Ohio’s 80 Acres Farms announces expanded indoor farm network

HAMILTON, OH – In a major stride for the controlled-environment agriculture industry, 80 Acres Farms® and Soli Organic® have announced their strategic merger, creating one of the largest and most sophisticated indoor farming networks in the nation. Headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio, the newly united company will operate under the 80 Acres Farms brand and is projected to achieve nearly $200 million in first-year revenues.

Synergy of Innovation and Reach

Mike Zelkind, co-founder of 80 Acres Farms and now CEO of the merged entity, emphasized that the indoor farming industry has entered a more mature phase—one defined by "execution, efficiency, and results." The merger brings together 80 Acres’ GroLoop™ platform, an integrated hardware-software-environmental system optimized for precision, automation, and scalability, with Soli Organic's decades-long retail footprint and agronomic prowess.

Equally lauded is the involvement of Walter Robb—former co-CEO of Whole Foods Market and current co-chairman of Soli Organic—who now joins the board of the combined company. Robb highlighted the strategic value for retailers in a volatile trade environment, noting that indoor farming offers enhanced supply chain resilience, consistent quality, and compelling storytelling for consumers.

A Broader Perspective on Indoor Farming

This merger arrives at a pivotal time for controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), a sector combining horticulture with engineering to boost yield, reduce resource use, and bypass the uncertainties of weather-dependent farming. CEA spans indoor farms, greenhouses, and vertical farming systems, supporting improved access to fresh food year-round.

Financially, the industry has faced headwinds—high capital investments, energy-intensive operations, and uneven profitability. A 2018 U.S. survey found that just 51% of indoor farms were profitable. Still, with improved automation, technological integration, and scalable models like the new 80 Acres – Soli Organic partnership, the path to sustainable growth is becoming clearer.

Why This Merger Matters for the Midwest

While both 80 Acres Farms and Soli Organic are headquartered in Ohio, the ripple effects extend across the heartland. The Midwest is already seeing indoor farming innovations: AeroFarms’ St. Louis-area vertical farm, BrightFarms’ hydroponic operations in Illinois, and robust greenhouse programs like Cox Farms’ Missouri network.

This alliance could serve as a template for regional partnerships—combining technological infrastructure with retail distribution—to bring the freshest, most climate-resilient produce to consumers across local markets.

This bold consolidation signals the industry's evolution—from early-stage experimentation to operational maturity and strategic scale. The merger tackles historical obstacles—such as energy costs and inconsistent yields—by blending tech-driven efficiency with distribution strength. Consumer demand for pesticide-free, climate-resilient, and long–shelf-life produce is rising—and this newly formed company is positioning itself squarely at the forefront of that demand.