Harvest Singularity Invests $66 Million in Newberry to Advance Florida’s AgTech Future
The City of Newberry is welcoming a groundbreaking addition to its growing AgFoodTech ecosystem. Harvest Singularity Holding Co. has announced a $66 million investment to build a 325,000-square-foot industrial hydroponic greenhouse, the first private sector project to break ground in Newberry’s F-300 AgFoodTech Innovation Park.
The new facility will mark a major milestone for Florida agriculture—producing more than three tons of leafy greens daily while creating over 50 full-time jobs with average annual wages of $91,000. Combining AI, robotics, automation, and precision agriculture, the project will showcase how advanced technology and sustainability can work hand-in-hand to strengthen the state’s food security.
“This industrial hydroponic greenhouse will have a positive economic impact in Newberry, the North Central Florida region, and beyond,” said State Senator Stan McClain (District 9). “I look forward to seeing the leafy greens that will be produced in Harvest’s facility. Congratulations to Newberry and Harvest on this impressive and historic project.”
State Representative Chad Johnson (District 22) echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the project’s role in modernizing agriculture. “Harvest Singularity’s vision to open a 325,000-square-foot industrial hydroponic greenhouse farm facility here in Newberry is about modernizing agriculture,” he said. “I am and will continue to be a staunch supporter of traditional Ag; however, as more people move to Newberry, North Central Florida, and throughout the state over the coming years, it is important that we produce more food in Florida. I applaud this project and look forward to seeing it in operation.”
The project’s statewide significance was also underscored by Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, who highlighted its contribution to both the economy and national food resilience.
“Florida is proud to lead the charge in the advancement of AgTech—safeguarding America’s future,” said Secretary Kelly. “With Harvest Singularity’s investment in the AgTech Innovation Park, Newberry is set to become a hub for AgTech in our state—promoting job growth, economic competitiveness, and national security. This is a win for Newberry, for the Free State of Florida, and for the nation.”
For Newberry Mayor Tim Marden, the announcement represents years of vision and commitment coming to fruition. “Newberry is excited to see the AgFoodTech Innovation Park grow with visionary business leaders and private sector capital,” said Marden. “Our City believes in agriculture and laid the groundwork for this transformative project. At $2.7 million, we have literally put our money where our mouth is. Harvest Singularity’s headquarters will create good jobs, bring capital investment, and expand Newberry’s tax base. This will benefit our residents and strengthen our City’s economic foundation. I am delighted Harvest chose Newberry.”
Charles A. Garza, CEO of Harvest Singularity, said the company is equally enthusiastic about joining Newberry’s innovation ecosystem.
“Harvest Singularity is thrilled to call Newberry home for its first 100% climate-controlled industrial hydroponic greenhouse farm to meet the strong demand for leafy greens,” said Garza. “Newberry is a warm and wonderful community with business-friendly government officials providing outstanding support. The AgFoodTech Innovation Park is an ideal location as we will be co-located with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Alachua County Extension Office. We envision collaborating with UF/IFAS on projects. Our vision is to build multiple industrial-scale farm facilities in Florida growing organic leafy greens and fruit without pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides.”
Harvest Singularity and its partners from the United States and the Netherlands plan to develop a network of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities across Florida. These advanced farms will produce locally grown food using 95% less water and 94% less land than conventional farming, while delivering 20–26 harvests per year without the use of pesticides. The benefits are expected to include greater supply chain stability, reduced food waste, and fresher produce harvested at peak growth.
“Florida is positioned to become the Silicon Valley of Agriculture,” said Dr. J. Scott Angle, University of Florida Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of UF/IFAS. “Artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and other advanced technologies will be crucial to agriculture continuing as a $300-billion-plus driver of Florida’s economy. Harvest Singularity’s impressive vision will help transform agriculture and promote rural renaissance in Florida. UF/IFAS conducts exceptional research in greenhouse and hydroponic crops and values collaboration with industry. We are delighted to see Harvest come to Newberry’s F-300 AgFoodTech Innovation Park and contribute to Florida’s agriculture and food technology ecosystem.”