A $150 million high-tech farm at Melbourne Airport is set to transform the way Australians access fresh, affordable and locally grown greens – putting an end to supply chain disruptions, skyrocketing prices and food shortages.
Stacked Farm has secured funding and planning approval to build the largest indoor vertical farm in the world by output.
“Stacked Farm Melbourne isn’t just another AgTech project – it’s a game-changer. Our cutting-edge design and proprietary technology are redefining farming efficiency and setting a new global benchmark. This is the future of fresh food, built by a world-class team,” Sam Canavan, chief operating officer, Stacked Farm said.
Located at Melbourne Airport, the 10,000-square-metre, fully automated, climate-controlled facility will produce 3.4 million kilograms of fresh, high-quality herbs and leafy greens annually, eliminating the need for costly imports and guaranteeing consistent yields free from weather disruptions.
Stacked Farm specialises in growing cos and mixed leaf lettuces, spinach, rocket, basil, coriander and parsley, among others.
The project marks the first large-scale indoor vertical farm in an airport precinct in the southern hemisphere, and only the second globally.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Stacked Farm to Melbourne Airport. There’s no other business like this at Melbourne Airport – or even in the country. The company is doing incredible work to revolutionise food production, creating high-quality products with low waste. We’re proud to partner with them, especially given Melbourne is Australia’s food capital,” Jai McDermott, Melbourne Airport chief of ground transport, property & retail said.
The farm will be powered entirely by green energy, operate with a zero-waste water system, and use cutting-edge robotics to deliver fresh produce 365 days a year.
Funding is via a combination of debt and equity, including backing from leading US-based alternative assets manager Magnetar Capital.
Melbourne Airport will construct a dedicated building for Stacked Farm as part of the new 150,000 sqm Tullamarine land precinct. CBRE was the agency responsible for negotiating the lease agreement.