The ‘world’s biggest’ vertical farm has been established in the UK for Fischer Farms by food and drink construction specialists Clegg Food projects.
The 25,000m2 climate-controlled facility located in Norfolk, UK uses an energy-efficient, LED-based lighting system to produce “high quality” crops on the land.
The land yields 250 times more leafy greens than conventional farming.
Clegg Food Projects was appointed as the principal contractor, responsible for the £25 million project and overseeing the design and build as well as the building services.
Clegg Food Projects which is part of the Clegg Group has more than 40 years’ experience in the food and drink sector.
The team also oversaw the process suppliers, requiring project management and an open forum approach as the installation took place during construction.
Headquartered in Nottingham, the firm works nationally and internationally with household brands to design and build manufacturing facilities.
Constructing a vertical farm
The business development manager at Clegg Food Projects, Oliver Jenkins said:
“Vertical farming is transforming the agriculture industry, and this facility proves it is a viable solution for supplying fresh produce in a controlled growing environment all year round.
“This has been a fantastic project to be involved with on many levels. As with any technology-focused facility, the team needed to be flexible and where possible adjust the design and construction works to meet the needs of the specialist process equipment.”
The company also undertook ample building services and in order to supply the complex growing and harvesting systems, they utilised installation.
“We have therefore developed a great working relationship with Fischer Farms and delivering this progressive facility,” Jenkins added.
CEO of Fischer Farms,Tristan Fischer said: “After months of hard work by the team, it’s fantastic to see our new farm in production.”
Accorrding to Fischer, the completion of the facility is to the “highest spec” and is at the cutting edge of vertical farming technology “enabling us to provide customers with the very best, sustainably grown fresh produce”.
