Expected to launch in the third quarter of 2020, Smart Acres will be the UAE’s latest addition to the hydroponic vertical farming industry, set to bring a green and efficient way of producing a new set of clean crops locally. Currently in the proof-of-concept stage, Smart Acres is located in Abu Dhabi on the Armed Forces Officers Club, with the aim to soon expand across the Emirate.
With the mission of improving food security within the United Arab Emirates and developing the country’s farming capabilities, Smart Acres will provide a solution to potential socioeconomic threats, such as pandemics, and climate limitations the Middle East currently endures. The vertical farming company developed by a team of experts, CEO Abdulla Al Kaabi, Director Sean Lee, and Lead Project Manager, Aphisith Phongsavanh, Smart Acres is set to be a one-of-a-kind agriculture system which will produce some of the highest yields of crops within the UAE vertical farming industry, whilst introducing a new future for producing clean foods and allowing for both B2B and B2C sectors to locally source produce.
In collaboration with n.thing, A South Korean vertical farming technology company, Smart Acres has been able to design farm modules using an award-winning IoT-based technology system to grow and monitor their produce, a system that not only consumes less resources but generates ultra-high quality crops.
With a vertical farming design that won their technology the CES 2020 Innovation Award, their IoT-based vertical farming method provides a solution to many common impediments within the agriculture industry such as water waste, depletion of nutrients in soil, infestation of insects, and more. The company is committed to generating an impressive grade-A set of crops through a unique growth process and strict in-house procedures. These include the elimination of any pesticides or toxic solutions on the products, mandatory anti-contamination air showers for personnel prior to entering to prevent unwanted pathogens, and providing the UAE with the cleanest, safest, and most nutritious foods boasting of the highest quality. Not only do the modules and technology produce high quality crops, but they are also able to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the region making it possible for year-round cultivation, harvesting crops 12-folds per year. The technology of the modules is also able to detect, track, and adjust the humidity and temperature of the environment in order to maintain the health and process of the crops.
Over the years, the UAE has seen a number of companies enter the vertical farming industry, however, through their proof-of-concept phase, Smart Acres has successfully dominated a system of cultivating and harvesting mature species of lettuce at industry-targeted weights. The company is in the midst of producing a variety of lettuce and herbs such as Green Glace, Oakleaf, Lollo Rosso, and Shiso, with plans to eventually grow baby spinach, mature spinach, and baby arugula. Smart Acres’ vision is to expand to meet the demand of popular produce in the region such as strawberries, with a shift and emphasis on cultivating potato seeds.
The future expansion plan of the company is the development of Smart Acres Institute of Food Security & Agriculture, which will be built on the existing family plot of land owned by their CEO, Abdulla al Kaabi.
Smart Acres’ vision is to shape a balanced well-being for communities and connect them with readily available clean foods. Through their technology and growth methods, Smart Acres will easily provide the UAE with ultra-high quality produce farmed sustainability.
