World’s largest VF serving greens from the desert
Added on 14 February 2023
As far as we can tell, Signify, like some other lighting and LED vendors, is experiencing a slowdown in the horticultural sector. But the long-term prospects could be good, and the company continues to think big.
Case in point: It recently provided a photographic glimpse into what it says is the world’s largest vertical farm.
The all-indoor, artificially lit Bustanica vertical farm next to Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central has a growth surface of 30,000 square meters (about 330,000 square feet), or 3 hectares, more than any other indoor facility on the planet, Signify claims (please shout if you know of a bigger one).
Bustanica began operations last July and can produce a million kilograms of leafy greens annually, a Signify spokesperson said.
Indoor growing, out of the sun, is regarded by some experts as vital to help ensure food supplies around the world. Tuning artificial LED lighting to optimal frequencies for the desired crop, in climate controlled environments, can extend growing seasons in winter and boost growth possibilities in desert climates, such as in Dubai.
Photo: We’ve now got chefs coming back to us and asking us what else can we grow,” says Kieran Dowd of Emirates Flight Catering. Courtesy of Signify
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