Vertical farming company Stacked Farm is partnering with global fresh produce processor Agrana Fruit Australia to trial growing berries in its fully automated indoor farming facility.
R&D trials will focus on strawberries and blueberries to explore the yield and variety potential within a closed loop environment.
The goal is for Stacked Farm to support Agrana’s supply chain needs, initially in Australia.
Agrana primarily supplies dairy, non-dairy, ice cream, and food services with fruit preparations, mainly from apples, berries, and tropical fruits. Its products are used in yoghurts, desserts, ice creams, bakery products, and beverages. The company also produces fruit juice concentrates and customised fruit preparations for industrial customers.
Stacked Farm CEO, Conrad Smith, said: “This partnership with Agrana is important for the group as it will not only fast track, but expand the opportunities for Stacked Farm to support international clients, but also show how this type of production of fruits and the like can play a role in delivering a range of benefits for customers right throughout the value chain.”
Agrana Fruit board member Michael Fray said the company was excited to see how Stacked’s technology could deliver consistently high quality, safe localised fresh inputs.
“The opportunity to be a first to market mover in this innovative space aligns to our business direction and supports our strategic commitment to our customers,” Fray said.
Since 2017, Stacked has been developing its indoor vertical farming technology to optimise taste, nutrition, and price point as well as outperforming traditional farming produce.
Smith said its proprietary technology was developed in-house and leads the industry in output per square metre. It also removes all human intervention and decision-making.
“End-to-end automation is key to delivering the highest output and achieving commercial scalability. This ensures optimal growing conditions are always maintained without risk of contamination.
“Our proprietary lighting technology delivers 46 per cent more efficiency than industry standards, contributing to lower running costs and enhanced growing capabilities,” Smith said.
