FAME approves $500K to help finalize construction of Vertical Harvest site in Westbrook

Photo / Tim Greenway A view of the Vertical Harvest cultivation facility, under construction in Westbrook.

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Wyoming-based Vertical Harvest will receive $500,000 from the Finance Authority of Maine to help finalize the construction of the company's nearly complete production facility in Westbrook.

The financing approved on Oct. 17 is part of a project worth $88 million for a new 51,000-square-foot vertical farming site at 1 Mechanic St in the city's downtown.

“We very much appreciate FAME’s continued support for this innovative project,” said Nona Yehia, co-founder and CEO of Vertical Harvest Farms.

“It brings us one step closer to creating the future we want from the food we need. We look forward to beginning operations next year and providing local consumers with fresh and flavorful produce that is sustainably harvested right in the heart of Westbrook.”

In June 2024, FAME also approved a $500,000 direct loan to Vertical Harvest to assist with construction costs. Vertical Harvest also received $59.5 million in public-private financing to help finish construction.

“FAME is pleased to support this project, which should substantially benefit the public, Vertical Harvest’s employees, and the surrounding community,” said Carlos Mello, the chief executive officer of FAME.

“When completed, the Westbrook facility will provide growing capacity 365 days per year for the Northeast market, with substantially reduced water consumption and reduced carbon footprint compared to earth-grown greens in other parts of the country," he continued. "The project further involves a productive rehabilitation of urban property.”

About the project

Vertical Harvest is an all-level project funded by the USDA loan guarantee program. Portland-based Wright-Ryan Construction is building it, and the growing systems are coming from the Netherlands.

Construction began in April 2022 and was supposed to be completed by the beginning of 2024.

The mission is to not only grow food, but to grow futures, according to Vertical Harvest. The company says it focuses on the employment needs of the community, including people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Vertical Harvest is slated to produce 2 million pounds annually and provide fresh, nutritious food to local schools, hospitals, restaurants, markets and consumers. In addition to partnerships secured with Native Maine, Sodexo Maine and Hannaford Supermarkets, Vertical Harvest Westbrook will work with hospitals, corporate cafeterias, schools, chefs, restaurants and caterers.