Fischer Farms’ new vertical farm is expected to yield 250 times more leafy greens than conventional farming
Construction specialist Clegg Food Projects says it has completed building ”the world’s biggest vertical farm” for Fischer Farms in Norfolk.
The 25,000m2 state-of-the-art climate-controlled facility utilises an energy-efficient, LED-based lighting system to produce high-quality crops on just four acres of land – yielding 250 times more leafy greens than conventional farming, the builder said.
Clegg Food Projects was appointed as the principal contractor, responsible for the £25m project and overseeing the design and build as well as the building services – a crucial aspect for this technology-driven facility. The team also oversaw the process suppliers, requiring careful project management and an open forum approach as the installation took place during construction.
Oliver Jenkins, business development manager at Clegg Food Projects, said: “Vertical farming is transforming the agriculture industry, and this facility proves it is a viable solution for supplying fresh produce in a controlled growing environment all year round. With growing concerns over climate change as well as land and labour shortages, innovative solutions such as this are very welcome.
“This has been a fantastic project to be involved with on many levels. As with any technology-focused facility, the team needed to be flexible – and where possible adjust the design and construction works to meet the needs of the specialist process equipment. In addition, they also undertook an extensive building services and utilities installation in order to supply the complex growing and harvesting systems.
“We have therefore developed a great working relationship with Fischer Farms and delivering this progressive facility – as well as witnessing its groundbreaking approach of working towards operating 365 days a year only using sustainable energy sources – is very fulfilling. This is a rapidly growing sector, and we look forward to seeing it flourish.”
Fischer Farms is an independent company combining agri-tech and renewable energy expertise to revolutionise the future of farming. Backed by Gresham House plc, an asset management company specialising in investments with a sustainable, positive impact, Fischer Farms is leading the way in scalable food production to provide a more resilient and sustainable method to feed the nation.
Tristan Fischer, CEO of Fischer Farms, said: “After months of hard work by the team, it’s fantastic to see our new farm in production. The state-of-the-art facility has been completed to the highest spec, and is at the cutting edge of vertical farming technology, enabling us to provide customers with the very best, sustainably grown fresh produce.”
Clegg Food Projects – part of the Clegg Group – has more than 40 years’ experience in the food and drink sector. Headquartered in Nottingham, the firm works nationally and internationally with household brands to design and build top-quality manufacturing facilities.
