Project References
Genesis CBD Facility
This large-scale commercial hemp operation spans 18 hectares and incorporates advanced agricultural technologies. The farm is equipped with polypropylene tunnels and shade-netting to protect crops from harsh conditions, as well as climate-smart irrigation systems designed to optimize water usage and promote sustainable farming. The infrastructure includes automated fertigation systems for precise nutrient delivery and advanced irrigation technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Future Farms played a key role in the project, overseeing the entire process from start to finish. The company conducted a thorough feasibility assessment to evaluate the project’s potential and ensure alignment with market demands and regulatory requirements. Following this, Future Farms handled all aspects of project development, including planning, site selection, and securing permits and financing.
Additionally, Future Farms managed the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of the operation, ensuring seamless integration of all systems—from irrigation to fertigation. The company continues to provide Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services to ensure the farm operates efficiently, maximizing yields and supporting long-term success.
Touws River Commercial Hydroponic Farm
Future Farms collaborated with the Touws River community to develop a state-of-the-art hydroponic vegetable farm. The goal of the project was to create jobs, stimulate economic development, and empower a previously disenfranchised community through sustainable agriculture.
Future Farms played a key role in the project’s success by securing off-take agreements, acquiring project funding, and overseeing the full Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of the farm’s infrastructure. This included the installation of hydroponic tunnels, fertigation systems, climate controls, packaging facilities, cold storage, and office spaces to ensure the farm’s efficiency and long-term sustainability.
In addition to infrastructure development, Future Farms provided extensive training to the local community, teaching them the necessary technical and operational skills to manage the farm. Through this initiative, the Touws River community gained valuable knowledge and employment opportunities, positioning them to thrive in the agricultural sector.
Johannesburg Urban Farming Programme
As part of a government-funded job creation initiative, Future Farms collaborated with local entrepreneurs to develop small-scale hydroponic farms on urban rooftops, transforming unused spaces into productive agricultural hubs. The project aimed to tackle unemployment and food security by empowering entrepreneurs to run their own micro agribusinesses across Gauteng. Utilizing advanced hydroponic techniques, these farms grow fresh produce efficiently in the heart of the city, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact while providing locally-grown food to urban communities.
Future Farms successfully constructed over 10 hydroponic greenhouses, each featuring vertical growing systems and water-saving technologies tailored to urban environments. In addition to infrastructure, Future Farms provided comprehensive training, equipping “agri-preneurs” with the skills to independently manage and maintain their farms. Training covered crop management, system maintenance, and business operations, ensuring the entrepreneurs are well-prepared to thrive.
This initiative has created a network of successful micro agribusinesses, contributing to job creation and promoting sustainable urban agriculture. These “agri-preneurs” are now producing fresh, locally-sourced food, supporting local economies, and addressing food security challenges while creating meaningful employment in their communities.
Aquaveg Indoor Farm
In 2017, Future Farms partnered with startup Aquaveg to develop an innovative 600-square-meter pilot indoor farm, utilizing a combination of Deep Water Culture (DWC) hydroponic systems and vertical farming Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems. This project aimed to explore sustainable, high-yield indoor farming in urban environments where space and resources are limited. By integrating these two hydroponic methods, Aquaveg was able to maximize crop production in a compact space while maintaining a controlled environment for optimal growth.
In addition to supplying the hydroponic infrastructure, Future Farms custom-designed LED grow lights for the project, focusing on energy efficiency and plant performance. These lights were crucial for research and development, allowing the team to experiment with different light spectrums and intensities to identify the best conditions for crop growth. The success of these grow lights not only supported the farm’s objectives but also established Future Farms as a leader in indoor farming technology.
This cutting-edge facility has since become a test-bed for advancements in LED grow lighting and hydroponic system optimization, particularly for leafy greens and other fresh produce. The insights gained have helped Future Farms refine its products and improve future indoor farming projects. The collaboration with Aquaveg highlights Future Farms’ commitment to innovation and sustainability through ongoing research and development.
Anglo America – Kathu Hydroponic Farm
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Anglo American enlisted Future Farms SA to design and build advanced greenhouses, hydroponic systems, and innovative water collection systems in a challenging desert environment. Future Farms developed specialized solutions, including submerged tanks, efficient pump systems, and a range of hydroponic infrastructure to support crops like tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, and even root vegetables. This project demonstrated how innovative agricultural techniques can transform arid regions into productive agricultural hubs.
Future Farms took a holistic approach, managing all aspects of the project from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) to ensure a seamless implementation. In addition to building the infrastructure, the company provided comprehensive training for local personnel to operate and maintain the hydroponic systems and water management infrastructure. This training empowered the local workforce with essential skills, from basic system operation to advanced maintenance, ensuring the farm’s long-term sustainability.
This initiative not only addressed the challenges of farming in desert conditions but also set a precedent for future agricultural projects in water-scarce regions. It showcased how businesses like Anglo American can invest in sustainable, climate-smart agriculture as part of their CSR efforts, promoting economic growth and food security in areas most in need.
Wouldn’t it be Cool (WIBC) – NSA seedling farm
UAE Indoor Farm and Training Center
Future Farms made its inevitable first project in the UAE, with more to come, marking a significant milestone in the company’s international expansion. The UAE, with its challenging climate and limited arable land, presents the perfect environment to showcase the potential of innovative agricultural solutions like hydroponics and vertical farming. The project serves as a testament to Future Farms’ expertise in climate-smart agriculture, proving that sustainable farming is not only possible but highly efficient in regions where traditional farming methods struggle to thrive.
The focal point of this project is a fully operational indoor farm demo site designed to highlight the numerous opportunities that indoor farming can offer in the Middle East and beyond. The demo farm showcases cutting-edge hydroponic systems, energy-efficient climate control, and optimized irrigation methods, all aimed at maximizing yield and minimizing resource use. Future Farms is committed to demonstrating how controlled-environment agriculture can revolutionize food security, reduce water consumption, and produce high-quality crops year-round, making it a transformative solution for regions with extreme climates.
