Stacked Farm has secured funding and planning approval to build the largest indoor vertical farm in the world by output. Located at Melbourne Airport, the 10,000-square-metre, fully automated, climate-controlled facility will produce 3.4 million kilograms of fresh, high-quality herbs and leafy greens annually, eliminating the need for costly imports and guaranteeing consistent yields free from weather disruptions. Stacked Farm specializes in growing cos and mixed leaf lettuces, spinach, rocket, basil, coriander and parsley, among others.
The project marks the first large-scale indoor vertical farm in an airport precinct in the southern hemisphere, and only the second globally. The farm will be powered entirely by green energy, operate with a zero-waste water system, and use cutting-edge robotics to deliver fresh produce 365 days a year.
Fully automated from seed to bag via 25 pieces of proprietary robotics, the facility will require only 15 staff members to operate, comprising farm operators, horticulturists and technical maintenance engineers. Vertical farming is also quicker than traditional farming methods, with crops ready to harvest in just 16 to 31 days, compared to 45 to 80 days at a traditional farm.
Sam Canavan, Chief Operating Officer, Stacked Farm, said "Aussies want fresh, nutrient-packed food without the markup. They crave real flavor, fewer additives, and maximum nutrition, but rising costs make healthy eating feel out of reach. That's where we come in. Stacked Farm is quite literally growing the solution—top-tier produce at prices that make sense, fueling a healthier nation."
Jai McDermott, Melbourne Airport Chief of Ground Transport, Property & Retail: "We're thrilled to welcome Stacked Farm to Melbourne Airport. There's no other business like this at Melbourne Airport – or even in the country. The company is doing incredible work to revolutionize food production, creating high-quality products with low waste. We're proud to partner with them, especially given Melbourne is Australia's food capital."
For more information:
Stacked Farm
https://stackedfarm.com/