North Country Growers (NCG), located in Berlin, New Hampshire, is revolutionizing the Northeast’s produce supply chain by starting a state-of-the-art, large-scale hydroponic greenhouse industry. By leveraging the federal Opportunity Zone (OZ) tax program, utilizing innovative technology, and with the availability of natural gas provided by Sprague Energy, NCG has established a highly efficient and sustainable model for year-round lettuce production. NCG is addressing food security, environmental concerns, and economic development in the region.
The Opportunity Zone Advantage
The Jobs Act of 2017 created the Opportunity Zone (OZ) program, designed to incentivize investment in underserved communities. Berlin, NH, was designated an Opportunity Zone, making it an ideal location for the NCG greenhouses. This designation facilitated the initial capital raise, enabling the construction of the eight-acre hydroponic greenhouse.
“The OZ tax incentives attract private capital into projects in underserved areas like Berlin,” explained Marguerite Piret, Founder and CFO of North Country Growers. “This efficient growing technique was long overdue to be leveraged in Northern New England. NCG is a great example of an OZ project, having a positive social impact, which may not have otherwise been funded.”
Revolutionizing Hydroponic Growing, Sustainably
“Generating inexpensive electricity from natural gas is a key to growing a profitable greenhouse industry that is capable of improving food security and affordability for the Northeast Region,” said Richard Rosen, Founder and CEO of North Country Growers.
In 2022, NCG began construction of the initial eight acres of greenhouse space, two-acre work hall, a combined heat and power system, and an irrigation system. The first building began operating in May of 2024 and is now ramping up to full capacity.
In NCG’s model the natural gas supplied by Sprague Energy fuels an engine that simultaneously produces cost-effective electricity, recovers thermal energy for heating, and delivers essential CO2 that aids plant growth. The core technology, developed in Europe, relies on Natural Gas to run multi-purpose engines. The location of the greenhouse is also vital to its success. Berlin is located in Climate Zone 3, an area with cool summer temperatures that save a fortune when trying to keep glass buildings cooler. The cutting-edge combined heat and power system enables year-round plant cultivation in the greenhouse. In addition to creating its own power and heat storage, rainwater and snowmelt are collected from the greenhouse roofs to supply irrigation water. These approaches allow them to compete closely with traditional West Coast produce growers on cost, while delivering a superior product year-round.
Eliminating Food Waste and Insecurity in the Northeast
In addition to using resources already available like rainwater and snowmelt to supply water, NCG is helping to prevent food waste. According to the USDA, food waste is estimated at between 30-40% of the food supply. Produce waste can be improved by improving product development and storage, but the most impactful way is to tighten the supply chain resulting in extended shelf life.
With leafy greens now being grown year-round, within one day’s travel from where they’re sold, NCG is setting a new standard for food production in the Northeast—prioritizing sustainability, affordability, and food security. By harnessing locally available natural gas through Sprague Energy to power its highly efficient hydroponic systems, NCG has not only reduced its environmental footprint, but also significantly cut down on transportation time and spoilage. Additionally, the NCG method of controlled environment growing eliminates the need for herbicides and pesticides, creating a healthier product.
“The lettuce and leafy greens grown in the hydroponic greenhouse drastically reduce delivery miles” explained Rosen. He adds, “Natural Gas is essential to growing this industry. Without this steady, reliable and affordable power source, it would be hard to justify the extra equipment and technology costs involved with creating such efficient buildings. NCG is using the right process in the right location to maximize efficiency.”
As the demand for sustainable, locally sourced food continues to grow, NCG’s Berlin facility stands as a blueprint for the future of agriculture in cold climates. With technology, strategic location, and resource efficiency on its side, North Country Growers is reshaping the regional food economy.
Check out this video clip to see the facility in action:
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