BROOKLYN, NY – Aquaponics and indoor farming operation Seed & Row has rebranded to Upward Farms and is constructing a new headquarters farm in Brooklyn that will significantly increase production. The changes come after the company announced $15 million in new funding led by an investment from Prime Movers Lab.
As consumers continue to gravitate toward fresh, organic produce and purchase more groceries online, Upward Farms offers consistent product availability and quality, scalability, and a shortened supply chain for East Coasters to receive locally grown greens. The company utilizes indoor aquaponics, using fish to fertilize crops in a complete ecosystem which results in increased yields, more control in disease prevention and unprecedented food safety.
"By cultivating complete ecosystems with a strong microbiome and leveraging the precision and control of indoor agriculture, Upward Farms not only grows thriving plants and animals, but offers the potential for a sustainable food supply that is both scalable and safe," said Jason Green, cofounder and chief executive officer of Upward Farms. "With the support of this capital investment, we will continue to expand the marriage of nature and nurture to produce affordable greens in abundance and make them accessible. Everyone should be able to easily and affordably nourish their body, family, and the planet."
Previously known as Edenworks and then Seed & Roe, the company has raised more than $20 million in total funding to date to provide a sustainable source of greens and fish for consumers. The new Upward Farms name and brand is an expression of the company's mission to “heal the broken food system.”
The rebrand also aligns with the company's plans for expansion, including the opening of additional farms and broadening of its product portfolio for both retail and foodservice. The look for the redesigned logo, new product packaging and digital presence represent Upward Farms' fresh, clean greens and forward-thinking approach.
Upward Farms' growing practices eliminate harmful bacteria like E. coli and other pathogens without the use of pesticides, antibiotics or synthetic fertilizers to produce the safest leafy greens on the market. Grown from non-GMO seeds, Upward Farms leafy greens are pesticide free, washed, and ready to eat.
"Recent events have highlighted what we at Upward Farms already know -- biology has a lifeforce all its own that must be respected,” Green said. “That's why we are stewards of nature, learning from and building technology to enhance biology.”