In Singapore, a nation where arable land is scarce, vertical farming is seen as a promising solution to boost local food production. Dutch agritech company Growy has introduced a cutting-edge vertical farm in Changi Logistics Centre, focusing on leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens. This project is an important step toward achieving Singapore’s “30 by 30” food security goal, aiming for 30% of the nation’s nutritional needs to be met through local production by 2030.
Innovative Farming Methods for Sustainability
Growy’s vertical farm uses advanced automation to maximize productivity while reducing costs. With a fully automated system transporting seedlings from preparation to harvesting across 16 vertical levels, only 10 production workers are currently required, a number expected to rise to 15 at full capacity.
The facility employs “climate zones,” a unique feature that tailors humidity, temperature, and lighting for each type of plant. This tailored environment significantly reduces energy usage compared to conventional methods where uniform conditions are applied throughout the farm.
Another sustainability feature includes capturing water vapor transpired by plants, condensing it for reuse in the cooling system. This innovation minimizes water consumption, using just 5% of the water needed for traditional farming methods to produce 1 kg of vegetables.
Current Challenges in Vertical Farming
Despite its potential, vertical farming has faced significant hurdles in Singapore. Several farms, including VertiVegies and I.F.F.I., have ceased operations, citing high costs in energy, labor, and initial investment. Additionally, Singapore’s local vegetable production dropped from 3.9% of total food consumption in 2022 to 3.2% in 2023, according to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
Growy’s founder, Ard van de Kreeke, acknowledged these challenges and emphasized that the company’s model addresses inefficiencies that plagued earlier ventures. By investing in smarter technology and reducing labor and energy requirements, Growy has developed a more viable approach.
Future Prospects
Growy plans to expand its reach within Singapore by introducing its greens to local supermarkets such as FairPrice and Cold Storage by December 2024. The company is also eyeing further investments in Singapore, with a second vertical farm in the pipeline to grow diverse produce such as strawberries and mushrooms.
Globally, Growy aims to establish three to five additional vertical farms in Europe, North America, and Asia. These farms will leverage improved technology to further drive efficiency and reduce operational costs, setting a benchmark for sustainable vertical farming.
Growy’s vertical farm in Singapore is a testament to the potential of innovative technology in overcoming the challenges of urban agriculture. By addressing issues like energy consumption and resource inefficiency, the company demonstrates how vertical farming can contribute to sustainable food systems. If successful, Growy’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other agritech ventures globally, helping to secure food supplies while conserving vital resources.
