"Whilst we're in our first phase of the project, the team will be growing leafy greens year-round via a combination of a vertical farm and greenhouse complexes. Phase two will commence next year, so we can even improve those numbers reaching 620 tons of leafy greens per year and eventually dipping our toes into strawberries. Once the strawberry farm is set, we're projecting a yield of 12 tons per year," says Krisana Tamvimol, Founder and CEO of Distar Fresh.
Mae Mo district has officially opened its green initiative project that includes a vertical farm facility and greenhouses in Apipol Village. In collaboration with Mae Mo Agricultural Community and industry partners, the green initiative was launched to boost vegetable production for leading markets, creating jobs and income for the community.
Joining the ceremony were Phachara Srimasathian, Deputy Governor of Lamphun, along with Charan Kamngoen, Deputy Director of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Tuangratt Lothasunthon, Mayor of Lamphun, Mr. Panomphorn Tukkasat, Mae Mo District Chief, Sukrit Thaitanakorn, Ban Dong Subdistrict Mayor, Wichai Thongtaeng, Tittipan Boonmi, CEO of Queue Box Point Company Limited. Mr. Sanasin Sriphromrak, CEO of Dystar Fresh Company Limited, also attended. (Photo credits: Dystar Fresh)
With a great upcome for the event, representatives from Central Plaza Lamphun, Makro Store, and local communities, and even two former miss Thailand joined the grand opening.
The vertical farm
Backed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is committed to creating sustainable communities by integrating the Mae Moh area into an agricultural community industrial estate, preparing for the transition to social business and aiming towards a green industrial city.
"The Thai government has begun to implement policies to increasingly support projects like this, whether it be through providing financial investment or offering tax exemptions," Krisana let know.
Helicopter view of the farming complex (Photo credits: Dystar Fresh)
Deputy Governor of Lamphun, Phachara said, "It is another project to develop the economy of Lamphun, contributing to trade and investment, ensuring sustainable economic stability for communities in the area."
E-commerce channels
Produce is sold directly to consumers through online markets under the brand 'Mae Moh Fresh' managed and owned by the community enterprise of Ban Dong Subdistrict. "We market our produce through local supermarkets, such as Makro, and via a subscription model," Krisana tells.
The complete project plan which will be able to produce 620 tons of leafy vegetables and 12 tons of strawberries per year
"The Mae Mo Agricultural Community is a new dimension in the comprehensive and sustainable development of communities by EGAT. We've been promoting vertical farming in collaboration with private partners like Dystar Fresh Company Limited, introducing technology to agriculture and transferring it to the community, making it the first in the North," shared Charan, Deputy Director of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).
Soon, a new organic farming unit will be introduced with six greenhouses that are powered by solar systems. EGAT collaborated with Queue Box Point Company Limited, an expert in agtech by Farmbook, connecting producers to key markets such as department stores, modern trade shops, and restaurants and hotels, ensuring sustainable income for farmers. There are plans to expand to other potential areas in Mae Mo District.
For more information:
Distar Fresh
Krisana Tamvimol, Founder and CEO
[email protected]
www.distarfresh.com