News vertical farming research centre in UAE

AeroFarms AgX is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022 and will focus on the latest developments in indoor vertical farming and agtech.

Covering 54,000 square feet, AeroFarms claims that the facility will be the largest indoor vertical farm of its kind for research and development in the world.

The research conducted at AeroFarms AgX will aim to advance sustainable controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming.

The facility will work with local universities on research projects to tackle agricultural problems experienced in desert and arid climates, and will serve as a hub for AeroFarms' regional expansion.

AeroFarms AgX is expected to employ around 60 'highly skilled' engineers, horticulturists and scientists.

The facility will feature high-tech laboratories, with activities including organoleptic research and precision phenotyping, phytochemical analysis and advanced speed breeding.

David Rosenberg, co-founder and CEO of AeroFarms, said: "This is an important development for AeroFarms as we expand globally and leverage our R&D and growing expertise.

"AeroFarms has been the global leader for controlled environment agriculture since 2004, and we will utilise this cutting-edge R&D centre to conduct the latest research in plant science, vertical farming and automation, accelerating innovation cycles and commercialising products."

Tariq Bin Hendi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: "This important milestone for AeroFarms AgX is another step in the realisation of Abu Dhabi's mission to 'turn the desert green'. In line with this goal, ADIO is supporting innovative technology that has the potential to impact farming practices across the globe and improve the food production value chain worldwide."

Source and Photo Courtesy of Foodbev Media

Source: Foodbev Media