"Our most challenging project to date is well underway in Riyadh," shares Jesper Hansen, Chief Commercial Officer at YesHealth Group, a Taiwanese vertical farming developer and operator.
"We are excited to announce that we have reached a significant milestone with our partners. The vertical farm in Riyadh will soon be ready to open its doors, and we couldn't be more proud. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new venture," shares Dana Enany, General manager at Mowreq, the partner of the join venture.
The farming facility comprises 3600m2 with a farming area of 2600m2. However, since it's a vertical farm, the total growing area will comprise 20,000m2 with a maximal annual output of 800 tons of full-size lettuce. Yet the planned annual output is 550 tons of assorted produce. All produce will be distributed around the Riyadh area.
"You can not simply repurpose any old building as a commercial indoor vertical farm; the design of the building has a significant effect on the efficiency of the VF system inside it. That's why, for only the second time in my career, we are constructing a warehouse from the ground up to house our vertical farm," he elaborates.
Given the farm is based in Riyadh Jasper highlights that it adds a layer of complexity due to the need for collaboration across multiple stakeholders with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. However, despite these 'challenges', the project is progressing rather well. "The building structure has already been completed by our partners Mowreq. Now, YesHealth Group will begin installing all the vertical farming equipment from next week."
Besides the production element of the farm, the facility will be housing an exhibition element as well, allowing hundreds of visitors per day will be able to visit the farm to learn about indoor farming and Saudi Vision 2030.
YesHealth Group
Jesper Hansen, CCO
www.yeshealthgroup.com