Developed on a 900,000 sq. ft. plot by Dubai-based group ReFarm Global, the project will establish a self-contained closed-loop ecosystem designed to maximise resource efficiency and prevent waste going to landfill.
IGS’s initial shipment will consist of 800 6m2 growth trays with lights, which are the individual trays that sit within the 12-metre-high vertical farming towers. These patented trays are an essential component of IGS’s indoor growing system, offering advanced climate control for optimal crop growth.
‘Plan for change’
Gareth Thomas, UK minister for exports, said: “Our ‘Plan for Change’ is backing British business to take advantage of opportunities to export abroad, while sharing innovation and growing the economy.
“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.”
Food production at the GigaFarm will begin later this year and will be capable of growing more than three million kilos of produce annually thanks to IGS’s vertical farming technology.
Diverting food waste
Additionally, the site will help divert more than 50,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill each year through integrated waste-to-value and regenerative farming technologies, significantly advancing the UAE’s efforts to decarbonise food production.
IGS CEO Andrew Lloyd added: “This marks a significant milestone as we begin shipment of the technology which can help unlock a more sustainable era of food production. 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.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to both the UAE and UK governments for continuing to support this transformative project.”
Meanwhile, vertically farming lettuce could be as good for the environment as growing the salad plant in fields while also saving 8,000 hectares of land across the UK, according to a recent study.
