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Agribusiness startup opening farm in Jasper County

Jason Thomas //October 5, 2022//

Agribusiness startup opening farm in Jasper County

Jason Thomas //October 5, 2022//

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A startup indoor vertical farm company is investing in Jasper County.

Hardee Greens LLC is opening a farm at 11 Randall St. in Hardeeville with a $1.3 million investment that is expected to create 58 jobs, according to a news release from the office of the governor.

Operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2023.

Established by South Carolina natives, Hardee Greens LLC will grow fresh herbs and salad greens, the release stated. The company is partnering with Local Grown Salads, which will supply the materials for Hardee Greens LLC to grow pesticide-free, fresh herbs and greens every 30 days.

“We love our community and saw a need for more options of fresh local produce,” Jennifer Harsta, CEO of Hardee Greens, said in the release. “Numbered are the days of produce being flown cross-country. The innovations of vertical farming allow us to reduce transportation costs, maximize space, reduce water usage, and yield a pesticide and herbicide-free crop year-round.

“We’ve planted our roots here, and we can’t wait to share our product with our community.”

Hardee Greens’ farm in Jasper County is initially expected to produce 10,000 pounds of greens and salads monthly to serve restaurants, schools and grocery stores in the Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head and Savannah areas, the release stated.

“This homegrown enterprise will bring innovative farming techniques, locally grown food and new jobs to the Jasper County region,” South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said in the release. “We’re proud to support Hardee Greens LLC and their entrepreneurial approach to agriculture.”

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