Italian agritech pioneer Planet Farms is set to establish a major vertical farming operation in the UK, investing more than £25 million in a new state-of-the-art facility.
Spanning 20,000 square metres, the site is expected to begin construction later this year, with production slated to start in early 2027. The development forms part of a wider joint venture with Swiss Life Asset Managers, backed by an initial capital commitment of up to €200 million.
Planet Farms will contribute its proprietary indoor farming technology, while Swiss Life Asset Managers is providing up to €125 million in funding.
The UK facility will mirror Planet Farms’ flagship site in Cirimido, Italy, which currently supplies leafy greens to major European retailers. The company has also begun supplying produce to Waitrose stores in the UK from 30 April 2025.
Designed for year-round cultivation, Planet Farms’ vertical farming system operates within fully automated, climate-controlled environments.
The approach uses 95% less water and 93% less soil than traditional farming methods and eliminates the need for pesticides. It also delivers consistent, high-quality crops while addressing challenges such as climate unpredictability and supply chain instability.
Looking ahead, the joint venture intends to expand further with vertical farming sites planned across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with projects already underway in both the UK and Scandinavia. The move underscores the growing importance of vertical farming in addressing global food security and environmental pressures.
