A vertical farm for local food production is about to be built in a German retail park through a partnership between indoor agricultural technology specialist Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) and food company Potager Farm, a subsidiary of the Greenman Group. In two nine-meter-high greenhouse towers to be built by IGS, Potager Farm will grow fresh produce and supply various retail centers in the fund. Potager Farm also plans to expand the growing of produce for nearby supermarkets, retailers and restaurants. The property is owned by Greenman OPEN, the largest grocery-focused investment fund in the country. The greenhouses are expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2023.
Potager Farm's concept is to grow produce at the point of sale and in close proximity to customers, significantly reducing food miles. Crops are grown in a controlled sustainable environment with minimal water use and no pesticides. The vertical farm uses a closed-loop water cycle for irrigation to achieve this. At the same time, Potager Farm's project supports the European Commission's strategy to create a sustainable food system through "Farm to Fork." The first crops planned for cultivation consist of herbs like parsley, chives, basil and leafy vegetables such as arugula and mustard leaves.
Potager Farm was established in 2019 by Greenman. By growing herbs, leafy and small vegetables, and shortening supply chains, the company is helping to make Greenman's real estate holdings more ecologically sustainable and environmentally friendly. Potager Farm aims to create local and sustainable food production systems and provide fresh, high-quality produce at acceptable prices.
Pioneering retail
David Farquhar, CEO of IGS, says: "Potager Farm is a good example of how regional and sustainable production systems can be brought into an urban environment where food is produced no more than one to two kilometers from its destination supermarket or restaurant. Together with Potager Farm and the Greenman Group, we are pioneering this in the retail sector and in Germany in general. We are excited that IGS' Vertical Farm technology can help promote sustainability and automate the growing process."
Mario Gatineau, CEO of Potager Farm, adds: "We are creating one of the most sustainable vertical farming facilities in Germany in Berlin. IGS's modular towers allow us to expand our vertical growing system as needed and increase our growing options over time."
Environmental sustainability of real estate
"The Potager Farm contributes to an important part of the Greenman Group's commitment to improving the environmental sustainability of its properties. Furthermore, the vertical farm will create a competitive advantage for the Greenman Fund's retail park and its tenants. The Fund is also committed to diversifying its revenues and deriving approximately 5 percent of its annual revenues from non-rental activities by 2025; the "5by25" strategy. These activities include, but are not limited to, sustainable agricultural activities and the promotion of local and traceable food supply," Gatineau adds.
Source: Konii