The world’s largest vertical farm has opened in Dubai, and the facility which is 330,000 square feet and spans 175 yards in length will produce over 2 million pounds of leafy greens annually.
Technology-driven indoor vertical farming Crop One Holdings and Emirates Flight Catering, which serves more than 100 airlines, have partnered to open the Emirates Crop One (ECO 1) farm that sits near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.
“ECO 1 will address growing supply chain challenges and food security issues, while introducing millions of new consumers to the benefits of vertically farmed produce,” said Craig Ratajczyk, Chief Executive Officer at Crop One. “It’s our mission to cultivate a sustainable future to meet global demand for fresh, local food, and this new farm is the manifestation of that commitment. This new facility serves as a model for what’s possible around the globe.”
The hydroponic facility is designed for continuous output of leafy green crops grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemicals. Powered by Crop One’s Plants-First technology and infrastructure, the farm utilises machine learning, artificial intelligence and data analytics, and is managed by an in-house team of engineers, computer and plant scientists. ECO 1 uses 95 percent less water than field-grown produce while guaranteeing an output of three tons per day.
Passengers on Emirates and other airlines can enjoy the facility’s leafy greens, including lettuces, arugula, mixed salad greens, and spinach, onboard their flights starting this month. Local UAE consumers can look for the produce on store shelves under the Bustanica brand.
ECO 1 is Crop One’s second farm, following its Millis, Mass. headquarters, which has been in operation since 2015.
