Infinite Acres, a subsidiary of the American 80 Acres Farms, has opened a new vertical farming research and development center in The Hague. This facility aims to accelerate innovation in vertical farming through collaboration with industry leaders like Siemens and universities such as the Delft University of Technology and Wageningen University. The center will leverage Dutch horticultural technology and American manufacturing to pioneer sustainable solutions in food production.
Tisha Livingston, CEO of Infinite Acres and co-founder of 80 Acres Farms, underscores the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. “Without collaboration, there is no innovation. By working with our partners in our research center, we close the feedback loop and accelerate the learning process,” she explains. Dirk De Bilde, CEO of Siemens Nederland, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the critical role of digitalization and advanced technologies such as AI in scaling sustainability impacts in food production.
A hub for industrial innovation
The research center in The Hague is designed to be a hub for industrial innovation and sustainable solutions. Partner companies such as Siemens, Signify, SICK, and TTA are integral to this mission, providing cutting-edge technology and expertise. The collaboration with universities further strengthens the center’s ability to drive forward-thinking research and development in vertical farming.
The goal is to produce pesticide-free produce and use resources more efficiently, such as 95% less water compared to traditional farming methods. The farms operated by 80 Acres Farms, which is renowned for its pesticide-free harvests, serve as a testament to the potential of these innovations.
Building a sustainable future
Infinite Acres’ commitment to sustainability is evident in its operational practices. The company’s farms use 100% green energy, drastically reducing their environmental footprint. This focus on sustainability is crucial in addressing global challenges such as population growth and climate change. Infinite Acres aims to create a more resilient and sustainable global food supply by enhancing food safety and reducing waste.