The joint R&D project to grow strawberries on vertical farms

Karls Erdbeerhof, the largest producer of agricultural products and strawberries in Germany, and the agritech development company, iFarm, will engage in a joint R&D project in Rövershagen, Germany. Using the aeroponic growing method, Karls Erdbeerhof and iFarm will assess the viability and economic potential of large-scale, indoor strawberry production with the goal of developing ecologically sustainable growing methods for the future. The first experimental strawberry harvest is planned for the first quarter of 2022.

"We strongly believe that the current concept of agriculture is changing dramatically within all it's aspects over the next decades. Vertical farming as such is only a small part for a solution to a bigger problem. The key will be to let all technologies, solutions and ideas interconnect to create sustainable farming for the future. The intriguing part about vertical farming is that the topic is actually way broader than we can imagine. At this stage even the best vertical farm builders have only scratched the surface of what is possible. Experiencing iFarm´s "Can Do! " — attitude we believe that it is the right fit! Furthermore, iFarm shares some of the same partners, ideas and values as we do".

-Axel Stelter

Karls Erdbeerhof

iFarm has already delivered a nutrient solution preparation system, climate control system, shelving structures and phyto-lighting to ensure the vertical farm is fully equipped with state-of-the-art growing technology and the equipment is currently being installed on site in Rövershagen. iFarm will also participate in the research and development process, with Karls Erdbeerhof managing the facility and conducting experiments. Once commissioning and installation is complete, the equipment will be connected to iFarm's automated IT platform, Growtune, which will monitor and optimise production conditions and farm processes in real-time.

We hope that the future long-term partnership between Karls and iFarm will deliver a stable supply of fresh, tasty and healthy strawberries to German residents all year round, as well as cultivate growing methods that are environmentally friendly and sustainable well into the future.

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Image of Andrew Wilson on Pixabay 

Source: iFarm