Kalera has finalised phase one of construction for its new fully-automated, multi-layered vertical mega-farm in Singapore.
The US-headquartered vertical farming specialist has now completed the core structure of the facility located at the Changi Logistics Centre.
Henner Schwarz, chief commercial officer of Kalera, said the farm will allow crops to grow throughout the year in any climate, in a controlled environment that mitigates the risk of pathogens and maximizes taste and texture appeal.
'The new indoor farm will change consumption of locally-grown and harvested greens inSingaporeas we know it,” said Schwarz.
We'll be producing 500 tonnes of greens each year, which can be harvested right before consumption, resulting in higher nutritional value, less food waste and reduced CO2 emissions. We're expecting the first harvest in the third quarter.
Kerstin Köhler, Kalera’s country manager,Singapore said the farm would contribute towards Singapore’s push to expand local fresh produce production.
'The new farm will offer holistic support toSingapore'slong-term food security plan, which gained added significance during the Covid-19 pandemic,' said Kerstin Köhler. 'By changing the way food is grown and eaten, ourSingaporefarm, paired with our R&D centre, will continue to drive the global urban farming revolution.'
This initiative is made possible through the Singapore Food Agency's 30x30 Express GRant, which supports the local agri-industry to produce 30 per cent ofSingapore'snutritional needs locally and sustainably by 2030.
The grant will help to ramp uplocal production of leafy vegetables through Kalera's patented 'Dryponics' cultivation method which keeps the plants alive with roots intact and allows consumers to harvest the plants just before consumption for better-tasting greens.
'In our 50-foot-tall indoor farm we use a fully automated advanced farming system that covers the seeding to harvesting process, has full climate control, and enables compact, modular and high-quality plant growth,' Köhler added.
At theSingaporelocation, 11 employees have been hired with more planned. Kalera also continues to expand in the US and will open itsDenverfarm inMarch 2022, with four additional farms inSeattle,Columbus, Ohio,HonoluluandSt. Paul, Minnesota currently under development.
