Key Takeaways
- iFarm announced the construction of a new vertical farm in Switzerland, partnering with Hygrow.
- The farm, utilizing iFarm StackGrow technology, will begin operations in the summer of 2025.
- The vertical farm will have a 1,031 m² cultivation area, producing several tons of fresh greens monthly.
- iFarm’s automated technology increases plant density by 67%, doubling monthly yield and revenue.
- According to the company, automation reduces labor costs significantly, saving approximately $370,000 annually.
iFarm announced the commencement of construction on a new vertical farm in Switzerland. The project, executed in partnership with the Swiss company Hygrow, marks a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture using iFarm’s cutting-edge StackGrow technology. The farm is expected to start operations by the summer of 2025.
Advanced Vertical Farming Technology
The vertical farm will feature a 1,031 m² cultivation area dedicated to producing green crops, delivering several tons of ultra-fresh greens monthly to major retail chains across Switzerland. This innovative approach leverages iFarm StackGrow technology, a fully automated system designed to optimize plant density and yield. Compared to semi-automated vertical farms, StackGrow technology enhances plant density by 67% and doubles monthly yield and revenue, demonstrating its superior efficiency and productivity.
“In recent years, we saw significant challenges for the vertical farming industry in Europe. iFarm successfully navigated this period, thanks to various projects in the MENA countries and Indonesia. In 2024, we re-emerged in the European market with our top-notch, fully automated system, now in construction in Switzerland,” said Alex Lyskovsky, founder and CEO at iFarm.
Automation and Cost Efficiency
The new robotic farm will incorporate advanced automation systems for planting, washing trays, and cutting plants. Manual labor will only be required for equipment maintenance and disinfection. This high level of automation significantly reduces the number of staff needed to operate the farm, resulting in substantial cost savings. The annual salary savings are estimated to be approximately $370,000, making the operation not only more efficient but also more economically sustainable.
“We are excited to work with iFarm to bring this innovative technology to Switzerland. We believe that the Swiss market could really benefit from a sustainable alternative to conventional farming and imported greens,” said a representative from Hygrow, the client partnering with iFarm on this project.
Strategic Re-emergence in Europe
iFarm’s return to the European market follows a period of successful projects in the Middle East, North Africa, and Indonesia. The construction of this high-tech vertical farm in Switzerland signifies iFarm’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Europe and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By leveraging advanced IT-driven farming technologies, iFarm aims to address the challenges of conventional farming and meet the growing demand for locally produced, fresh, and sustainable greens.
Future Prospects
With the Swiss vertical farm set to begin operations in 2025, iFarm and Hygrow are poised to make a significant impact on the local agriculture market. The project underscores the potential of vertical farming to provide a reliable, sustainable, and economically viable alternative to traditional farming methods. As iFarm continues to innovate and expand, its advanced technologies are expected to play a crucial role in the future of agriculture, offering scalable solutions that can be adapted to various environments and market needs.
iFarm Latest News
Discover the company’s profile in our directory here.
iFarm is the winner of the Future 100 Award in the UAE (2023/12/12)
iFarm has been selected as an emerging Agritech company on the Future 100 Companies for 2023 list. The Future 100 initiative, led by the UAE Ministry of Economy, focuses on accelerating the growth of startups and scaleups operating in innovative industries and developing high-tech in the UAE. Shortlisted candidates were assessed based on rigorous criteria, including business viability, market potential, sustainability, and more. The winning companies operate in sectors such as Agritech, Renewable energy, Space, Robotics, FinTech, Web 3.0, and Biotechnology. The full list is published on Entrepreneur Middle East.
Develops Technology for Indoor Radish Cultivation (2023/09/26)
iFarm has developed technologies for indoor radish farming after three years of research. They have formulated optimal techniques to ensure prolific radish yields with a low defect rate throughout the year. Radishes are primarily cultivated on mineral wool or peat substrates within vertical farms powered by iFarm technologies. On average, iFarm’s indoor vertical farms yield an impressive 5.56 kg of radishes per square meter monthly.
Opens Their Latest Facility With Green Farm In Dubai (2023/05/12)
iFarm recently celebrated the grand opening of its first vertical farm in the UAE, utilizing iFarm technologies. This pioneering event in Dubai drew notable attendees from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Agritecture, Red Sea Farms, Google, and various stakeholders from the public and private sectors, all keen on advancing high-tech farming in the region. Nikita Zubko, managing director of Green Farm, highlighted the significance of the event as a platform for iFarm to establish its presence as a key agricultural player in the UAE. Green Farm, showcasing the novel iFarm Multigreens technology, offers tours for those interested in exploring the innovative approach to growing multiple plant varieties simultaneously. This technology enables flexible production tailored to market demands and seasons. The farm’s strategic focus targets premium retail and hospitality sectors, with an ambition to produce over 3 tonnes of fresh produce monthly.
Will Construct the World’s Largest High-Tech Vertical Farm in Mexico (2023/04/25)
A new Smart City called Tehuantepec is being built in Mexico, which includes heavy industries and aims to create 75,000 jobs. As part of this, iFarm will launch a pilot vertical farm in 2024, which has the potential to produce over 288 tons of high-quality crops per month. The goal is to eventually build 22 automated vertical farms in the city by 2028, producing a range of crops. Opus 2G Group is leading the Smart City project and is excited to collaborate with iFarm to make a social and environmental impact.
Furthers Presence In Middle-East With New HQ In UAE (2023/02/12)
iFarm has expanded to the Middle East and is now headquartered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The region is investing heavily in the agtech industry due to its reliance on imports to feed their growing demand for fresh, healthy food. The company already operates a farm and is constructing a new farm in Dubai. They are collaborating on a new vertical farm in Dubai using iFarm Leafy Greens technology. The MENA region is a prime target for iFarm’s expansion to provide fresh and healthy food year-round, promoting healthy living.
Markets StackGrow Automation With Game-Changing Efficiency (2022/06/27)
iFarms’ StackGrow automation, powered by AI, increases a vertical farm’s production by 50% per square meter, reduces electricity costs by up to 30%, and drops labor costs by 12%. With fully automated conveyors, lights, irrigation, and climate systems, iFarm’s StackGrow technology approaches total automation. The system uses 30% less energy than the previous generation of vertical farms. The GrowTune online interface automates all the key processes involved in vertical farming. StackGrow technology also enables a 50% increase in yield per square meter.
Image provided by iFarm
1 Comment