Nicolo' Simonato AgrotechThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) is showcasing its environmental leadership as it prepares to host COP28, spotlighting Bustanica, the world’s largest vertical farm. Developed by Emirates Crop One (ECO1), a collaboration between Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) and Croatia One, Bustanica represents a $40 million investment in cutting-edge infrastructure and technology. Situated near Dubai World Central- Al Maktoum International Airport, the farm employs hydraulic cultivation, reducing water usage by up to 95% compared to traditional farming methods. This controlled indoor environment ensures zero soil degradation and minimizes water and nutrient loss, promoting organic produce with superior flavor and quality. Bustanica’s locally grown greens, including microgreens and strawberries, are available year-round in major UAE supermarket chains. The farm exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, serving as a model for environmentally friendly initiatives and setting the stage for discussions on innovation and environmental stewardship at COP28.
UAE’s Environmental Spotlight: Bustanica Vertical Farm Shines Ahead of COP28 Summit
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is highlighting its progressive environmental efforts, with a focus on Bustanica, the largest vertical farm in the world, as it gets ready to host the COP28 summit. This agrarian marvel, which was unveiled last year, is a reflection of the nation’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is highlighting its progressive environmental efforts, with a focus on Bustanica, the largest vertical farm in the world, as it gets ready to host the COP28 summit. This agrarian marvel, which was unveiled last year, is a reflection of the nation’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices.
Sustainable Innovation: Bustanica Vertical Farm Revolutionizes Agriculture in UAE with Precision Farming Techniques
Bustanica, the brainchild of Emirates Crop One (ECO1), a partnership between Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) and Croatia One, has invested US $40 million in infrastructure and cutting-edge technology. The facility, which is effectively situated close to Dubai World Central- Al Maktoum International Airport, uses hydraulic cultivation to cut water use by up to 95 % when compared to conventional outdoor farming.
This ground-breaking strategy results in significant annual water savings of 250 million liters while even significantly reducing water production by 1,000MW. Concerns related to normal agriculture are addressed by the controlled indoor environment, which ensures zero soil degradation. Each crop receives a careful distribution of the nutrient-rich water, which reduces the possibility of nutrients leaching into the soil.
Through careful humidity control, risks of fungi and foodborne diseases are essentially eliminated, and the possibility of contamination is reduced by the minimal human contact with crops. Purified and filtered water goes through a specific blending process with nutrients that are unique to plants, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. The plant roots are then given access to this nutrient-rich solution, which promotes optimum nutritional development.
From Farm to Fork: Bustanica Vertical Farming Elevates UAE’s Sustainability Agenda Ahead of COP28
The greens that are harvested are organic, don’t need to be pre-washed, and can be eaten right out of the box. Precision farming ensures that each plant receives the appropriate combination of nutrients, and a controlled environment with closed-loop systems prevents nutrient loss.
Being geographically produced makes it easier for food to be transported quickly from farm to fork in the UAE. The locally grown greens also have improved crunchiness, superior flavor, and ultimately higher quality. The different harvest of Bustania can be enjoyed all year long, including beets, parsley, romaine, lettuce, spinach, and kale, as well as microgreens and strawberries. Bustanica’s products are available to UAE consumers in big supermarket chains both in-person and website.
Bustanica is a shining example of the UAE’s strategic approach to sustainability as it prepares to host COP28. The farm serves as a reminder of the UAE’s commitment to supporting environmentally friendly initiatives and paves the way for insightful discussions on innovation and environmental stewardship at the approaching summit.
