PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The competition for natural resources like water has been increasing all over the world, especially in areas with few resources, and high population density and growth rate. Agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of global water use, and for as much as 95% of water use in predominantly agriculture-based countries. Not only does the agriculture sector require a large amount of water, but it is also one of the most inefficient users of water. In addition, the introduction of large-scale agricultural systems led to an extensive use of chemical products that can be harmful to health. Pressures on natural resources can potentially be reduced by implementing innovative indoor vertical farm approaches.
OBJECTIVES
PLANET FARMS LIFE aimed to demonstrate to the agricultural sector that a significant reduction in the consumption of natural resources is possible by implementing industrial indoor vertical farm systems. PLANET FARMS LIFE tested, for the first time in the EU, an industrial vertical farm to produce vegetables and aromatic herbs with a net growing area of 10 000 m2. This comprised innovative air treatment, hydroponic irrigation and automated cultivation systems. To make farmers, retailers and consumers aware of the benefits of vertical farming, the project team demonstrated how environmental impacts can be reduced, while final food products can acquire improved organoleptic and safety properties (i.e. fully traceable local products, produced without pesticides). Moreover, the replicability of the system was verified in different geographical areas.
In this way, the project provided a contribution to the implementation of the following EU policies: Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), Addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts (COM(2007)414), Directive on Sustainable Use of Pesticides (2009/128/EC), Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC), and Directive 2008/105/EC on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy.
RESULTS
- Establishment of a fully automated vertical farm featuring innovative irrigation and air treatment systems in the growing rooms for agricultural products.
- Production of over 500 tons of healthy foods, including six salad mixes and two types of basil sauce (“pesto”) at the vertical farm situated in Cavenago di Brianza (Monza – Italy).
- Distribution of PLANET FARMS products across more than 500 stores within the major Italian supermarket chains.
- Conservation of approximately 148,000 m3 of water and around 21,000 kg of pesticides.
- Decrease in fertiliser usage by 95% due to a more efficient dosage system.
- Generation of 28 new jobs and an annual turnover of approximately €2,400,000 from the sale of PLANET FARMS products upon project completion.
