Kentucky Fresh Harvest Celebrates Official Opening
Thursday, October 15, 2020, marked the realization of a promise made to the community of Stanford, Kentucky with a ribbon cutting ceremony presenting the commonwealth’s first high-tech greenhouse to the public for the first time.
Recognizing the opportunity for Kentucky to become a leader in sustainable food production as well as early signs of a trend toward local food among key market segments, in 2015 we began scouting locations in rural communities across the state. Four years after breaking ground on the 30-acre campus in Stanford, our leadership will is joined by Senior Advisor to Gov. Beshear, Rocky Adkins, and Chief of Staff for Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner Ryan Quarles, Keith Rodgers, to mark the successful end of our pilot crop and the beginning of full-scale, year-round production.
Our mission at KFH is to empower rural communities with advanced agricultural science and technology to build a more resilient, equitable food system and bring the “Future of Farming” to the commonwealth. With state-of-the-art environmental controls and a team of growers composed entirely of Kentucky natives, we are able to produce high volumes of cherry and grape tomatoes within a day’s drive of nearly two-thirds of the nation's population.
During the pilot phase of our vegetable crop production, KFH created 35 new jobs, completed construction on our second 4.24 acre greenhouse, oversaw the delivery and installation of our custom-built packing and sorting line, and established our place among the Commonwealth's agricultural leaders by adding a representative to Kentucky's AgriTech Advisory Council created by Gov. Beshear. Shubin Saha D.P.M., Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer at KFH said: “Governor Beshear’s advisory council represents an opportunity for Kentucky to shape the future of farming. It’s an honor to be chosen to serve alongside such prodigious Kentucky leaders dedicated to developing a vibrant and resilient food system in my home state.”
“I’m extremely proud of our team at KFH,” said our CEO Curt Meltzer. “Not just for growing and harvesting this pilot crop during an extremely challenging time, but for the multitude of other steps they’ve taken this year to bring our vision for the Future of Farming to fruition. This is a win for Stanford, Lincoln County and Kentucky’s agribusiness economy as a whole.”
As the farm transitions into full-scale production later this year, the relative proximity to market hubs, in combination with hydroponic systems that prevent runoff and reduce energy consumption, we will greatly reduce our impact on the environment even as we scale up to harvest fresh produce 365 days a year.
“Kentucky Fresh Harvest is the type of company we envision can help strengthen our state’s economic potential, not just in the years ahead but for generations to come,” Gov. Beshear said. “The company bringing its operation on line during such a tumultuous time is a testament to their staff’s ability to adapt quickly and be prepared for any challenge. Kentucky Fresh Harvest has a bright future and I’m proud it will be here in the commonwealth.”
Set to be the world's first greenfield farm certified by the Equitable Food Initiative, We are leading an agricultural revolution in the commonwealth and innovating the industry in every way as we bring together growers, farmworkers, and consumers to create a more equitable food system and provide fresh, sustainable produce to our customers all year long.
The Future of Farming is here. TM