Growing Upwards: Unveiling the Best Vertical Farms in Australia and New Zealand

Written by: Niko Simos

June 7, 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of Oceania, characterized by rapid urbanization, a new wave of innovation is poised to revolutionize the way we cultivate and access fresh produce. Some of the most populous cities in the region, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, and Adelaide, are experiencing unprecedented growth, attracting millions of individuals seeking new opportunities and vibrant city living. With this urban surge, the importance of locally sourced produce becomes paramount, prompting a shift towards innovative and efficient solutions such as vertical farming.

Urbanization brings with it a host of challenges, one of which is ensuring a sustainable food supply for growing populations. With limited available land and the increasing distance between rural farms and urban centers, traditional agricultural methods face constraints. However, vertical farming emerges as a transformative solution, providing a possible solution for these bustling communities.

So, what are the foremost farms currently growing in this region?

Stacked Farm

Stacked Farm is the biggest player in Australia’s vertical farming industry and cultivates strawberries, tomatoes, baby lettuce and coriander in a facility of 4.000 sqm at Arundel on the Gold Coast. The facility, which is fully automated, the first of its kind in Australia, can produce between 400 and 440 tonnes of produce a year, depending on the crop.

Founded in 2017, Stacked Farm bills itself as being able to produce fresh fruit and vegetables year-round, using less water than traditional farming and without the need for pesticides.

In months, its leafy vegetables will hit the shelves of major supermarkets around the country.

The company has set its sights on expanding its operations and bringing its vision to life in the vibrant city of Melbourne. With plans to establish a facility spanning an impressive 10,000–12,000 square meters, slated to open its doors in 2024, the company aims to cultivate a local and sustainable source of greens throughout the year. This ambitious venture demonstrates their commitment to providing fresh, nutrient-rich produce to the ever-growing population of Melbourne.

Looking ahead, the company has not limited its aspirations to Melbourne alone. The bustling cities of Brisbane and Sydney are next on their list of expansion. In 2025, they plan to replicate their model, bringing locally produced greens to other cities in Oceania. By establishing operations in these cities, the company is poised to meet the increasing demand for fresh and food options, offering a year-round supply of locally grown produce to their eager customers.

InvertiGro

Based in Sydney, InvertiGro specializes in the design, construction, and support of vertical farming systems, offering a comprehensive solution for companies seeking to grow their own produce. By providing these innovative systems, InvertiGro empowers its customers to seamlessly incorporate hardware and software components into their existing operations. This integration allows businesses to harness the power of data analytics, derived from the system, to maximize plant growth and optimize their farming processes. With InvertiGro's expertise and cutting-edge technology, companies can unlock the full potential of their operations.

The flexibility of the InvertiGro system allows customers to customize it according to their specific requirements. This modular approach ensures that the system can be tailored to different settings and applications. For instance, a food retailer may choose to install a compact model directly within their store, while a traditional farmer seeking diversification opportunities could opt for a larger vertical farm located in proximity to their existing field operations.

This modular aspect plays a crucial role in achieving supply chain security since the farms can potentially be established in various locations. By providing flexibility within their model, InvertiGro envisions a scalable solution that can be implemented virtually anywhere to address this challenge.

Greengrower

One of the noteworthy developments in New Zealand's agricultural landscape is the emergence of Greengrower. Situated at the Waikato Innovation Park in Hamilton, this innovative venture is gaining support from the government due to its potential to transform food production in the nation. Damien O'Connor, Minister of Agriculture, believes that vertical farming is not a replacement for traditional methods but rather an innovative and efficient way of utilizing resources to meet the world's food demands.

With the production of approximately 4,000 bags of leafy green vegetables per day, Greengrower has proven the potential of its system, with plans to expand its capacity as additional tunnels are completed. This research and development initiative is crucial, as climatic events have severely impacted crop yields across New Zealand. Greengrower's vertical farm, unaffected by weather conditions, offers a consistent supply of fresh produce regardless of external factors. The project's success could reduce supply and demand-induced pricing fluctuations, ensuring more stable and affordable prices for consumers.

Urban Green Sydney

Urban Green Sydney, a hidden gem situated beneath the vibrant cityscape of Sydney, is the first commercial indoor farm in Sydney, specilizing in microgreens and sprouts. This extraordinary vertical farm is home to a diverse array of 45-50 plant varieties, dedicated to supplying fresh produce primarily to local restaurants. 

From its inception, Urban Green Sydney has embraced sustainability as a guiding principle, meticulously addressing four critical aspects: energy consumption, growing medium, packaging practices, and delivery methods. Notably, this eco-conscious farm proudly shuns the use of plastic entirely, adopting innovative alternatives such as reusable pots. With an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, Urban Green Sydney has set an ambitious goal: to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by the year 2026.

Vertical farming is still in its early stages in Oceania, but its potential is undeniable. With the rapid urbanization of cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, and Adelaide, the need for sustainable food production close to urban centers is becoming increasingly critical. Vertical farming offers a solution by providing a means to grow fresh, locally sourced produce in a controlled environment, independent of traditional farming limitations. As these cities continue to attract more inhabitants, the demand for locally grown food will only increase. Vertical farming has the potential to meet this demand while ensuring food security and potentially reducing environmental impact. With advancements in technology and ongoing research, the future of vertical farming in Oceania looks promising, heralding a new era of agriculture and a closer connection between urban dwellers and their food sources.