Key Takeaways
- Farmers Lab Ltd. introduces BK Conveyor Culture (BKCC), a horizontal conveyor-style vertical farming system.
- BKCC reduces labor and simplifies daily operations by rotating growing trays around a central axis.
- Initial installations in Singapore show potential for 20% net profit margin in microgreen and baby leaf production.
- The system was recognized as a finalist at the 2024 Vertical Farming World Awards.
- Farmers Lab is partnering with Blue Lab to integrate AI-driven climate and nutrient control automation.
BK Conveyor Culture (BKCC): A Modular System for Emerging Agri-Markets
Farmers Lab Ltd., a South Korean agritech company, has announced the official launch of its next-generation vertical farming system, the BK Conveyor Culture (BKCC). Unlike traditional fixed-rack vertical farms, BKCC employs a rotating horizontal conveyor structure that moves trays around a central axis. This design is intended to reduce labor requirements and streamline operational workflows.
“The BKCC system was built on years of extensive field experience and practical trials,” said Seungwan Lee, founder of Farmers Lab Ltd. “Our goal is to provide a system that is affordable, efficient, and easy to operate, particularly for new-generation farmers and emerging agri-markets.”
Proven Setup and Preliminary Profitability Projections
BKCC has been fully installed and approved at a research and development facility in Singapore. Although commercial operation has not yet begun, internal projections suggest that growing microgreens and baby leaves using the BKCC setup could result in a 20% net profit margin under optimized conditions.
Designed with modularity and worker ergonomics in mind, the system is adaptable for use in facilities ranging from compact urban farms to larger commercial operations.
Global Recognition and Pilot Installations
The BKCC system was named a finalist in the “Best New Vertical Farming Facility” category at the 2024 Vertical Farming World Awards in Frankfurt. The nomination reflects industry acknowledgment of BKCC’s innovation, simplicity, and scalability.
Pilot systems have already been installed in South Korea, Singapore, and Africa. Farmers Lab Ltd. is currently in talks to expand deployments to Australia, Vietnam, and various locations in the Middle East.
AI Integration and Smart Farming Partnership
To enhance BKCC’s functionality, Farmers Lab Ltd. has partnered with Blue Lab, a technology firm specializing in precision agriculture. Together, the two companies aim to incorporate AI-based automation for climate and nutrient control, enabling real-time environmental adjustments with minimal manual input.
The company says that this collaboration will further optimize performance and reduce operational costs, making the system more appealing to commercial operators seeking scalable and sustainable indoor farming solutions.
BKCC Crop Versatility and Market Potential
BKCC is designed to accommodate a variety of crops, including microgreens, leafy greens, virus-free seedlings, and specialty plants. Its adaptable and compact footprint makes it suitable for a wide array of use cases, from research laboratories to commercial farms.
With pilot projects underway and expansion planned in multiple regions, Farmers Lab Ltd. aims to position BKCC as a viable and accessible vertical farming alternative for both established operators and newcomers in the controlled environment agriculture sector.
