Introduction

In a groundbreaking move for Singapore's agricultural landscape, a Dutch agritech company known as Growy has launched a vertical farm in the Changi Logistics Centre, aiming to provide fresh greens in local supermarkets by December.

Production Goals

This innovative facility is set to produce a variety of leafy vegetables, including basil, parsley, shiso, amaranth, and baby leaf kale, with an ambitious goal of reaching full production of 500 tonnes per year by April or May of 2025.

Market Challenges

Despite challenges faced by numerous farms in Singapore, Growy is determined to make a mark. The company took over the partially completed indoor vertical farm in 2023 and is operating under its Amsterdam-based Chef’s Farm brand. They currently cater to around 50 local hotels and restaurants, offering more than 30 different products, including herbs, microgreens, and a range of salad mixes.

Food Security Initiative

As Singapore strives for food security under its '30 by 30' initiative—which aims to locally produce 30% of the country’s nutritional needs by 2030—vertical farming presents a viable solution, albeit one riddled with difficulties. Not all ventures have succeeded; some farms like VertiVegies have abandoned their plans, reflecting the bumpy road that the vertical farming industry has traveled in the nation. Reports show that local vegetable production dipped to 3.2% of total food consumption in 2023, down from 3.9% in 2022.

Technological Innovations

However, the high-tech developments at Growy may pave the way for a brighter future. The facility employs a fully automated system to move seedlings through its 8,000 sq m space, maintaining diverse 'climate zones' for optimal plant growth. This innovation minimizes labor demand while tailoring conditions such as temperature and moisture to the specific needs of different greens—leading to lower energy consumption and operating costs.

Statements from Management

Mr. Ard van de Kreeke, founder and CEO of Growy, states, 'This approach allows us to adjust plant care effectively, which ultimately reduces costs significantly.'

Government Support and Sustainability

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Koh Poh Koon, praised the farm’s advanced technology during its opening on November 15. He highlighted that the air-handling system captures water vapor released during plant transpiration, converting it back into usable water, thereby enhancing conservation efforts.

Water Efficiency

Notably, Growy's water usage is strikingly low—requiring just 5% of the water needed for traditional land farming methods to produce the same amount of vegetables. This efficiency is essential as climate change impacts the availability and cost of water resources.

Future Sales

With intentions to begin retail sales in supermarkets such as FairPrice, Cold Storage, and Little Farms by December, Growy is poised to become a key player in Singapore's quest for sustainable local food production.

Conclusion

As the city-state navigates the complexities of modern agriculture, this vertical farming venture stands as a beacon of innovation and hope in the face of industry challenges. Stay tuned for updates as fresh greens hit the shelves!