Ahmed bin Saeed: "Bostanak" supports efforts to enhance self-sufficiency rates
Emirates Flight Catering opens the world's largest vertical farm in Dubai
"Bostanek" will produce more than one million kilograms of products free of pesticides and chemicals.
From the source
Emirates Flight Catering, one of the largest aircraft catering providers in the world, with its operations serving more than 100 tankers, announced the opening of the largest vertical farm based on hydroponics in the world, the “Bustanak” farm, which was established in Dubai with an investment of $40 million. .
Self-sufficiency
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airlines and the Group, said: “Enjoying high levels of food security and achieving long-term self-sufficiency are vital factors for sustainable economic growth, and for this they enjoy It is a priority in the UAE, where the challenges associated with the scarcity of arable land and the harsh climate are addressed through innovative solutions and integrated strategies to further enhance food security.”
His Highness stressed that "Bostanek" supports efforts to enhance self-sufficiency rates, and that its launch heralds the entry of a new era of investment in innovation in the agricultural sector, in line with the strategies pursued by the state to enhance food and water security.
His Highness added: “(Emirates Flight Catering) continuously invests in the latest technologies to delight travelers, maximize our operations, and reduce the environmental impact of our activities, as the (Bostanak) farm will contribute to securing our supply and supply chains, and ensuring our passengers’ ability to enjoy high food products. Quality sourced locally.
By bringing production closer to the point of consumption, we reduce the journey food travels from farm to table.”
His Highness congratulated the "Bostanek" team for its remarkable achievements and its success in establishing new superior standards in agricultural sciences.
extensive plans
In turn, the CEO of Crop One, Craig Ratajczyk, said that the “Bostanek” farm is the result of intensive plans and huge construction operations, during which many unconventional challenges were overcome, at a time when we are pleased to celebrate the launch of this major milestone with “ Emirates Flight Catering”, the partner in this joint venture.
He added: “Our mission is to build a sustainable future, in which the global demand for fresh, local food is met.
This new mega farm is a testament to our commitment to this mission, as the farm will be a model for similar projects in the world.”
According to the statement, the farm has been equipped with a closed circuit irrigation system, with the aim of maximizing levels of water use efficiency, as water is pumped to the plants, and when the water evaporates, it is recovered and recycled in the system, which leads to saving 250 million liters of water annually, compared to agriculture Traditional outdoors that produce the same amount of crop.
Also, "Bostanek" operations will not affect at all the threatened global soil resources, in addition to the fact that its water consumption rate is surprisingly low, and its production of crops continues throughout the year, without being affected by weather conditions and insects.
Consumers who buy “Bustanak” leafy vegetables in stores can eat them directly without even having to wash them, because they are produced and packaged in the most hygienic environments.
fresh vegetables
Passengers on Emirates Airlines flights and other airlines will be able to eat fresh vegetables in the air, starting from this July.
Soon, consumers in the UAE will have the opportunity to add these leafy vegetables to their shopping carts in major supermarkets, and "Bostanek" plans to continue expanding the production and sale of fruits and vegetables.
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