Agritech firm Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) has announced its first major shipment of vertical farming technology to Dubai, which will go towards the development of the world’s first GigaFarm at the UAE’s Food Tech Valley.
The UK firm has delivered 800 growth trays with lights – each of which covers six square metres – to the first phase of construction of the GigaFarm project, which will feature some 200 vertical farm towers.
‘A significant milestone’
“This marks a significant milestone as we begin shipment of the technology which can help unlock a more sustainable era of food production,” commented Andrew Lloyd, chief executive, IGS.
“Our state-of-the-art GTLs are a crucial component of our vertical farm systems, enhancing both productivity and resource efficiency for crop growth, which is particularly vital in the UAE’s arid climate.”
Complementary technologies
The GigaFarm project is spearheaded by Dubai-based ReFarm Global and is being developed on a 900,000-square-foot site. Once complete, the facility will co-locate six complementary technologies, of which vertical farming is one, establishing a self-contained closed-loop ecosystem which is designed to maximise resource efficiency and prevent waste going to landfill.
The site will commence production later this year, and when fully operational, will be capable of producing over three million kilograms of fresh produce annually, as well as preventing 50,000 tonnes of food waste from going to landfill.
It forms a core part of the UAE’s Food Tech Valley initiative, announced in 2021, which aims to position the country as a global hub for food innovation and technology.
Export opportunities
“Our Plan for Change is backing British business to take advantage of opportunities to export abroad, while sharing innovation and growing the economy,” Gareth Thomas, UK Minister for Exports, said of the IGS investment.
“Following the Business and Trade Secretary’s visit to the GigaFarm site in Dubai last year, it’s particularly exciting to see the next phase of IGS’ world leading vertical farming technology. Our work to boost trade and investment in the region will continue to deliver jobs and opportunities in the UK.” Read more here and here.
