Promote high tech farming

Austin Miller story at 5p

"we are going to be because we're committed to be the leader in agritech.

We're going to get the attention of this nation and of this world."

Governor andy beshear has signed an executive order establishing a guide to grow the agritech sector...specifically in eastern kentucky where among other things...it would mean more jobs.

Abc 36's austin miller explains how tomatoes could help turn the state into an agritech capital.

L3: white "we're committed to be the leader in agritech" executive order to help bring more jobs to ea ... l3: white jonathan webb ceo, appharvest l3: white "we're committed to be the leader in agritech" executive order to help bring more jobs to ea ... it's an agreement with a goal to turn eastern kentucky into the next silicon valley.

It revolves around innovations in agriculture.

Webb trt 13 "we don't believe the future of farming in america is going to be in boston, new york city or san francisco.

We believe the future of farming is going to be somewhere in the middle part of the u.s. and now it's just going to take leadership to figure out who wants to grab it and go."

Appharvest ceo jonathan webb hopes his 120-million dollar greenhouse in morehead...will help spur more growth in the state.

It's also why he initiated this international agreement with the dutch government, universities and other partners to promote farm technology in kentucky.

Webb trt 15 "i'm the first college graduate in my family.

I went to public schools in kentucky.

The reason this is so important to me is we must inspire that next generation in kentucky to stay here and build the next great companies."

Webb's company hopes to inspire others by growing and exporting tomatoes to other parts of the country in less than a day's drive.

Webb trt 19 "1.2 billion were imported from mexico 10-15 years ago.

Four billion pounds last year, so if you look at our facility, it's going to do about 45 million pounds annually of tomatoes.

On the back of an envelop, we can figure out how many facilities we can build if we want to bring that producion back into the u.s. within a one-day drive."

Webb says his facility will be the first of many...as society looks for more efficient ways to use water and energy to produce food.

Webb trt 09 "the u.s. is going to need 18,000 acres of these facilities.

This is 60 acres and a 120 million dollar investment.

You can do the math on the back of an envelope."

Big numbers for a big push to promote high-tech farming in kentucky.

In frankfort,