Background

Urban Farming Partners Singapore (UFPSG) has unveiled its first operational indoor vertical farm, GroGrace, located in Penjuru, Jurong. Officially opened on August 3 by Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, the 650 sqm facility represents a significant milestone in advancing Singapore’s urban farming initiatives. Esteemed guests included H.E. Margriet Vonno, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Singapore, and Mr. Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam, underscoring the international collaboration behind this project.

Challenges

• Reducing Singapore’s reliance on imported produce to improve food security.
• Addressing limited space for traditional farming in an urbanized nation.
• Implementing sustainable farming technologies to enhance production efficiency.

Solutions Implemented

2023: Launch of GroGrace Vertical Farm

• Introduced a multi-layer dry hydroponics system for efficient vertical farming.
• Designed a growing space with an aspect ratio exceeding 40%, improving air circulation and climate uniformity while allowing for taller crops like leeks.
• Established four growing floors, with three dedicated to leafy greens and herbs, and one for R&D to expand crop varieties.

Public-Private Partnership for Innovation

• Collaborated with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and private partners, including Priva, Orange Climate, Signify, and KE GrowAir.
• Integrated patented Dutch horticultural technologies to ensure sustainability and scalability.
• Partnered with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to secure funding and align with national food security goals.

Results Achieved

• Increased Local Production: Expected annual yield of 33 tonnes of leafy greens and herbs.
• Strengthened Food Security: Reduced dependence on imported produce through localized production.
• Sustainability: Utilized cutting-edge Dutch horticultural technologies for resource-efficient farming.

Impact and Vision

GroGrace is more than just a farm—it is a hub for innovation, training, and research. By integrating proven urban farming technologies, UFPSG is paving the way for scalable solutions to food security in highly urbanized regions. The facility’s role as a training center will enable future upscaled farms, fostering food resilience and sustainability in cities worldwide.

Continuous Improvement

• UFPSG continues to explore new technologies and crops to expand urban farming capabilities.
• Focus on knowledge exchange and collaboration with Dutch and Singaporean partners to advance global food security initiatives.
• Commitment to creating sustainable farming models that are adaptable to urban environments.

GroGrace demonstrates how international collaboration and innovative technology can address critical challenges like food security, sustainability, and urbanization, establishing a strong foundation for the future of urban farming in Singapore and beyond.