AppHarvest, an agricultural startup, announced in February its plans to construct a world-class hydroponics greenhouse in Pike County, creating 140 jobs.  The $50 million investment will create a greenhouse on a tract of land at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park which is a reclaimed mine site.

The company plans to grow fresh produce for consumption in the United States, primarily serving the east coast and Midwest.  The high-tech facility will feature computerized monitoring, and cutting-edge hydroponic, above-ground water systems.

“AppHarvest’s greenhouse will be a vehicle for new opportunity in Appalachia and beyond,” said Jonathan Webb. Founder and CEO of AppHarvest. “We are appreciative of all the people that have made this possible in eastern Kentucky, including SOAR.  They [SOAR] have been with us every step of the way, and our approach to economic development aligns perfectly with their Regional Blueprint.”

In August, AppHarvest announced a partnership with Mastronardi Produce Ltd., otherwise known as the SUNSET brand.  SUNSET is North America’s leading grower and distributer of specialty and commodity greenhouse products.

AppHarvest anticipates to break ground in early 2018 and plans to be fully operational by the end of 2018.