What Makes Asian Vertical Farms Different From Other Regions?

What characterises modern vertical farm facilities in East & South-East Asia? Are they expanding in other countries? Still researching new technologies?

Good morning readers (or good afternoon for those in different timezones), though being less publicized than American, European, or Middle-East vertical farming companies, Asian Vertical Farms are no less advanced and some even provide the same if not better output than their western counterparts.

With about 2 to 3 Billion people living in east and southeast Asia, it is considered one of the most populated areas on earth. Facing numerous challenges among which, an aging population, fewer farmers, effects of climate change, and the decrease of arable land, the countries in the region are seeking potential solutions to mitigate the risks and ensure a degree of food security for their population.

The pandemic and the recent spike in COVID cases in the region only came to further pressure the governments to find sustainable solutions to the current supply chain disruptions and as such, some have taken bold and swift actions to further promote FoodTech solutions. As a result, start-ups have emerged throughout the region notably in the vertical farming sector.

In recent weeks, vertical farming companies in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia have been on the news thanks to record-breaking funding rounds, new partnerships for regional and/or international expansion, the ability to grow crops using solely robotics, and IPO’s in regional financial hubs.

Today we take a look at the vertical farms in east and south-east Asia!