Masdar City has partnered with Alesca Technologies, an agricultural technology company, to launch the city’s first indoor vertical farm. Housed in repurposed shipping containers near Masdar City’s Eco-Plaza, the farm features two full‐size commercial farming containers that will generate upwards of 650kg of leafy greens per month all year round for a farm‐to-fork experience.
The first container is fully operational, with plans to expand to the second in the coming year. The farm uses automated equipment and AI software to grow multiple varieties of leafy greens, lettuce, and herbs that are fresh, free of harmful chemicals, and ready to eat.
Sebastien Miller, Masdar City’s manager of the public realm, said: “We’re glad to be partnering with a company like Alesca, which is known as a test bed for the localization of food production and producing high-quality food, both of which play a role in addressing food security and related climate change challenges.”
“Using urban land for more than one purpose reduces cost, makes better use of limited space, and enhances urban resilience,” added Miller. “In the case of a vertical farm, the greenery can also contribute to improved air quality and reduced urban heat island effect.”
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