Apr 7, 2022

Square Roots opens new farm in Springfield, Ohio

Square Roots, a technology company in indoor farming, and Gordon Food Service, one of the largest food distributors in North America, have opened a new climate-controlled, indoor farm in Springfield, Ohio.

“Our partnership with Gordon Food Service, combined with our scalable smart-farm technology platform, means Square Roots is able to rapidly open a number of new indoor farms this year,” said Tobias Peggs, co-founder and CEO of Square Roots, in a news release. “With this new facility in Springfield, we are now making locally-grown food available, all year, to new consumers across Ohio, while also creating exciting jobs in the community.”

Springfield is the second new farm Square Roots has opened in 2022, following the recently announced opening in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Square Roots also operates two commercial-scale indoor farms in Michigan, and a facility in Brooklyn, New York, which also houses the company’s center for plant science and research and development.

The new farm in Springfield harnesses Square Roots’ smart-farm technology platform and software-controlled hydroponic growing systems to produce more food with fewer resources 365 days a year, regardless of outdoor weather conditions. Square Roots’ approach uses 95% less water than conventional field farms and features repurposed urban infrastructure – creating ideal growing climates inside refurbished upcycled shipping containers that are stacked vertically to reduce the company’s impact on the land. By deploying a network of local farms in strategically located cities like Springfield, Square Roots also ensures a shorter supply chain and less distance between people and their food, reducing food miles and minimizing food waste.

Square Roots farmers in Springfield will soon be harvesting long-lasting herbs such as basil, cilantro, dill and parsley, alongside nutritious salad mixes and chef-favorite microgreens. The Springfield farm has the capacity to produce more than 2.4 million packages of herbs and leafy greens annually. All Square Roots produce has at least 14 days of extended shelf life and is completely free of pesticides and GMOs.

Square Roots is recruiting locally in Springfield and the surrounding areas. On May 19, the company will host a virtual job fair to help Ohio-based job seekers looking to learn more about opportunities in the high-tech agriculture industry. Square Roots offers extensive ongoing training opportunities for employees, in addition to full benefits, ownership in Square Roots and accelerated career paths to propel professional growth.