Crop One and Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) have launched a US$40 million joint venture to build the world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai, near Al Maktoum International Airport. Given the projected efficiencies and other remarkable advantages, the new facility could provide a blueprint for the future of farming in a resource-constrained world.

 

As land resources dwindle and climate change ushers forth uncertainty in terms of volatile weather conditions and the onset of new invasive insect species, combined with the constant battle to prevent pathogens from entering the supply chain and new demand patterns based on the increased rate of urbanisation across the world, the benefits of vertical farming are becoming more compelling by the day. 

 

Put simply, vertical farming produces crops in indoor farms using technology to ensure pesticide-free, optimal growing conditions with digital and mechanical (rather than chemical or genetic) processes for plant control. The farms can be located anywhere because temperature, humidity, light, water and plant nutrients are all provided in a controlled environment.  Plants are grown in a soil-less growth medium using nutrient solutions that far more efficiently produce fast-growing, healthy plants.

 

And there are few places on Earth where vertical farming innovation could be of greater benefit than the bustling sprawl of desert city Dubai, whose sub-tropical, arid climate means average temperature hits 42ºC in August. Accordingly, the recent announcement of the JV to site the world’s largest such facility in the emirate was deemed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, to be an important milestone for the Emirates Group, for Dubai, and for the UAE. “This investment to build and operate the world’s largest vertical farming facility aligns with the UAE’s drive for more agricultural self-sufficiency, a vision which began with the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father. The introduction of ground-breaking technology at the facility also enhances Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub.”

 

Facilitating “hyper-growth”

 

Crop One – the US firm selected to be EKFC’s joint-venture partner following a 10-month search – is the world’s largest vertical farmer and boasts the longest commercial operating experience in the segment, according to its CEO, Sonia Lo, who says her company’s selection by the in-flight caterer was “validation of [Crop One’s] successful business model that uses patented technology and processes to optimise crop yields and facilitate hyper-growth”.

 

Once completed, the vertical farm facility – to be located at Dubai World Central – will cover a modest 130,000 square feet. Astonishingly however, the facility will achieve a production output equivalent to 900 acres of farmland. At full production, the facility will harvest three US tons (2,700 kg) of high-quality, herbicide-free and pesticide-free leafy greens daily.

 

While the efficient savings regarding land-use are impressive, the reductions achieved in terms of water consumption at the new facility are set to be even more astounding. The new JV’s farm facility will use an incredible 99 per cent less water than outdoor fields – or just a drop and a half of water for every gallon of water used on conventional farm.