SMART AND COOL: BRIGHT FARM
BrightFarms finances, designs, builds and operates greenhouse farms at or near supermarkets, cutting time, distance, and cost from the produce supply chain.
We’ve been in urban agriculture since 2006.
BrightFarms grew out of non-profit New York Sun Works (NYSW), launched by urban farming visionary—and BrightFarms board member—Dr. Ted Caplow. NYSW created the renowned Science Barge, a prototype, sustainable urban farm and environmental education center on the Hudson River. Following its success, we were flooded with requests to build science-barge-like projects. In 2007 we created a for-profit greenhouse consultancy, BrightFarm Systems, to respond to the demand.
As BrightFarm Systems, an urban greenhouse consultancy, we worked on a dozen farms over two years, including the rooftop greenhouse at The Manhattan School for Children, and the rooftop greenhouse at Forest Houses, an affordable housing project in the Bronx.
Paul Lightfoot became CEO of BrightFarms on January 1, 2011, after his midlife crisis inspired him to combine his career in supply chain management with his passion for bringing food to people that tastes better, is healthier and is better for the environment. Ted Caplow has continued as the Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors.
It was Paul’s idea to apply the long-term purchase agreement model that revolutionized the solar industry to the produce industry. By signing long-term purchase agreements with supermarkets, BrightFarms finances, builds, and operates greenhouses at no cost to the retailer.
BrightFarms’ mission is to improve the environmental impact of the food supply chain and increase the relative consumption of whole and fresh foods.
By building greenhouses at or near supermarkets, we’re growing year-round local produce that prioritizes our farmers, our food quality, our health, and our environment.
Since 2011, BrightFarms has partnered with 7 major supermarkets chains and has 7 commercial-scale greenhouses in development. The company has raised over $10 million in equity and has $80 million in contracted backlog.
Our Bucks County, PA greenhouse is now delivering farm-fresh local produce to the greater Pennsylvania community, year-round!
SEE MORE: http://brightfarms.com/s/#!/about_us/our_history
Agricoltura Urbana 