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Frequently Asked Questions about Vertical Farming Business
We get a lot of questions from clients on how vertical farming with iFarm works. Here is a breakdown of the most popular ones.
The most successful vertical farm require these building features:
Get the full requirements list from iFarm manager - fill out the form.
- Finished concrete floors
- Floor load capacity over 500 kg per sq.m
- Working ceiling height over 7.5 m
- Reasonable distance from harmful industries; sanitary protection zone no less than 100m
- Central sewage system or septic tank with capacity over 6.5 cu.m per day
- Central cold water
- Easy driving access. Entry at any time without restrictions and limitations
- Surrounding area and facilities: driveways, parking lots
Get the full requirements list from iFarm manager - fill out the form.
A vertical farm integrates a wide range of equipment: automation, shelving, nutrition and solution mixing, climate control, etc. Part of our equipment is purchased from leading companies in the industry, while specific solutions are developed in-house and custom manufactured to order. The latter category includes phyto-lighting, racks, trays, fertigation units, and other elements. Learn more about iFarm vertical farming equipment from our blog article.
Yes, it can. Consumer demand generally changes from season to season. I farm technologies allow you to quickly change the assortment of salads and herbs while using the same equipment. Growth recipes for each plant are available in our iFarm Growtune software platform. Explore the assortment for iFarm Leafy Greens technology.
iFarm’s in-house team of experts includes agronomists, argrochemists, plant defense specialists, automation engineers, and many others. Their work goes into perfecting iFarm’s Growtune management system and made available to our clients. The software contains a unique library of growth recipes for salads and herbs, as well as tools for controlling the full suite of equipment. We offer training for staff and walk-throughs for the initial launch of the farm, along with constant online support thereafter.
The main staff position for the vertical farm is an agricultural technician responsible for planting, moving plants from Zone to Zone, along with cutting and packaging the Harvest. Step by step instructions are provided daily by Growtune software. A large farm of 2,000 sq.m or more would also need the following staff:
On our blog we break down how many working hours it takes to operate vertical farms.
The main staff position for the vertical farm is an agricultural technician responsible for planting, moving plants from Zone to Zone, along with cutting and packaging the Harvest. Step by step instructions are provided daily by Growtune software. A large farm of 2,000 sq.m or more would also need the following staff:
- Farm manager
- Operator
- Senior ag technician
- Ag technician (sowing and growing)
- Accountant
- Cleaner
- Technical support worker
- Packer
On our blog we break down how many working hours it takes to operate vertical farms.
iFarm’s software package provides a full set of “growth” recipes. At the core of these systems are the seeds, fertilizers, and substrates that have been tested and vetted at iFarm’s laboratories.
We choose only those producers whose products show the best results in the growing conditions of a vertical farm. For example, far from all crop varieties are adapted for growing under artificial light. One of the key criteria for our selection of seeds: harvest weight. We use economies of scale to bring you expendable materials at the best prices. Customers who purchase iFarm farms usually get monthly shipments or create a small stockpile. This ends up being cheaper than dealing with manufacturers directly.
Fill out the form to learn more about iFarm full-support services.
We choose only those producers whose products show the best results in the growing conditions of a vertical farm. For example, far from all crop varieties are adapted for growing under artificial light. One of the key criteria for our selection of seeds: harvest weight. We use economies of scale to bring you expendable materials at the best prices. Customers who purchase iFarm farms usually get monthly shipments or create a small stockpile. This ends up being cheaper than dealing with manufacturers directly.
Fill out the form to learn more about iFarm full-support services.
A hydroponic vertical farm is a high-tech commercial production facility that combines several major systems and many individual components. At its base is a multi-level rack system on which pots with plants are placed; a system for preparing nutrient solution; a system for automating farm management; and others. A detailed description of what goes into a vertical farm can be found in the Our Technologies section on our website, or in the blog post “How does vertical farming work”.
Produce grown on a vertical farm can receive an Organic label depending on the region in question and the regulatory framework therein.
For example, the Organic standard in Saudi Arabia requires non-GMO seeds grown without pesticides. This matches up with iFarm technologies. In the USA, the Organic label requires growing food based on natural seasonal cycles.
Indoor farms, however, allow you to grow year-round even in places where it’s impossible to grow in the standard ways due to an absence of fertile soil.
Consult with iFarm experts to explore labeling opportunities in your region.
For example, the Organic standard in Saudi Arabia requires non-GMO seeds grown without pesticides. This matches up with iFarm technologies. In the USA, the Organic label requires growing food based on natural seasonal cycles.
Indoor farms, however, allow you to grow year-round even in places where it’s impossible to grow in the standard ways due to an absence of fertile soil.
Consult with iFarm experts to explore labeling opportunities in your region.
For most greens, herbs, microgreens, berries and veggies we have developed a suite of “growth recipes” that walk you step by step through the process for cost-effective. These include the most popular varieties as well as exotic ones. Since consumers prefer to have a seasonality in their food, and tastes differ from region to region, we offer our clients assistance in selecting the right mix. Contact us to get information on the market in your region.
The general timeframe for designing and building a vertical farm with iFarm technologies is about half a year. Creating a concept design takes 30 days, and the blueprints take another 30 days to complete. The price of the services depends on the size of the farm. We budget 60 days for delivery of equipment. After that, installation and debugging/launch takes place, which takes about a month. Learn more in our blog post about how to start a vertical farm.
The first stage is finding a location. We create market research reports for our clients, helping them find the optimal place to locate their farm. The data we gather at this stage is then used to help generate the financial model of the future farm business.
The second stage is concept design and drafting. We have specialists ready to help you with these steps.
The third stage is installation, debugging, and final launch of the farm systems.
Once the farm is running at full capacity, our specialists are still there to provide full-service support. Send us a message if you have any questions about launching a vertical farm!
The second stage is concept design and drafting. We have specialists ready to help you with these steps.
The third stage is installation, debugging, and final launch of the farm systems.
Once the farm is running at full capacity, our specialists are still there to provide full-service support. Send us a message if you have any questions about launching a vertical farm!
Do you want to start a vertical farming business?
Get a consultation by contacting the iFarm team!
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