Infarm, a Berlin-based hydroponic vertical farming system startup offering herbs and green leaves, has announced that it is laying off 50 employees from its operations representing approximately 5% of its total staff. 

Infarm attributed the layoffs to the anticipated recession, supply chain disruptions, and rising energy costs due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

The company has over 1,000 employees across operations in Europe, Canada, Japan, and the US to date. The company did not disclose the details of the roles that would be affected.

Analyst QuickTake : The layoff announcement comes amidst the company’s plan to expand its vertical farming facilities. Infarm has committed to expanding its presence to 100 growing centers across 20 countries by 2030. In June 2022, the company announced building its third growing center in Maryland to strengthen its presence in the US. Moreover, the company has also entered into supply partnerships with companies such as Coop Danmark , Crisp , and Ikea thus far, this year.