British vertical farming tech business reaches Dubai GigaFarm milestone as construction progresses
Source: HD.com
British-based business Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) and ReFarm Global Investments LLC (ReFarm) will complete the first phase of construction at the GigaFarm site in Dubai's Food Tech Valley over the coming weeks, with just the interior to fit out. The landmark GigaFarm project will include 200 vertical farming Growth Towers designed to maximise resource efficiency and prevent waste going to landfill by establishing a closed-loop ecosystem.
Andrew Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of IGS commented: "IGS' technology is a key enabler in proving that sustainable crop production is possible, even in some of the most climate-challenged regions in the world. Through British engineering and cutting-edge controlled-environment technology, we're delivering a system that is scalable, supports resource efficiency and strengthens long-term food security for the UAE." The first phase of the project will bring 20 towers online during the summer.
Andrew added: "As installation of the towers progresses, we're proud of this step forward, and our partnership with ReFarm which reflects our shared commitment to a truly circular food system." © Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) Oliver Christof, Chief Executive Officer of ReFarm, commented: "The GigaFarm is more than a farm; it is the world's first fully integrated regenerative food ecosystem. In addition, by diverting more than 50,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill each year through integrated waste-to-value and regenerative farming technologies, the GigaFarm will significantly advance the UAE's efforts to create the world's first affordable carbon positive food production, replacing 1% of the country's fresh produce imports.
Why this matters: For operators, this is a water-management story. The useful signal is that direct substrate measurements can help cut drain loss materially without giving up yield or fruit quality, which is exactly the kind of controllable efficiency gain a facility can build on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does substrate sensing matter in free-drain strawberry systems?
Because drain percentage tells a grower what already happened, while substrate moisture and EC data show root-zone conditions directly. That makes it easier to cut water loss without guessing.
What is the operator takeaway from this trial?
If the thresholds are understood well enough, growers can reduce drain water materially while protecting yield and fruit quality, which makes sensing an operational tool instead of a reporting tool.
