Imagine a future where fresh vegetables are grown in a unique way. Space Farms, co-founded by Tusya Garibashvili in 2018 in Georgia, introduces the concept of indoor vertical farming, revolutionizing traditional agricultural practices.
Georgia, primarily relying on conventional farming techniques, faces challenges due to limited arable land. With only 788,000 hectares available for agricultural production and a significant number of people engaged in small private farms, the need for innovative solutions becomes apparent.
Space Farms operates as an indoor vertical farm located in Tbilisi, cultivating vegetables in an area of approximately 150 square meters. Embracing vertical cultivation techniques, the farm maximizes space utilization, growing crops 365 days a year. This approach addresses critical issues such as limited space, reduced water consumption, and eliminating the need for pesticides.
Tusya Garibashvili emphasizes the water-saving aspect, stating, "Vertical farming can help us grow more vegetables with less space, less water, and zero pesticides." The farm's water recycling system, where water is filtered and reintegrated into the cultivation process, results in an impressive 80% reduction in water usage compared to traditional farms.
Housed on the premises of Café Stamba, Space Farms provides a sustainable source of fresh vegetables to the restaurant year-round. The farm cultivates 15 types of vegetables, adjusting crops based on Café Stamba's menu requirements. This dynamic relationship between the farm and the restaurant exemplifies a local, sustainable, and innovative approach to agriculture.
Tusya and her team embarked on a trial-and-error process during the farm's inception, overcoming obstacles to create a successful and sustainable organism. The farm's clean environment is maintained through advanced technology controlling crucial factors like light, humidity, and temperature.
Strategically aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land), Space Farms actively contributes to promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The farm's commitment to using less water, avoiding pesticides, and cultivating in a controlled environment resonates with global goals for responsible land use and biodiversity.
Looking beyond Earth, Space Farms envisions space exploration through its Ninth Millennium Project. The project explores the cultivation of Georgia's grape varieties on Mars, leveraging the farm's expertise in enclosed farming spaces. While ambitious, this initiative showcases the farm's commitment to pushing boundaries and contributing to scientific advancements.
Marika, a senior researcher at the Georgian Space Research Agency, sees potential in vertical farming for future space habitation. She envisions a scenario where Georgian grapes might be enjoyed on the International Space Station or the moon. This futuristic perspective underscores Space Farms' role not only in addressing Earthly challenges but also in pioneering innovations that could shape our existence beyond our planet.
Tusya and her team, at the forefront of research and development in Georgia, emphasize the significance of vertical farming. Their automated system consistently produces high-quality crops without harmful pesticides, positioning Space Farms as a trailblazer in sustainable agriculture.
As Space Farms advances humanity's ambitions, the sky is not the limit but merely the beginning of a journey that combines agricultural innovation, sustainability, and a vision for a global future shaped by science and collaboration.
More information: https://spacefarms.ge/
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