There has been no relaunch for Future Crops. The Poeldijk-based vertical farm went bankrupt in January. After that, things remained quiet, although a relaunch was explored. It ultimately did not happen, as is evident from the online auction of equipment in April. Among others, cultivation systems, a sowing line, and growing systems went under the hammer. A second bankruptcy report confirms what was gradually becoming clear.
The trustee still does not comment on the cause of the bankruptcy in the second report published on May 26. However, the report on the online auction did write that 'the sharply increased energy costs make it difficult for vertical farms to compete with regular farms in the European Union and the United States.' The same message also says: 'It is unknown whether the high energy costs or the level of investment are at the root of Future Crops' bankruptcy.' That is still the case.
Meanwhile, 31 unsecured creditors have come forward, amounting to over 148 thousand euros. The tax authorities are still asking for 70 thousand euros.
The trustee initially bet on 'an integral (asset) transaction.' That is a form of takeover, where all the company's assets are taken over selectively and individually and not - unlike in a share transaction - all at once.
When that proved impossible (there is no reason in the report), the online auction followed. Days after the bankruptcy, the share of the stock that was fit for consumption was delivered. The rest of the intended end product was destroyed.