BrightFarms strikes ground on Pennsylvania greenhouse

BrightFarms a hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new 250,000 sq. foot greenhouse in Snyder County, Pennsylvania last week.

Dozens gathered at the construction site before attending a celebration at Susquehanna University, including Pennsylvania’s secretary of agriculture Russell Redding, senior vice president of merchandising John Ruane, vice president of fresh Dave Lessard and director of floral and produce Chris Keetch from GIANT Food Stores, and president and CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Bob Garrett.

“This is not just a big deal for Pennsylvania, it’s a big deal for jobs and for the community, but I would add that it’s also a big deal for the consumer. At the end of the day, we’re in the food business and making sure that they are happy and that we have access to their tables is critical,” Redding said.

Amid rising consumer demand for locally grown produce, BrightFarms will serve as a key partner for GIANT, which operates nearly 180 stores across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

"We have developed a year-round local salad program with GIANT and their efforts to source from local farms is remarkable. They are truly taking a consumer-centric approach to meeting the needs of their produce shoppers," said Abby Prior, vice president of marketing at BrightFarms. 

The greenhouse is scheduled to open in 2020.