BrightFarms Opens 1.5 Million Sq. Ft. Greenhouse in Macon

BrightFarms has officially opened a 1.5 million square foot hydroponic greenhouse in Macon, Georgia, marking a major expansion in indoor agriculture and bringing more than 250 jobs to the region. The facility began shipping fresh, pesticide-free greens in late 2024 and will serve as a key distribution hub for the Southeast.

The Macon greenhouse is part of BrightFarms’ rapid growth initiative and follows recent facility openings in Lorena, Texas, and Yorkville, Illinois. Once fully operational, the Macon site will significantly reduce food miles for consumers while increasing access to fresh produce across the region.

“We’re thrilled to have started shipping from our first greenhouse in Georgia, expanding access to our pesticide-free leafy greens across the country,” said Abby Prior, Chief Commercial Officer of BrightFarms. “The Southeast is one of the fastest-growing markets for indoor-grown greens, and this facility allows us to meet rising demand with high-quality, locally grown produce.”

The high-tech greenhouse employs Green Automation’s lettuce growing systems and Kubo’s ultra-clima technology, enabling year-round production of greens that can reach store shelves within 24 hours of harvest. BrightFarms is also participating in the Georgia Grown program, supporting local agriculture.

BrightFarms’ parent company, Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises, is backing the project through its agricultural division, Cox Farms. The Macon facility is the site of the first-ever Cox Farms Discovery Center, designed to inspire and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“This is a big win for our local economy and a step forward in supporting the health of our residents today and for generations to come,” said Macon Mayor Lester Miller.

As part of its long-term strategy, BrightFarms is phasing out older greenhouses in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania; Rochelle, Illinois; and Hendersonville, North Carolina, in favor of its next-generation, high-efficiency hubs.

In addition to retail operations, the company is working with Feeding America to address food insecurity. Fresh produce from BrightFarms’ greenhouses, including the new Macon location, will be delivered directly to food banks such as the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank.

BrightFarms’ greenhouse network now covers two-thirds of the U.S. population.