb is turning his dream of a high-tech farming hub in Appalachia into reality with AppHarvest. The company is building some of the largest indoor farms in the world, combining conventional agricultural techniques with today’s technology to grow non-GMO, chemical-free produce. The company’s first greenhouse will span 60 acres and open this year in Morehead, Ky. Why locate in Appalachia? Like many Kentuckians, Jonathan grew up knowing of the devastating job losses in the region. His grandmother was raised in Whitley County, where a coal mining accident killed his great-grandfather. Jonathan strives to work alongside the hard-working men and women of Eastern Kentucky and build a resilient economy for the future. Before founding AppHarvest, Jonathan worked with the U.S. Department of Defense on what was then the largest solar project in the Southeastern United States. The project aimed to help achieve a White House goal of ensuring the military receives 20% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.