GigaFarms

Vertical farming on another scale

Maximise resource efficiency. Grow more than a billion plants a year.

What is a GigaFarm?

Sustainable, profitable solutions to global challenges

At IGS, we define a GigaFarm as a system capable of growing over one billion plants annually. This is more than just a large-scale vertical farm – it's a way of integrating vertical farming into a circular, waste-to-value ecosystem, designed to decarbonise the supply chain and maximise resource efficiency.

This model delivers real, measurable impact, addressing climate change, soil degradation, extreme weather, and supply chain disruption worldwide.

Read the initial announcement on our first GigaFarm in partnership with Dubai-based company ReFarm.

Why grow in a GigaFarm?

Bolstering food security

Around 80% of the world's population relies on imported food, and with food demand projected to rise from current levels by as much as 68% by 2050, controlled environment growing is an essential part of sustainably feeding generations to come.
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GigaFarms enable localised food production, reducing dependency on imports. This
is particularly crucial in countries such as the UAE, where more than 80% of food is imported.

Climate conditions in the UAE are also favourable to the GigaFarm model – the region sees average rainfall of just 140-200ml each year, whilst 90% of the country’s land mass has the capability to produce solar energy.

ReFarm: commercial-scale growing in the desert

How IGS’ technology works as part of ReFarm in Dubai's Food Tech Valley

Our vertical farming technology is a core component of ReFarm’s approach. It demonstrates how forward-thinking solutions can combine to sustainably – and profitably – grow food in arid conditions.

Closed-loop ecosystem

Six complementary technologies working together to maximise resource efficiency and prevent waste going to landfill

Reduced import reliance

Capable of producing 3 million kilos of produce each year, equivalent to 1% of the UAE’s fresh produce imports

Circular waste-to-value production

50,000 tonnes of food waste diverted from landfill each year to decarbonise food production

Local year-round growing

Crops grown close to the consumer to maximise quality, nutrition and shelf-life

Interested in learning more about our systems?

Our team of experts are ready and waiting to talk with you. We'd love to hear from you.