OnePointOne, the AgTech startup known for its boundary-pushing endeavors in plant cultivation, has recently expanded its operations with a new high-tech vertical farm in Avondale. The 50,000 square-foot facility, nestled within the Avondale 107th Industrial Park, promises to revolutionize the way plants are grown by incorporating the latest in automation, AI, and plant science. “We are on a path to fundamentally rethink how plants are grown, utilized and optimized,” Sam Bertram, CEO of OnePointOne, told the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Expanding on the success of their pilot project, Opollo Farm, OnePointOne continues its mission to address food accessibility and conserve natural resources. According to Phoenix New Times, the startup uses around 95% less water than traditional farming methods due to its recirculating hydroponic system, immensely boosting its allure in regions that face water scarcity. Despite the environmental advantages, the vertical farm grapples with its high energy demand, using significantly more electricity than outdoor farms and greenhouses. “To be quite frank with you, that is one of the hard parts of vertical farming, one of the negative parts of vertical farming, is we require a lot of electricity,” admitted Bertram, citing the need for efficient LED lighting and heating and cooling systems.
With the adoption of advanced technologies, OnePointOne aims to decentralize food production. The end goal is miniature farms deployed within grocery distribution centers that will allow produce to "travel two meters into the cold storage" instead of the thousands of miles they typically span, a concept that Bertram discussed with Phoenix New Times. This move also promises new job opportunities, as the company plans to hire about 70 employees across a variety of positions. Avondale's favorable conditions for businesses were highlighted by Kenneth Chapa, Avondale's Economic Development & Tourism Director, who brought attention to "our competitively priced real estate, proximity to major transportation and skilled labor force" in a statement obtained by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
In addition, OnePointOne’s shift to Avondale is a significant boon for the local tech landscape. Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, praised the investment, which will create more than 70 jobs and endorse the state's appeal for technology and innovation. Furthermore, OnePointOne’s produce can now be found in Whole Foods under the brand name Willo Farm, offering customers a taste of the future of sustainable farming with options including certified-organic, non-GMO baby kale and baby bok choy, priced at $4.49 per package. Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise expressed enthusiasm for the technological imagination OnePointOne brings to the city—a place with deep farming roots that is now witnessing an agricultural renaissance through OnePointOne's sustainable techniques.
