Controlled Environment Agriculture Vertical Farming

iFarm Begins Construction of High-Tech Vertical Farm in Switzerland

Dubai introduces a game-changing approach to agriculture with its first vertical farm using iFarm Multigreens Technology.

Key Takeaways

  1. iFarm announced the construction of a new vertical farm in Switzerland, partnering with Hygrow.
  2. The farm, utilizing iFarm StackGrow technology, will begin operations in the summer of 2025.
  3. The vertical farm will have a 1,031 m² cultivation area, producing several tons of fresh greens monthly.
  4. iFarm’s automated technology increases plant density by 67%, doubling monthly yield and revenue.
  5. 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.


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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.

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