Amazon Dives into Sustainable Agriculture with New Line of Hydroponic Leafy Greens

Hippo Harvest Hydroponic Greenhouse
Less than two years after investing in climate-tech startup Hippo Harvest, Amazon is selling the company’s first line of leafy green lettuces. | Source: Amazon

Amazon has launched its first line of leafy greens in partnership with Hippo Harvest, a company Amazon first invested in back in 2021 through its Climate Pledge Fund. 

According to Hippo Harvest, its lettuce is grown using 92% less water than traditional farming methods.

The company is using hydroponic growing techniques. Hydroponic plants are grown in a controlled environment using water and nutrients instead of soil. 

This innovative approach allows the plants to grow faster, more efficiently, and with a reduced need for water making it a more sustainable option.

A Hippo Harvest robot collects a tray of hydroponic lettuce.
A Hippo Harvest robot collects a tray of hydroponic lettuce. | Credit: Hippo Harvest

Hydroponic growing also eliminates the need for pesticides and herbicides, since the controlled environment minimizes the risk of disease and pests. 

This results in healthier and more nutritious produce for consumers. Hippo Harvest believes its method requires 55% less fertilizer than conventional produce.

Additionally, the company can set up hydroponic facilities in urban areas. This brings fresh produce closer to consumers and reduces the carbon footprint of transportation.

Amazon’s investment in Hippo Harvest is part of the company’s broader sustainability efforts. 

The company is making significant investments. These investments include renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable farming practices to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable agriculture.

Amazon’s line of leafy greens grown using hydroponic techniques is available to Amazon Fresh customers in select San Francisco markets. 

This move by Amazon represents a step forward in sustainable agriculture.

The reduced water usage, and other environmentally-friendly practices, make fresh produce more accessible while reducing the impact on the environment.

Interested in learning more about recent events in the hydroponics space? Click here for more articles!

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