SWITZERLAND: Vertical Farming Exclusively For Migros Basel - First Products Available In MParc Dreispitz

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Jul 21

After several months of construction, the Vertical Farm on the Wolf site is ready for production. Here, Growcer produces regional foods in a weather-independent, environmentally friendly, and water-saving manner exclusively for Migros Basel, delivering them quickly to the branch thanks to the shortest transport routes. The first six Vertical Farm products will be available from 16 June at the MParc Dreispitz.

Create a cultivated area of more than 1.500m2 on an area of less than 400m2?
This is possible thanks to vertical farming. Last autumn, Growcer, and the Migros Basel cooperative launched a collaboration with the aim of building Switzerland's first "Robotic Vertical Farm" on the Wolf site in Basel. The motivation was not only to build the farm of the future but above all to establish a regional, sustainable, and environmentally friendly concept that would bravely face the challenges of the coming decades.

View into the vertical farming plant in Basel / Picture: Growcer AG

After only six months, the three halls have now been completed and the first products are ready for harvesting. From 16 June, the "Vertical Leaves" product range, consisting of pak choi, wasabi rocket, spring cabbage, chard, and red and green lettuce, will be available exclusively at the MParc Dreispitz. These are primarily products that have not yet been available regionally in this form from Migros Basel and thus complement the range of existing regional producers. The fresh leafy vegetables can be used in the cold kitchen as a salad or salad ingredient, but also in the hot kitchen for wok dishes or as the icing on the cake for other hot dishes. At a later date, it is planned to produce other products all year round and to supply other branches.

Weather-independent and resource-efficient
The plants are grown on the farm from seed to harvest and packaging. Light, temperature, humidity and nutrients are carefully measured and adapted to the requirements of the respective variety. In harmony with modern technology and always up-to-date information, the growers' staff can thus respond to the needs of each individual plant. This special care can almost completely prevent crop failures.

According to recent studies, urban vertical farming uses 90% less water and requires practically no harmful pesticides. In addition, scarce space can be used more efficiently and the proximity to conurbations keeps transport routes, and thus the resulting environmental pollution low. This innovative and future-oriented form of cultivation meets the customers' desire for more regionality, sustainability, and resource efficiency. Those interested in learning more about the products, the cultivation, or the advantages of vertical farming in Basel will soon be able to form their own opinion as farm tours with tastings will soon be offered on the Wolf-site.