In the heart of Huntsville, just off State Route 39, lies a cluster of white shipping containers that may seem like an ordinary storage unit at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, these six 40-foot containers house Fresh Simple Greens, a farm founded by two brothers who have revolutionized the way produce is grown in the region.
As visitors enter one of the containers marked “2,” they are greeted with a sweet, floral aroma and the sight of leafy bundles protruding from the walls under the soft glow of LED lights. Cooper Griffiths, one of the brothers behind the farm, describes their business as a constant science project that has been met with increasing orders from customers who appreciate the fresh taste of their produce.
The idea to expand into growing full-size vegetables came about during a group brainstorming session with Cooper, his brother Porter, and their father. After a year of research and planning, Fresh Simple Greens was officially incorporated in December 2021. They purchased seven acres of agricultural land in Huntsville and also invested in a Mercedes-Benz sprinter van for deliveries and six climate-controlled containers from Freight Farms, a Boston-based company specializing in indoor farming.
Each container from Freight Farms requires only about five gallons of water per day and can produce the equivalent of 2.5 acres of produce. This innovative approach to farming has allowed Fresh Simple Greens to grow their business and attract new customers, including grocery stores that now purchase their herbs. The farm has become an essential part of the local community and has helped to bring fresh produce to people’s plates all year round.
