"We are currently most of the way through construction of our new 4000 sq ft facility. Lights are currently being installed and the plumbing is finalized. We aim to have plants growing in the new facility in early August. The game plan is to transfer the nursery from the old farm to the new one and finish out the full growth cycles before shutting down Farm 1.0," says Cory Mahony, Founder of Urban Fields Agriculture, a vertical farm based in Patchogue, Long Island.
Urban Fields Agriculture is a spinoff of Cory's late night hobby, whilst juggling between three jobs. Back in 2023, when VerticalFarmDaily paid him a visit, Cory said to had expansion plans to meet the growing demand in Long Island, and his hometown Patchogue. As demand kept growing, Urban Fields is soon moving into their 343m2 facility consisting of 30 grow racks that Cory has designed himself throughout his farming experience.
Cory Mahony pictured in his Patchogue farm
In the new facility, Cory is will be able to harvest around 1000lbs (454.5 kg) of basil a week, however, at this moment he is right in the middle of finalizing his initial crop mix. "Working closely with existing customers, we want to provide more varied produce. Besides that, we're exploring possible partnerships with some big name companies for bulk deals."
With the additional grow space Urban Fields is planning on bringing back its lettuce production and mainly growing Romaine, Butterhead, and Frisee lettuce. Though, it's not without hurdles as Cory let us know. "My biggest challenge thus far has been progressing with construction while still maintaining a high level of service to customers and product quality with the existing facility. To alleviate this issue we have recently done some additional hiring which seems to be making a big difference."
Cory and the LOCAL Small Business Grant of $5000
Recognition
Recently, Urban Fields was recognized by a regional organization where they won the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant through Optimum and Long Island Association. "It seems that we are starting to catch the attention of some important people in the Long Island business community. It's happening more and more often where I talk about the business with people I meet and it turns out they already know all about the company. It is a very rewarding feeling knowing that our hard work is being recognized," Cory shares proudly.
It is too early to say for now, but Cory gives away that there are some very big partnership announcements in the not so distant future.
The new facility is set to be opened very soon!
For more information:
Urban Fields Agriculture
Cory Mahony, Founder, and CEO
Tel.: +1 631 655 6425
[email protected]
www.urbanfieldsag.com