AeroFarms reveals patented technology for microgreen production, prompting talk of expansion

At the end of January, AeroFarms CEO and Executive Chair Molly Montgomery told leaders at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland the company has successfully "unlocked a patented technology to grow highly nutritious microgreens at scale."

The forum hosted global pundits to explore ways to improve global access to nutritional foods against a backdrop of ever-increasing chronic illness and healthcare costs, depleting natural resources and climate volatility.

Montgomery addressed global food insecurity and malnutrition.

"The challenge of feeding our world is not only defined by the quantity of calories, but rather the quality of calories consumed. As of 2023, over 17 million people die each year due to malnutrition caused by insufficient access to vitamins, minerals, fiber and other micronutrients," she said. "According to studies by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland, microgreens contain 5 times to 40 times more of specific phytonutrients and vitamins than their mature plant counterparts."

Montgomery also lined out how she expects AeroFarms to be part of the solution.

"Over the last 15 months, AeroFarms has been laser-focused on the operation of its farm in Danville, Virginia. Our innovative engineers have worked side-by-side with produce industry veterans to unlock an economically viable business that grows nutrient-dense microgreens at scale," she explained. "With the demonstrated success of our farm in Danville, we are currently planning the expansion of our farming solution to new geographies. I look forward to engaging with leaders in Davos to explore how AeroFarms can play a pivotal role in providing food security and nutrition around the world."

Virginia-based AeroFarms is a large-scale vertical farm that supplies microgreens to more than 2,000 retailers across the U.S. In September 2023, the company announced the successful completion of its restructuring process and exit of its business from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.