On the 24th of April, the USDA released $238 of funding to more than 700 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels, and create jobs and new market opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.
One of the funding recipients is Oishii, a vertical farming company that specializes in the cultivation of Japanese strawberries and cherry tomatoes. Therefore, Oishii Mega Farm NJ LLC will use a $15 million loan to convert a vacant building in Phillipsburg into an energy-efficient production facility to grow Omakase and Koyo strawberries.
The facility will include a high-tech indoor vertical farming operation and facilities to harvest, package, ship and distribute produce. The project will create 45 new jobs and reduce operating costs by $150,000 annually by being able to grow strawberries in a more efficient and controlled environment.
Earlier this year, Oishii raised $134 million in their Series B funding to accelerate growth, for the Phillipsburg solar-powered facility, expanding distribution to new markets, and continuing to invest in advanced robotics and energy-saving innovations.
For more information:
Oishii
contact@oishii.com
www.oishii.com