Key Takeaways
- Launch of Groundbreaking Project: Saudi Arabia has initiated its largest indoor vertical farming project in Riyadh, marking a significant advancement in the country’s agricultural sector.
- Joint Venture Collaboration: The project is a joint effort by Vertical Farms Company (VFCo), Mowreq Specialized Agriculture, and YesHealth Group, showcasing international cooperation in agricultural technology.
- Innovative Design and Construction: The project features a 15-meter tall vertical farm with 19 layers and a 20,000-square-meter growing area, indicating a significant leap in urban farming design and capacity.
- Dual-Purpose Facility: The farm doubles as an experiential center with exhibition and dining areas, offering a unique combination of agriculture and visitor experience.
- Local and Global Impact: With a daily production capacity of 2,200 kilograms of leafy greens, this project is set to significantly contribute to local food security and demonstrate a scalable model for global sustainable farming practices.
The capital city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia is now home to the nation’s largest indoor vertical farming project. This innovative venture combines commercial farming with an experiential center, allowing visitors to dine and explore within view of the farm’s operations.
Project Overview
The project, spearheaded by Vertical Farms Company (VFCo), represents a collaborative effort between Mowreq Specialized Agriculture and YesHealth Group. The construction, scheduled to be completed by July, will pave the way for farming operations to commence in the second half of 2024.
Design and Construction
The facility, designed by Mowreq and YesHealth Group, is a marvel of modern agriculture. It will stand 15 meters high and encompass a total growing area of 20,000 square meters across 19 layers. This design allows for producing a wide range of produce, including lettuces, cruciferous vegetables, baby leaves, and specialty crops like edible flowers.
Collaborative Efforts
Jesper Hansen, the Chief Commercial Officer at YesHealth Group, highlights the effective collaboration between the Saudi and Taiwanese teams. The project is a testament to international cooperation, with Mowreq and local vendors Commitco and Darat handling the construction and YesHealth Group focusing on the vertical farming infrastructure.
Background on Mowreq and YesHealth Group
Mowreq Specialized Agriculture, co-founded in 2019 by Dana Enany, Modar Nazer, Khder Al-Ghamdi, and Obeid Bin Zagr, established Saudi Arabia’s first indoor vertical farm. Their mission aligns with providing locally-grown, safe, and nutritious food. Meanwhile, YesHealth Group, a global leader in indoor vertical farming, brings expertise in building vertical farming infrastructure for partners worldwide.
This groundbreaking project in Riyadh is not just a step forward for Saudi Arabia but also a model for sustainable, efficient, and urban-centric farming globally. It combines advanced agricultural technology with a unique visitor experience, setting a new standard in controlled environment agriculture.
Image provided by YesHealth Group
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