Infinite Acres Opens Vertical Farming Research Center in The Hague
Infinite Acres has inaugurated a fieldlab in The Hague to advance vertical farming, partnering with firms like Siemens and Signify to promote sustainable urban agriculture.
Pioneering Agritech Initiative
The Dutch-American technology company Infinite Acres has officially opened its new fieldlab for vertical farming in The Hague, Netherlands. This pioneering research and development center is dedicated to advancing techniques in vertical farming, aiming to address global food challenges through innovative solutions in urban agriculture. The facility, strategically located near the Westland, the largest greenhouse horticulture area in the Netherlands, is set to become a hub for industrial innovation and sustainable food production.
Collaborative Efforts and Partnerships
Infinite Acres, founded in 2019 as a subsidiary of 80 Acres Farms, collaborates with various technology partners including Siemens Netherlands, Signify, Priva, the Belgian automation company Sick, and the Vertical Farming team of Delphy. The fieldlab not only serves as a research center but also as an experience center where researchers, experts, and students from institutions like Wageningen University & Research and TU Delft can work together. Tisha Livingston, CEO of Infinite Acres, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and solving global food issues.
Advancing Sustainable Food Production
Vertical farming, a method of growing crops in stacked layers, is at the heart of Infinite Acres’ mission to create healthier and more sustainable production systems. According to Livingston, this method helps shorten supply chains, reduce food waste, and increase production with fewer resources. The use of advanced technologies like AI, digitalization, and automation, as highlighted by Dirk De Bilde, CEO of Siemens Netherlands, is crucial to enhancing the sustainability impact in food production.
Technological Innovations in Agritech
The fieldlab’s innovative approach combines Dutch horticultural expertise with American production and processing technology. Infinite Acres’ parent company, 80 Acres Farms, is a leader in vertical farming, operating indoor farms across the eastern United States. These facilities use 100% renewable electricity and 95% less water compared to traditional farming methods. The crops, which include salads, herbs, microgreens, and tomatoes, are grown without pesticides and are distributed to over 1,500 retailers and restaurants.
Future Prospects and Global Impact
The opening of the fieldlab marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Infinite Acres and its partners. By fostering a space for innovation and research, the fieldlab aims to tackle global challenges such as population growth, climate change, and soil degradation. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to rethinking traditional food production methods to create a healthier and more sustainable future. As Infinite Acres continues to expand its research and development efforts, it sets a new standard for vertical farming and sustainable urban agriculture worldwide.
Bronnen
- www.smartfarming.nl
- www.nieuweoogst.nl
- industrievandaag.nl
- www.verticalfarmdaily.com
- evmi.nl
- www.bignewsnetwork.com