In an ambitious move to strengthen its food security and decarbonize its food industry, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to welcome a groundbreaking agricultural project known as “GigaFarm.” This initiative is a result of a collaborative effort between ReFarm, a consortium created by Dubai-based SSK Enterprises and process engineering solutions group Christof Global Impact (CGI), and the FoodTech Valley, a visionary development spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and managed by major Dubai property developer Wasl.
The GigaFarm, poised to be a circular, closed-loop agricultural marvel, will be constructed within the FoodTech Valley. It is designed to replace 1% of the UAE’s fresh produce imports by growing an astounding 2 billion plants per year. The vertical farming technology required for this large-scale operation will be supplied by Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), a company in which AgFunderNews’ parent company AgFunder is an investor.
IGS’s vertical towers will integrate with five other complementary technologies to create a sophisticated waste-to-value system. This system is projected to recycle over 50,000 tonnes of food waste annually, transforming it into valuable by-products such as organic compost, animal feed, and water for use in the vertical farming infrastructure.
The official signing ceremony to kickstart the construction of the GigaFarm was a high-profile event, with dignitaries such as HE Eng. Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, HE Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, The Rt Hon Lord Benyon, HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and Saeed Al Marri in attendance, alongside key figures from IGS and CGI.
ReFarm has already established a fully operational demonstration farm in Dubai’s Al Quoz district, which is currently harvesting produce for local ghost kitchen group Kitopi. This pilot project has offered stakeholders, including those attending this week’s COP28, a tangible glimpse into the potential of this innovative farming model. The demonstration site showcases the processing of black soldier fly larvae to recycle food waste on-site, producing organic compost and other by-products.
The technologies employed at the farm are impressive, capable of recovering up to 90% of ammonia sulphate from wastewater for use in plant fertilizers, and producing organic biodegradable polymers that gradually release water and nutrients to crops, particularly suited to arid regions like the UAE.
David Farquhar, CEO of IGS, is a firm advocate of vertical farming as a critical component of a broader agricultural system. The GigaFarm embodies this philosophy, offering a solution that addresses multiple challenges in one of the planet’s most extreme climates. Farquhar emphasizes the unique integration of the farm with waste-to-value technologies, which not only generates water without reliance on desalination or rain but also significantly reduces waste sent to landfills and achieves an impressive return rate of 20% to 25%.
The vertical farming towers will be capable of growing more than 250 varieties of plants, including species native to the region like ghaf, moringa, and mangroves. These plants are of particular interest for their environmental benefits, such as protecting coastal areas and capturing atmospheric carbon.
Oliver Christof, CEO at CGI, heralds the achievements in the UAE over the past 36 months as a game-changer for the sustainable food industry. The project has garnered support from local and institutional investors, thanks to the UAE leadership’s forward-thinking approach to future technologies and circularity.
The GigaFarm is also setting a precedent in cost savings and energy efficiency. It will harness solar energy to minimize carbon usage, utilize advanced LED technology to reduce energy consumption, and operate with an incredibly efficient water usage system. Furthermore, the IGS system’s design reduces labor costs by eliminating the need for human presence in the growing areas.
Looking beyond the UAE, IGS envisions the GigaFarm model as having global applications, with plans to roll out systems across four continents. The support of the UK government through export credit guarantees underscores the international interest in this innovative approach to agriculture.
The UAE, currently positioned at 23 on the Global Food Security index, has set a target to lead the index by 2051. The National Food Security strategy underscores this ambition with a focus on diversification of food sources, research and development, reducing food waste, maintaining food safety standards, and crisis response capabilities.
The GigaFarm initiative represents a significant step forward in the UAE’s quest for food security, aligning with its economic growth strategy that prioritizes diversification and sustainability. As the Middle East grapples with the acute impacts of climate change, the GigaFarm stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience, paving the way for a technologically advanced, low-carbon agricultural sector.