A high-tech food production facility in Texas has abruptly shut down, leaving more than 160 workers without jobs. The closure comes after a potential deal that could have kept the operation running unexpectedly fell through.
80 Acres Farms is permanently shutting down its vertical farming operation in San Antonio, Texas, resulting in the loss of 166 jobs, according to a filing with the Texas Workforce Commission. The layoffs began August 3 and are expected to be completed by August 17.
Acquisition falls through
The San Antonio facility, located at Brooks on the city’s Southeast Side, was launched in 2024 by Soli Organic in a 140,000-square-foot industrial building. The facility used stacked growing systems, robotics, and artificial lighting to produce herbs and leafy greens indoors.
Soli Organic merged with 80 Acres Farms in 2025, bringing the San Antonio operation under 80 Acres Farms…