Located at Oakland International’s site in Redditch, Worcestershire, Urban Farm-It hopes that the new farm will play a role in reducing food miles and building a greener supply chain.
The farm features a 190-square-metre fruiting room with seven tonnes of capacity, equipped with bespoke lighting and front-of-line AEM climate control technology.
Integrated within Oakland International’s BRC-accredited open food pack house, the farm will benefits from round-the-clock delivery capabilities, allowing for the delivery of fresh locally grown produce directly to customers faster than before.
The site also incorporates advanced environmental waste systems, plastic recycling and anaerobic digestion of spent substrate. Urban Farm-It said it has made sustainability central to its mission, while it is certified by Red Tractor and the Soil Association.
Commenting on the new farm, Urban Farm-It chief operating officer Luke Attwell said: “Our partnership with Urban Farm-It brings an innovative mushroom farm to our Redditch site, supporting our goal to reduce food miles and build a more sustainable supply chain. By growing fresh produce directly at our facility, we’re cutting emissions, improving freshness, and showing what’s possible when logistics and farming come together in the same space.”
Meanwhile, the firm’s CEO Elliot Webb, added: “Urban Farm-It is thrilled to partner with industry leaders Oakland International. Together, we bring the best bits of both our industries in a new look business that aims to change the food production and service game forever.”
Urban Farm-It opened its first commercial farm in Ash, Kent, in 2024 where it now grows organic fresh and dried lion’s mane mushrooms. Earlier year, it became the first firm bring fresh lion’s mane to market in Sainsbury’s.
Meanwhile, Oakland International is a family-owned business operating in the UK and Ireland. It provides logistics and value added services including contract packing, tempering and distress load management to a range of clients.
