Norway's first fully automated facility for growing vegetables has begun producing lettuce and other leafy greens, with the first products now available in stores. The facility, operated by Himmelgrønt AS, is a collaboration between the supermarket chain Coop Norge and the technology company Avisomo, and is located in Gardermoen, near Oslo. This strategic location allows for efficient distribution to all of Coop Norge's stores across the country. The project is part of a broader effort to modernize food production through automation and sustainable methods. The facility uses a method known as "vertical farming," where crops are grown in stacked layers in a controlled indoor environment. This approach allows for year-round production without the need to import vegetables from abroad. Since the plants are grown in a sterile, pesticide-free setting, they can be cut and packaged immediately after harvest. The entire process—from sowing the seeds to packaging the final product—is done without human touch, reducing the risk of contamination and disease. At Avisomo's facility, robots and automated systems handle all tasks, including adjusting light, air, and water to optimize growing conditions. The vegetables are grown in a multilevel shelf system, with each plant’s roots receiving nutrients through flowing water. This system allows for fast growth, with the quickest lettuces ready for harvest in just over two weeks. Because the lettuce is grown without soil and not touched by human hands, it has a much longer shelf life—up to 12 weeks—compared to the typical 2–4 weeks. This extended shelf life also allows for a greater variety of salad products on store shelves, potentially encouraging healthier eating habits among consumers. Another benefit of automation is the reduced need for a large human workforce, which helps address labor shortages in Norway. Automated systems also reduce the physical strain and danger associated with manual labor, improving workplace safety. Additionally, automated tasks can be more varied, which may make vegetable production more appealing to future workers. Researchers believe this model could be applied to other vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and berries, and that more growers in Norway may adopt similar technology in the future. The use of automation in agriculture is also being studied for its potential role in national preparedness. A recent report by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment highlighted food supply as a critical vulnerability in times of crisis or war. Local, automated production could help ensure a stable food supply during emergencies. While automation presents challenges, including the need for investment and the right balance of automation levels, researchers believe it is essential for Norway’s future in food production. They are also exploring how automation used in the fishing industry can be adapted for use in vegetable farming, with projects like SINTEF’s AutoMeat aiming to bridge these industries.