Singapore Unveils the World’s Tallest Indoor Vertical Farm
Singapore has unveiled a landmark in urban agriculture with Greenphyto, the world’s tallest indoor vertical farm. Rising approximately 23 meters above the ground, the facility marks a bold step in how cities grow fresh produce without expanding land use. The project, which cost around $80 million, is located in the Jurong West industrial area, a hub that now houses a shrine to cutting-edge farming technology and sustainable city living.
A Vision Built Over 14 Years
Greenphyto is the culmination of a 14-year vision to redefine where and how crops can be cultivated. The project integrates advanced hydroponics, automated climate control, and digitized monitoring to maximize yields while minimizing water and energy use. This long-term ambition reflects Singapore’s broader strategy to boost food security amid limited arable land and a growing population.
How It Works: Technology at the Core
The farm uses stacked racks that stretch tall within a controlled interior, with leafy greens and other crops grown in nutrient-rich solutions rather than soil. Specialized lighting, humidity control, and precision irrigation systems create optimal conditions for every phase of plant growth. The vertical arrangement allows for a much larger production area within a compact footprint, enabling year-round harvests regardless of weather or seasons.
Energy and Water Efficiency
Greenphyto emphasizes sustainability through closed-loop water systems and energy-efficient LEDs. The farm’s design prioritizes heat recovery and reduced carbon emissions, aligning with Singapore’s climate goals and its push toward greener urban landscapes. These measures help ensure a stable supply of fresh produce for local markets while lowering the farm’s environmental footprint.
Food Security and Local Supply
As a relatively compact solution to food production, the vertical farm supports Singapore’s national food security agenda. By growing greens close to urban centers, retailers can shorten supply chains and reduce transportation-related emissions. The project also creates skilled, knowledge-intensive jobs in horticulture technology, data analytics, and systems maintenance.
Economic and Social Impacts
With an $80 million price tag, Greenphyto signals a significant investment in the future of urban agriculture. Besides contributing to the local economy, the farm serves as a demonstration site for researchers, students, and industry partners exploring scalable, climate-resilient farming models. The facility’s visibility also encourages collaboration between startups and established agricultural companies seeking to replicate or adapt the Taipei-to-Singapore model in other densely populated regions.
What This Means for Singapore and Similar Cities
The emergence of high-rise, high-tech farms in Singapore offers a blueprint for other cities confronting land scarcity and rising temperatures. By leveraging vertical space, precision farming, and smart logistics, urban centers can achieve more resilient food systems without sacrificing space for housing and industry. Greenphyto’s success could spark wider adoption of indoor vertical farming in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As Greenphyto opens its doors, stakeholders anticipate ongoing refinements in automation, crop varieties, and energy management. The farm is expected to expand its crop portfolio and explore partnerships that bring fresh, local produce to market faster. For residents, the project represents a tangible step toward a more self-sufficient, sustainable urban environment where technology and agriculture work hand in hand.
