Indoor Farming Giants Cultivate a New Era

Indoor farming leaders 80 Acres Farms and Soli Organic merge to build a nationwide fresh food network

10 Nov 2025

A quiet shift is under way in American farming. Two of the country’s largest indoor growers, 80 Acres Farms and Soli Organic, are joining forces in a bid to bring lettuce and herbs grown under glass to supermarket shelves nationwide. The merger signals that indoor farming is moving from hopeful experiment to industrial reality.

The new firm, which will operate as 80 Acres Farms from its base in Hamilton, Ohio, combines complementary strengths. 80 Acres brings automation and vertical-farming know-how; Soli Organic adds decades of agronomic experience and a solid retail network. Together, they plan to supply more than 17,000 stores, produce about 20m pounds of greens annually and generate some $200m in their first year.

Mike Zelkind, the firm’s chief executive, says the next phase is "about execution, efficiency and results." The strategy depends on three elements: shared technology to cut costs, proximity to markets to keep produce fresh, and a varied mix of salads, herbs and microgreens to satisfy demand for healthy fare.

The deal highlights a broader turning point for indoor agriculture, an industry often criticised for its energy intensity and uncertain economics. Analysts argue that consolidation may be essential for scale and profitability. Yet integration will test the partners’ resilience, as they merge systems, staff and supply chains.

If the union succeeds, it could set a model for the next stage of controlled-environment farming, one blending sustainability, precision and commercial discipline. For farmers and shoppers alike, the message is clear: the future of fresh produce may well be grown indoors