In a groundbreaking announcement at COP28, Food Tech Valley solidified its commitment to sustainable agriculture by partnering with ReFarm to initiate the construction of the transformative “GigaFarm” – a 900,000 sq. ft. facility poised to redefine the landscape of UAE food imports.
Waste-to-value
This innovative waste-to-value farm, expected to commence construction in mid-2024, is a testament to Food Tech Valley’s dedication to resource efficiency, decarbonizing food production, and fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem. The strategic collaboration with ReFarm, an environmentally conscious group established by SSK Enterprise and Christof Global Impact, integrates state-of-the-art vertical farming technology developed by Intelligent Growth Solutions.
Set within Dubai’s Food Tech Valley, a master development led by major property developer Wasl and launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the GigaFarm will play a pivotal role in propelling the UAE towards decarbonization goals while significantly impacting the nation’s fresh produce imports.
HE Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Group CEO, Wasl said: “The UAE has the ambition and vision to lead the conversation on food security and take the actions necessary to achieve resilient communities. This project reflects our proactive action-oriented approach to the monumental challenge of food insecurity facing the world. This is one of many transformative projects which is set to be part of Food Tech Valley which will have a significant impact on the UAE’s food security, maximising the use of precious resources and decarbonising the food supply chain. We look forward to working with our partners to make it a success.”
ReFarm was established in the UAE by SSK Enterprise and Christof Global Impact (CGI) as a group of companies with focus on projects with circularity and clean technologies. ReFarm has engaged its lead bank to arrange support from UK Export Finance within the UK Government’s Department for Business & Trade.
A technological milestone
GigaFarm is set to deploy six advanced technologies within Dubai Food Tech Valley, creating a revolutionary waste-to-value system to maximize resource efficiency and eradicate landfill waste. Aligned with the UAE’s strategic vision, GigaFarm aims to replace 1% of the nation’s fresh produce imports, contributing to the ambitious goal of decarbonizing food production.
Holistic resource utilization
From recycling food waste using black soldier fly larvae to recovering ammonia sulfate for plant fertilizers, GigaFarm exemplifies a comprehensive approach towards utilizing resources efficiently.
As the project nears its mid-2024 construction commencement, Food Tech Valley, alongside ReFarm and its partners, anticipates a transformative impact on UAE’s food security, emphasizing sustainability, efficient resource management, and the decarbonization of the food supply chain.
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