Controlled Environment Agriculture

ReFarm Global and IGS Begin Work on Dubai’s GigaFarm

Dubai’s Food Tech Valley has marked the start of the GigaFarm project, an initiative led by ReFarm Global and Intelligent Growth Solutions.
Image provided by Intelligent Growth Solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • ReFarm Global and IGS have begun development on GigaFarm, an initiative to decarbonise food production in Dubai’s Food Tech Valley.
  • The project aims to produce over three million kilos of food annually on a 900,000 sq. ft. plot.
  • The facility will use technologies designed to divert 50,000 tonnes of food waste from landfills each year.
  • GigaFarm aligns with UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, focusing on sustainable food systems.
  • Various stakeholders, including UAE officials and the UK government, have supported the project’s goals.

Development Begins on GigaFarm in Dubai’s Food Tech Valley

Dubai’s Food Tech Valley, a master development focused on food security, has marked the start of the GigaFarm project, an initiative led by ReFarm Global (ReFarm™) and Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS). Situated on a 900,000 sq. ft. plot, GigaFarm seeks to enhance the UAE’s food security strategy with a focus on decarbonising food production. By implementing a closed-loop ecosystem and integrating six distinct technologies, the project aims to maximize resource efficiency and reduce waste.

The facility is expected to begin food production in 2025, with a projected output of over three million kilograms of food per year. In addition to food production, GigaFarm will process over 50,000 tonnes of food waste annually, contributing to a reduction in landfill waste and an offset of approximately 1% of the UAE’s fresh produce imports.

Circular Food Production Model

The GigaFarm project is designed as a closed-loop system, which combines various resource-saving and waste-to-value approaches. This setup reflects the broader goals of Food Tech Valley, an initiative led by the UAE government to address food security through technology. The project utilizes IGS’s vertical farming technology, which is intended to optimize space and resources in the food production process.

According to Andrew Lloyd, CEO of IGS, “This project is a global first. It’s not just a large-scale standalone vertical farm site: our technology has been integrated into the heart of a circular system to deliver change to food security.”

Government and Stakeholder Support

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, commented on the initiative, saying, “The UAE is progressing in presenting a global model of food security based on innovation and sustainable food and agricultural systems.” Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the importance of collaboration and technology in the UAE’s broader strategy for sustainable agriculture.

In addition, the UK government has expressed support for GigaFarm. UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds stated, “Food security and climate change are global challenges – the best way to tackle these is by working together.” Reynolds remarked that GigaFarm demonstrates the UK’s commitment to contributing to international efforts in regenerative farming.

GigaFarm’s Progress and Impact

Since its initial unveiling at the COP28 conference, ReFarm Global has worked to implement the project, completing initial stages in Dubai’s Al Quoz area. According to Oliver Christof, CEO of ReFarm, the facility has already proven effective in diverting food waste and supplying produce locally. Christof noted that ReFarm’s local operations have showcased the viability of the technologies intended for the larger GigaFarm project.

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