An WA company has secured a $200,000 grant that will allow for the research, development and commercialisation of an Australian-first vertical farming system.
Eden Towers Pty. Ltd. is currently finalising the design and development of a four-tower industrial scale, solar powered indoor farm. Once completed, the farm will be established at the Western Australian Food Innovation Precinct in Nambeelup in the Shire of Murray, which is supported by $21.75 million from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
The Enterpise Support Program grant will help Eden Towers address the emerging food security and quality crisis in the form of sustainable post-organic vertical farming.
Christian Prokscha, co-founder of Eden Towers, said the research and development program, in combination with the Precinct, has positioned the team well to work with Future Food Systems CRC and Murdoch University when the facilities open. This is expected to occur by the middle of the year.
“We will collaborate to realise the possibilities for indigenous and nursery crops,” he said.
“The diverse mix of specialty skillsets will commercialise a first of its kind in Australia and globally on an efficiency per square metre scale, which in our system sees a 40m2 growth tower producing an equivalent yield to 6000m2 plus in a traditional field.”
Once the farm is fully operational – around mid-2023 – it will generate 120 tonnes of produce annually. The produce will include lettuce, kale, spinach, microgreens, edible flowers and herbs.
“Like all our farms, the Perth facility will target carbon neutrality by running on near 100% renewable energy and recycling all inputs.
Our vision is to promote a sustainable future through superior agriculture technology, sustainable energy and water systems, and smart use of land and location.
Christian Prokscha, Eden Towers co-founder
“With this technology and science we are also looking to work with farmers and industry to support a growing agtech sector in WA and Australia.”
The first recipient
Dean Unsworth, Shire of Murray’s Chief Executive Officer, said he was proud to announce Eden Towers as the first grant recipient of the Enterprise Support Program.
“In partnering with businesses that are innovating and challenging traditional agricultural practices, we are transforming and growing the state’s agri-food sector,” Mr. Unsworth said.
The grant program welcomes applications all year round, targeting agribusinesses that wish to seek business development and innovation opportunities.
