Aug 11, 2021

Colorado’s Spring Born plants organic, hydroponic greens for food bank

Spring Born Inc., a hydroponic farm seeking organic certification, has kicked off production inside their Silt, Colorado facility.

The company said in a news release that its first harvest will be donated entirely to a local food bank, The Food Bank of the Rockies.

“We are testing around 50 varieties to ensure that we bring the highest-quality and most unique flavors to the market,” said Josh Budka, head grower. “We are excited to work with our customers to determine the best varieties to fit their needs.”

Spring Born says its packaged leafy greens and salad blends are sustainably grown using less land, water and emissions than outdoor farming. The 2.5-acre greenhouse will produce up to 10,000 packages per day, 360 days a year, utilizing a state-of-the-art, hands-free, automated production.

“Everyone deserves fresh, healthy food. I’m proud to be a long-term partner to our communities’ food banks,” Spring Born President Charles Barr said in a news release. “Our neighbors are very supportive of the business, and it’s Spring Born’s responsibility to support our neighbors.”

The indoor hydroponic farm earlier this summer went public with plans to become a certified-organic greenhouse, one of the first leafy greens growers in the state to do so. President Charles Barr said in a release at the time that “we care about the state of our environment and building sustainable practices that leave a lasting impact on our local community.”

A company spokeswoman said that the farm is working with certifiers and expects to be certified organic as soon as the week of Aug. 16.

Spring Born’s donations will continue well beyond the first harvest. With an average cycle of 21 days, the company will give a percentage of each planting to various food banks in the Denver, Colorado, area.

Above, Charles Barr, left is the president of Spring Born, while Josh Budka is head grower. Photos: Spring Born