Largest Vertical Farm in the US, Is Being Shut Down.

Auctioneer SecondBloom and the M. Davis Group announced a full liquidation of the $70 million Bowery Farming vertical farming facility in Locust Grove, Georgia. The site spans 200,000 square feet and is considered one of the largest vertical farming facilities ever prepared for liquidation within the sector. According to the organizers, the facility holds over $32 million worth of new equipment that was never placed into service. Automation systems, lighting equipment, irrigation units, and packaging lines—despite being installed—were never commissioned and will now be removed for sale.

Chris Lange, President of SecondBloom Auctions, stated: “This facility represents the pinnacle of vertical farming technology—a $70 million investment in fully integrated systems that were never used.” The liquidators have already listed the equipment for auction, describing the sale as a rare opportunity for agricultural enterprises, research organizations, and integrators seeking advanced vertical farming technologies at reduced prices.

They noted that all equipment was professionally installed and tested for functionality. According to the auction organizers, the systems remain in excellent condition and are suitable for immediate commissioning or incorporation into existing operations. Items to be auctioned include Logiqs AS/RS handling systems, H2O Engineering water purification equipment, Stolze automated fertigation and CIP systems, as well as new Fluence LED lighting units manufactured by Signify. Additional specialized components from the facility will also be offered.

Bowery Farming, headquartered in New York, is known for its technology-focused agricultural model, producing lettuce, herbs, and berries through vertical farming systems. The company has secured more than $700 million in funding from well-known investment groups, including First Round Capital, General Catalyst, and GV. Its most recent fundraising round in 2021 placed its valuation at over $2 billion.

The closure of the Locust Grove facility reflects broader challenges within the vertical farming industry. Bowery Farming experienced multiple rounds of layoffs in 2023. Other companies in the sector, including AeroFarms and AppHarvest, have faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy, reinforcing the pressures on the industry in recent years. The liquidation process in Georgia has therefore gained significant attention as it represents the dismantling of a highly advanced operation built with substantial investment.

Overall, the auction marks a notable development for the agricultural technology market. Buyers from commercial agriculture, academic research, and technical integration fields are expected to participate, given the availability of new, high-end systems suitable for immediate deployment.