Greenman Group, a Dublin-based property investment firm, has launched a new subsidiary that will introduce vertical farms into its network of retail centers across Germany. Its Greenman Open Fund currently has around 70 retail centers in Germany and is looking at expanding into France.
Greenman’s OPEN fund had net asset values of €612 million at the end of September. The group’s new firm, Potager Farm, will grow herbs, leafy greens, and micro veg indoors in tower structures at the retail centers which are anchored by food grocery stores.
Headquartered in Berlin, Potager Farm will sell more environmentally friendly produce year-round by reducing food miles and avoiding the use of pesticides and other chemicals.
Germany is the largest importer of fresh herbs in Europe and Greenman believes there is huge scope for the adoption of vertical farming across the country.
Johnnie Wilkinson, CEO of the Greenman Group, said: “Potager Farm is an exciting new venture, placing the Greenman Group at the forefront of a revolution in new agriculture technology. Our experience within the food retail sector has shown us that vertical farming will become an increasingly important part of the food supply chain."
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