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Indoor farming leaders unite to build a national powerhouse
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Friday, 22 August, 2025, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Ohio, USA
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80 Acres Farms and Soli Organic announced a strategic merger to form one of the world's largest and most advanced indoor farming networks, bringing together decades of leadership in indoor farming. The newly formed company, with projected first-year revenues approaching $200 million, will operate under the 80 Acres Farms name and be headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio.
Mike Zelkind, co-founder of 80 Acres Farms and CEO of the combined company, said, "Vertical farming is entering the next phase of business maturity, and it's about execution, efficiency, and results. This merger unites two top operators that, together, have the scale, economics, and teams to deliver the results that the industry has been waiting for. Both companies have spent decades developing enhanced technology, improving operations, and building winning brands. Our value proposition is clear: fresher, better-tasting produce that's pesticide- and heavy metal-free, locally grown, climate-resilient, and built for shelf life."
Walter Robb, co-chairman of Soli Organic, and a board member of the combined company, said, "This merger is a win for forward-thinking retailers and the customers they serve. Retailers today want differentiated products, surety of supply, and a compelling story. Given recent trade volatility, indoor agriculture is playing an increasingly important role for retailers. The combined company checks all the boxes: great product quality, increased product portfolio, supply chain resilience, and enhanced customer choice through both vertical farming and field-grown organic products."
The merger combines 80 Acres Farms' GroLoop platform, an integrated system of hardware, software, and environmental controls designed for precision, automation, and scalability across the entire farm network, with Soli Organic's longstanding retail footprint and agronomic expertise, developed over more than 35 years of commercial production.
Deal highlights include - National scale and reach; Clear path to continued growth; Diversified, high-velocity product portfolio; Proven technology and data platform; Operational depth and experience; End-to-end supply chain efficiency.
Tisha Livingston, co-founder of 80 Acres Farms and CEO of Infinite Acres, said, "GroLoop was built to adapt and scale across crops, climates, and facility types. By combining it with Soli's reach, experience, and knowledge in agronomy, we're able to move faster, work smarter, and deliver more value across the entire supply chain."
Ulf Jonsson, founder of Soli Organic, said, "I spent the first part of my career helping build some of the most advanced greenhouse systems in the world. But we've moved beyond what greenhouses can deliver. I've said for years, 'The sun is free, but it's not worth the cost.' Vertical farms offer greater consistency, quality, and yield. I'm excited about combining two leading technologies to create the system that will define the next generation of indoor agriculture."
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