Food processor collaborates with vertical farm on R&D in berries

Agrana Fruit Australia Pty Ltd has signed an agreement to work with Stacked Farm to center around the growing and harvesting of a range of fruits and inputs for key extracts within their fully automated indoor farming facility.

Research and development trials are set to focus on strawberries and blueberries from the groups' headquarters, sitting alongside their AI-driven vertical farm on the Gold Coast in Queensland. The trials mark the first step of the discovery phase to explore the yield and variety potential within a closed-loop environment, with a view to Stacked Farm to support Agrana's supply chain needs initially in Australia.

Stacked Farm's CEO, Conrad Smith, commented, "This partnership with Agrana is important for the group as it will not only fast track, but expand the opportunities for Stacked Farm to support international clients, but also show how this type of production of fruits and the like can play a role in delivering a range of benefits for customers right throughout the value chain.

Michael Frey, Board Member Agrana Fruit, "We are excited to explore how Stacked Farm's technology can support Agrana and our clients with the potential to deliver consistently high quality, safe localized fresh inputs for our business. The opportunity to be a first-to-market mover in this innovative space aligns with our business direction and supports our strategic commitment to our customers.