BrightFarms, an indoor farming company under Cox Farms, officially opened its newest greenhouse in Macon, Georgia, with an event that highlighted the company’s long term investment in regional agriculture, community development and food access. The new facility, spanning eight acres of growing space, is now fully operational and began distributing fresh produce to Southeastern retailers.
The opening was marked by an event that welcomed local officials, agricultural experts and state leaders to tour the facility and explore its newly launched Cox Farms Discovery Center. Guests participated in guided tours showcasing how the greenhouse grows produce in a controlled environment, as well as a panel discussion focused on future trends in food production, resource efficiency and sustainable agriculture.
Supporting Georgia’s Agricultural and Economic Landscape
The greenhouse, which represents a major investment in Georgia’s farming infrastructure, is expected to have both immediate and long term benefits for the local and regional economy. BrightFarms has already hired over 125 employees at the Macon site, contributing to job creation and workforce development in the area. In addition to these jobs, the facility is expected to stimulate further economic activity by working with local partners and suppliers throughout the state.
“Georgia has been home to Cox since 1939, and we’re proud to deepen our roots in the state through this investment. This greenhouse is creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and supporting sustainable agriculture. We are committed to generating long term value for our communities, employees and partners by increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce and fostering workforce development.”
Improving Food Access and Reducing Transportation Footprint
The Macon greenhouse is designed to supply around 22,000 pounds of fresh lettuce per day, which will be distributed to grocery retailers and food distributors throughout the Southeastern United States. The strategic location of the facility allows BrightFarms to reduce the distance food travels from farm to shelf known as food miles thereby improving freshness and reducing environmental impact from transportation.
This increased regional availability of produce is expected to bolster food security, particularly in areas where access to locally grown vegetables is limited. The year round growing conditions also ensure consistency in supply, regardless of season or weather disruptions, which have increasingly affected traditional outdoor farming operations.
“This celebration is more than a ribbon cutting, it’s a chance to showcase how we’re prioritizing sustainability, investing in local talent and expanding access to fresh, locally grown produce across the Southeast.”
Room for Expansion and Future Growth
While the facility currently operates on eight acres under glass, the site includes land for an additional 24 acres of greenhouse development as demand for local produce continues to rise. This planned expansion will allow BrightFarms to further scale its operations and meet growing needs for sustainably grown leafy greens throughout the region.
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With this development, BrightFarms adds to the more than 700 acres of indoor farming space operated by Cox Farms, making the parent company one of the most extensive greenhouse growers in North America. The Macon facility follows recent greenhouse launches in Texas and Illinois, making it the third major hub opened by BrightFarms since the summer.
Education and Community Engagement
A key feature of the new Macon site is the Cox Farms Discovery Center, which aims to educate visitors about indoor agriculture, water conservation and modern farming practices. This facility is expected to serve as a resource for students, educators and community members interested in learning more about sustainable food production.
BrightFarms’ latest project reflects a continued emphasis on blending technology and agricultural practices to improve outcomes for consumers, farmers and communities. As the Southeastern US faces mounting pressures related to climate, transportation and food access facilities like the one in Macon are positioned to play a role in building a more resilient and efficient food system.
With operations underway and produce already reaching store shelves, the Macon greenhouse stands as an example of how indoor farming can integrate with local economies and help address broader challenges in food supply and environmental sustainability.