District Farms grows leafy greens year-round in a high-tech, hydroponic greenhouse on a 40-acre site in Frederick, Maryland. Its indoor closed-loop system uses over 90% less water than conventional farming, while local distribution can put greens on tables the same day they are harvested. The locally owned farm grows without pesticides or herbicides and uses sensors to monitor growing conditions from seed through harvest.
BrightFarmsFounded in 2011, BrightFarms grows leafy greens indoors in hydroponic greenhouses, bringing pesticide-free lettuce and spinach from regional farms to grocery stores in as little as a day. Its four greenhouse farms use controlled conditions, recirculated water and sunlight to produce fresh greens year-round while using less water than traditional field growing. The company’s regional footprint includes a 480,000-square-foot Illinois greenhouse producing about six million pounds annually.IRVINGTON, NY
Element FarmsElement Farms grows tender, pesticide-free baby greens hydroponically in a glass greenhouse in Lafayette, New Jersey. Its controlled, technology-driven operation produces spinach consistently year-round, using the sun and recirculated water while delivering greens locally—often from farm to store in under 24 hours. The farm says it uses 90% less water than conventional farming and is non-GMO certified.
VIGEO GARDENSVIGEO GARDENS grew from a basement operation serving cancer patients into Rubber City Farm, a nearly 30,000-square-foot indoor farm in Akron’s historic BF Goodrich factories producing leafy greens and microgreens year-round. Its hydroponic, climate-controlled operation supplies locally grown produce harvested and delivered within 24 hours, while using less water and composting farm waste for community farms in Akron.AKRON, OH
Greenway Farms, LLCGreenway Farms is a family-owned Maryland farm that uses recirculating aquaculture and agriculture systems to raise fresh fish and grow leafy greens and herbs year-round. Based in Gaithersburg, the farm draws on its founders’ international experience in food safety and agricultural technology while supplying restaurants and retailers across the DMV with food grown without antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Its USDA Harmonized GAP+ and Maryland’s Best Local Farm & Fish certifications underscore the farm’s focus on safe, sustainable local production.GAITHERSBURG, MD