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Skies the limit for vertical farm company

A Western Australian company is progressing global advances in vertical farming technology, to address the emerging food security and quality crisis with environmental sustainability at the core of its approach.

Eden Towers Pty. Ltd. is currently finalising the design and development of a four-tower industrial scale, solar powered indoor farm, which will be established at the Shire of Murray’s Western Australian Food Innovation Precinct in Nambeelup.

Research and development and commercialisation efforts for the Australian first farming system, have been enabled by a $200,000 grant secured through the Precinct’s Enterprise Support Program.

According to Christian Prokscha, co-founder of Eden Towers, the grant recognised the bright future for sustainable post-organic vertical farming in Australia.

“Our research and development program in combination with the Precinct, has positioned us well to work with collaborators Future Food Systems CRC and Murdoch University when the facility opens mid-2022,” said Prokscha.

“We will collaborate to realise the possibilities for indigenous and nursery crops.

“The diverse mix of specialty skillsets will commercialise a first of its kind in Australia and globally on an efficiency per square metre scale, which in our system sees a 40m2 growth tower producing an equivalent yield to 6000m2 plus in a traditional field.”

The farm is expected to be fully operational by the middle of 2023.

“When our farm is fully operational it will generate 120 tonnes of produce per annum, including lettuce, spinach, kale, microgreens, edible flowers and herbs,” said Prokscha.

“Like all our farms, the Perth facility will target carbon neutrality by running on near 100 per cent renewable energy and recycling all inputs. Our vision is to promote a sustainable future through superior agriculture technology, sustainable energy and water systems, and smart use of land and location.

“With this technology and science we are also looking to work with farmers and industry to support a growing agtech sector in WA and Australia.”

Shire of Murray chief executive officer Dean Unsworth was proud to announce the first recipient of an Enterprise Support Program grant.

“In partnering with businesses that are innovating and challenging traditional agricultural practices, we are transforming and growing the state’s agri-food sector,” said Unsworth.

The Enterprises Support Program welcomes application all year round and is available to support agri-businesses seeking to pursue business development and innovation opportunities.

The competitive grant program, a partnership between the Shire of Murray, DevelopmentWA and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, offers up to $200K, in a minimum dollar for dollar co-funding.

The Western Australian Food Innovation Precinct is supported by $21.75M from the Australian Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

For further information, contact Precinct General Manager Dr. Chris Vas on 0410 327 609 or at wafip@murray.wa.gov.au.

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