The Only Way Is Up: Clegg Food Projects constructing ‘World’s Biggest’ Vertical Farm
The creation of the ‘world’s biggest’ vertical farm will be overseen by leading specialist food and beverage contractor, Clegg Food Projects for Fischer Farms.
Works are now well underway, with Clegg Food Projects appointed this summer as principal contractor, overseeing the development of a 25,000 sq m growing space, that will complement Fischer Farms’ existing vertical farm operation in Lichfield, Staffordshire.
The new £25m facility is in Norfolk and aims to be the largest site in the world when it opens in next year.
Oliver Jenkins, business development manager at Clegg Food Projects, said:
“We are delighted to be involved in such an ambitious and forward-thinking venture with Fischer Farms.
Vertical farming has long been a solution for supplying fresh produce in a controlled growing environment all year round. There are many benefits including better crop yields, less water usage and reduced food miles and that generally they can be built in most places including inner city locations.
This is quite literally a ‘growing sector’ and I’m sure we will see more of these farms being built all over the country.”
Tristan Fischer, CEO of Fischer Farms and green energy expert commented on the project:
“Vertical farming enables us to be much more productive using less space. We can grow the same amount of food in our 4 acre building that would usually take 1,000 acres of conventional British farmland. We will do it without using pesticides, herbicides or insecticides.
Clegg Food Projects is playing a major role in delivering this revolutionary farming project. Once complete we will supply six-and-a-half tonnes of leafy salad, herbs and other fresh produce to the UK market every day.”
With the eventual growing capacity able to reach 75,000 sq m at the new site, the sky really is the limit for Fischer Farms. Oliver added:
“These factories, which that were once a thing of science fiction, are now becoming a reality- except the only rocket you will find here is the salad. Having supported the food industry through its innovations over the last 40 years, we are so pleased to be a part of this project, paving the way for the food manufacturing industry and shining a light on the potential for sustainable food production.”
For further information visit www.cleggfoodprojects.co.uk or follow @CleggFoodP on Twitter.
