Fieldlab Vertical Farming 

In a vertical farm, fresh products are grown in a conditioned, closed environment without natural light. This production method has many advantages, such as reduced water usage, fully controllable production, and zero emissions. 

Vertical farming requires new insights and knowledge, especially regarding cultivation techniques and business models. A consortium of Dutch companies and organizations has joined forces to develop successful concepts for vertical farming. Together, they form the Fieldlab Vertical Farming. 

Results Phase 1

Results Phase 1
About
Vertical Farming

Vertical farming (also known as indoor farming) offers an innovative and sustainable solution for producing fresh vegetables, flowers, and plants, especially in densely populated urban areas. By utilizing precision technologies, labor requirements are reduced, resources like water, energy, and fertilizers are used efficiently, and a consistent product quality can be achieved.  

Since the production cell is fully enclosed, pest infestations are eliminated. Additionally, by stacking crops vertically in controlled environments, optimal use of limited space is ensured. This allows production to take place closer to consumers, reducing the need for long supply chains. 

 

In addition, vertical farms are also very suitable for the cultivation of starting material and offer many prospects worldwide. A combination of vertical farming and greenhouse horticulture also seems an interesting business model for many crops. 

A vertical farm creates a stable production environment, independent of weather conditions and seasonal fluctuations. As a result, vertical farming provides a reliable, continuous supply of high-quality products, making it an attractive solution for the future-proof production of fresh goods. 

From
The Netherlands

The Netherlands is globally recognized as a leader in vertical farming. Thanks to the combination of advanced technology, innovative research centers, and a well-developed ecosystem, the Netherlands plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of this sustainable cultivation method. Dutch companies and research institutes work closely together to develop efficient, eco-friendly solutions, making the country a key exporter of knowledge and technology. 

Research
vouchers

The Fieldlab Vertical Farming can co-finance your research into vertical farming. A special voucher scheme has been created for this purpose. These vouchers are available to SMEs in South Holland (or those closely connected to the province). The vouchers must be used with the partners of the Fieldlab Vertical Farming. 

  • Consulting: Up to €15,000 

  • Use of facilities at a location: Up to €15,000 with 50% co-financing 

  • Pilots: Up to €50,000 with 50% co-financing 

The voucher scheme has a maximum budget. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with decisions made within a few weeks by a small committee. For more information about the terms and application process, please contact df.broens@greenportwestholland.nl.

About
the Fieldlab Vertical Farming

In the Fieldlab Vertical Farming Dutch companies, research institutes, and educational institutions collaborate to develop a practical testing environment. Together, they aim to develop, test, and optimize innovative technologies and processes.  

The Fieldlab Vertical Farming was established as part of the Innovation Pact of Greenport West-Holland and works closely with the Indoor Farming Netherlands community. The Fieldlab Vertical Farming focuses on areas such as International Market Development, Education, Innovation, and Demonstration of new cultivation methods. A key component of the project is the development of a collaboration model. 

Participating locations in the Fieldlab include: 

  • Wageningen University & Research BU Greenhouse Horticulture, Bleiswijk and Wageningen Social Economic Research in The Hague 

  • Delphy Improvement Centre, Bleiswijk 

  • World Horti Center, Naaldwijk 

 

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Calender

Fieldlab Vertical Farming partners will be attending the following events:

 

Contact

Want to learn more about the Fieldlab Vertical Farming? Contact project leader Douwe-Frits Broens: df.broens@greenportwestholland.nl

 

Partners

The Fieldlab Vertical Farming is a collaboration between government, industry, and academia: Delphy, Greenport Horti Campus/Greenport West-Holland, Growy, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Logiqs, Own Greens, Signify, Vertify, and Wageningen University & Research. The Fieldlab Vertical Farming is supported by InnovationQuarter, the Province of South Holland, Kansen voor West, and the European Union. 

 

Supported by

The Fieldlab Vertical Farming is supported by InnovationQuarter, Provincie Zuid-Holland, Kansen voor West and the European Union.