“We're proud to say this is the only project of its kind in Mexico”

In downtown Zapopan, Jalisco—a dense, cosmopolitan district within Mexico's second-largest metropolitan zone, an innovative vertical farm is turning heads. Developed by Origeen for their client FloTerra, the fully enclosed, 100-square-meter site represents not only the tallest vertical food production wall in Latin America, but also a new direction for urban farming in the region.

"We're proud to say this is the only project of its kind in Mexico," says Jessica Gomez, founder of Origeen. "It's a flagship project that showcases how vertical farming can transform cities into food producers."

"Same-day harvest. Same-day delivery"
The farm's location was no accident. Situated right in the heart of Zapopan, it allows Origeen to get fresh, hyperlocal produce into customers' hands almost immediately.

"Our client, FloTerra, strategically selected this location to ensure efficient distribution across the city," Gomez explains. "This enables same-day delivery of ultra-fresh produce to local restaurants and customers."

The result? A reduced carbon footprint and fresher, pesticide-free food. "Establishing an indoor farm in the middle of the city isn't just about logistics," she adds. "It's also a statement. It shows that sustainable food production can happen where people live."

© Origeen
"We designed every square meter for efficiency"
The facility spans 100 square meters and is divided into three areas: a germination room, a transplanting room, and an equipment room. Its backbone is Origeen's proprietary VPOT (Vertical Plant Optimization Technology) system—four massive vertical hydroponic walls, each 4 meters tall and 5 meters long. These are complemented by five racks dedicated to seedling and microgreen production.

"The entire setup operates as a fully controlled-environment vertical farm," Gomez says. "That means total control over lighting, irrigation, humidity, and temperature."

"VPOT is our game-changer"
At the core of the project is VPOT, Origeen's patented, modular hydroponic system designed specifically for vertical farming. "Our VPOT system just won an Innovation Award at the World Vertical Farming Congress in Germany," says Gomez. "It's a gravity-fed, recirculating irrigation system that oxygenates each plant, drastically reduces water waste, and is fully scalable."

The system was designed and engineered entirely in Mexico. "We didn't just want a vertical farming solution," she adds. "We wanted something that could be adapted to any space and scaled up easily, without sacrificing efficiency or sustainability."

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"Controlled environments mean climate resilience"
While some vertical farms use greenhouses, Origeen opted for a fully enclosed environment, and for good reason. "Zapopan, like many cities in Latin America, is densely populated. It has over five million inhabitants," Gomez explains. "A fully enclosed farm lets us grow all year round, regardless of outside weather. It ensures consistency, food safety, and lower risk."

"It also aligns with our vision of building a network of urban food hubs across Mexico."

"Our crops are selected for speed, yield, and flavor"
The farm focuses on high-demand, quick-cycle crops that thrive in controlled environments. "We grow various types of lettuce, basil, arugula, Swiss chard, cilantro, spinach, kale, peppermint, spearmint, and hierbabuena," Gomez says.

"Lettuce, basil, and arugula perform especially well. They're in high demand, have fast cycles, and deliver excellent results in both taste and yield." The team is also testing other crops to diversify their catalog. "We're validating additional varieties that could soon be added to our offering."

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"There's a premium market for ultra-fresh produce"
While vertical farming is still nascent in Latin America, Origeen sees strong demand among consumers willing to pay more for freshness and sustainability. "We're targeting conscious consumers and businesses who value quality," Gomez says. "Our produce is harvested just hours before delivery. It's pesticide-free, grown locally, and packed with flavor and nutrients."

"This approach allows for a premium pricing model," she adds. "And there's a growing market of eco-conscious buyers who support that."

"Clients are looking for innovation and sustainability"
Gomez says Origeen's buyers are not your average produce distributors. "Our clients are visionary entrepreneurs and investors," she explains. "They see Origeen as a vehicle for bringing real innovation to urban food production."

There's also growing interest from the hospitality sector. "In hotels—especially in remote or extreme environments—vertical farming offers a reliable way to serve fresh ingredients to guests year-round," she notes. "It enhances the guest experience while reducing dependency on external supply chains."

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"We want vertical farming in every home"
While Origeen is focused on commercial farms, they're also working to bring vertical farming into everyday households. "We're launching a 1-square-meter home hydroponic kit," Gomez says. "It's designed to be DIY, compact, and perfect for growing herbs and leafy greens at home."

The team is actively seeking distribution partners. "Our goal is to make sustainable food production accessible at all scales—from home kitchens to large commercial farms."

© Origeen
"Latin America is waking up to vertical farming"
Across the region, Gomez sees momentum building. "We're seeing a rise in interest from cities and underserved communities looking for ways to produce food locally—especially where access to fresh produce is limited."

Governments are beginning to pay attention too. "Vertical farming is entering the conversation as a climate-resilient food strategy," she says. "And in resort destinations, it's even becoming part of the guest narrative."

"It's about more than growing food. It's about changing the food system."