Singapore Opens Asia's First Commercial Vertical Farm Tower
Singapore's VertiVegies launches a 12-story vertical farm producing 500 tons of greens annually, using 95% less water than conventional farming.
Singapore Opens Asia's First Commercial Vertical Farm Tower
Singapore-based VertiVegies launched Asia's first purpose-built commercial vertical farming tower on November 21, 2025. The 12-story facility in Lim Chu Kang produces 500 tons of leafy greens annually on just 0.2 hectares of land, using 95% less water and zero pesticides compared to conventional farming.
The $65 million facility represents Singapore's most ambitious step toward its "30 by 30" goal of producing 30% of nutritional needs locally by 2030.
Technology Stack
The tower uses a proprietary hybrid system combining aeroponics for leafy greens and nutrient film technique for herbs. LED lighting tuned to specific photosynthetic wavelengths operates on 18/6-hour cycles, powered entirely by rooftop solar panels and a grid connection supplied by renewable energy certificates.
AI-controlled climate management maintains optimal temperature (22°C), humidity (65%), and CO2 levels (1,200 ppm) on each floor. Sensors collect 15,000 data points per hour to optimize growing conditions.
Production Economics
Current production costs are $2.80 per kilogram for lettuce varieties, compared to $1.50 for imported Malaysian produce. VertiVegies CEO Rachel Tan acknowledged the price gap but pointed to declining costs. "We project cost parity with imports within three years as automation improves and energy costs fall," she said.
The Singapore Food Agency has provided $12 million in grants and guaranteed procurement contracts with hospitals and military camps to support the facility's ramp-up phase.
Food Security Context
Singapore imports over 90% of its food supply, a vulnerability exposed during COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. The city-state has allocated $347 million to agri-food research and development since 2020, supporting over 30 indoor farming ventures.
Competitors SkyGreens and Sustenir Agriculture operate smaller facilities but are planning expansions. The vertical farming sector in Singapore now employs approximately 800 people.
Export Potential
VertiVegies has signed a technology licensing agreement with Saudi Arabia's NEOM project and is in discussions with urban developers in Hong Kong and Tokyo. The modular tower design can be adapted for buildings between 8 and 20 stories.
Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority is developing certification standards for vertical farm produce that could become a regional benchmark across ASEAN markets.