North Country Growers Suspends Berlin Operations Amid Financing Struggles

North Country Growers, a state-of-the-art hydroponic lettuce producer based in Berlin, Recent Hampshire, has suspended its operations. The facility, which opened in 2024 to provide fresh produce to local markets and wholesale companies throughout the Northeast, closed its doors last week after the company was unable to meet payroll requirements.

Efforts to Secure New Financing

Local and state officials are currently exploring financing options to reopen the plant and re-employ area residents. Those leading the effort to assist the ailing company include Mayor Robert Cone, state Sen. David Rochefort (R-Littleton), and Executive Councilor Joe Kenney. The goal is to find a viable financial path that allows North Country Growers to resume production.

Company Background and Operations

Located at 183 East Milan Road in Berlin, North Country Growers focuses on combining innovative technologies with horticultural experience to grow environmentally friendly and affordable produce. The plant utilizes hydroponic greenhouses to grow lettuce, a method that allows for sustainable, local farming.

The company is a subsidiary of American Ag Energy, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. While the facility’s current staffing numbers are unavailable, approximately 30 people were employed at the Berlin site during the summer of 2025.

Current Status and Communication

The suspension of operations follows a period of financial instability. According to reports from The Berlin Sun, workers learned near the end of last week that payroll could not be met, leading to the closure as of last Friday.

Attempts to reach North Country Growers CEO Richard Rosen, as well as officers from the parent company American Ag Energy—including operations manager Lou Dellanno—have so far been unsuccessful.

Key Takeaways: North Country Growers Closure

• Reason for Closure: Inability to meet payroll; operations are suspended pending new financing.
• Impact: Suspension of hydroponic lettuce production for the Northeast region and loss of local employment.
• Government Action: Mayor Robert Cone, Sen. David Rochefort, and Executive Councilor Joe Kenney are seeking ways to fund a reopening.
• Facility Details: Opened in 2024 in Berlin, NH, under the parent company American Ag Energy.

Looking Forward

The future of North Country Growers depends on the ability of local and state officials to secure the necessary financing to stabilize the company. If successful, the reopening would restore a key source of sustainable, local produce for the Northeast and provide jobs back to the Berlin community.