Fisher Farms

Project overview

Fischer Farms, a leader in agri-tech, aimed to push the boundaries of modern agriculture by constructing the world’s largest vertical farm in Norfolk. The state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility spans 25,000 sq. m. and uses cutting-edge technology to produce high-quality leafy greens. Designed to operate year-round, the vertical farm leverages a sustainable approach, growing crops at an efficiency approximately 250 times greater than conventional methods on just four acres of land. 

To turn this ambitious vision into reality, Fischer Farms appointed Clegg Food Projects as the principal contractor to manage the design and construction.  

Renowned for delivering complex, technology-focused food & drink projects, Clegg Food Projects took responsibility for the duration of the project life cycle including the integration of specialist equipment and building services. 

Challenges and solutions 

Adapting to advanced technology 

The vertical farm required a highly technical build that would accommodate Fischer Farms’ advanced growing and harvesting systems. Clegg Food Projects had to ensure that the construction design could adapt to the installation of sophisticated agri-tech, particularly the energy-efficient LED lighting and climate-controlled systems essential for crop growth. 

Throughout the project, Clegg took a flexible approach, adjusting plans as needed to ensure the integration of specialized process equipment. This is where effective project management and a collaborative approach were key to maintaining the flow of construction and technology installations simultaneously. 

Focus on sustainability 

Sustainability was central to the project. The climate-controlled facility runs on 100% renewable energy to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, therefore supporting Fischer Farms’ goal of producing food in an environmentally responsible manner. Clegg Food Projects played a pivotal role in ensuring that all building services and utilities were aligned with this sustainability focus, including the systems required to manage the energy-efficient growing environment. 

This emphasis on sustainability enables the facility to produce leafy greens continuously throughout the year, helping address concerns related to land and resource scarcity. 

Project outcomes

The completion of this vertical farm represents a significant milestone in sustainable agriculture. The facility now operates 365 days a year, using its energy-efficient systems to produce high yields of leafy greens with minimal environmental impact. By using advanced agri-tech and renewable energy, the farm offers a scalable solution to global food production challenges, providing a model for future vertical farming operations. 

Clegg Food Projects’ expertise in managing complex, technology-driven projects was key to the successful delivery of this pioneering farm. By working closely with Fischer Farms and other stakeholders, Clegg ensured that all elements — from design to process integration — were completed to the highest standards. 

Key highlights 

• Scalability and efficiency: The facility yields 250 times more crops per acre than traditional farming, significantly increasing efficiency while using only a fraction of the land and water usage. 

• Sustainable operations: Designed to run entirely on renewable energy, the vertical farm operates year-round, minimizing its environmental footprint. 

• Technology integration: The project successfully incorporated advanced LED lighting and climate control systems to create an optimal growing environment for leafy greens. 

• Collaborative approach: Clegg Food Projects used a flexible project management strategy, ensuring the seamless integration of complex process equipment and adjusting designs to meet the needs of Fischer Farms’ evolving requirements. 

Conclusion

The successful delivery of the world’s largest vertical farm highlights Clegg Food Projects’ ability to manage complex and innovative construction projects. This facility not only sets a new standard for vertical farming but also demonstrates the viability of sustainable, high-yield food production in a controlled environment. By focusing on scalability, technology integration, and sustainability, Clegg Food Projects and Fischer Farms have created a pioneering model for the future of agriculture. 

As vertical farming continues to grow in importance, this project serves as a benchmark for future developments in the industry, and Clegg Food Projects is well-positioned to contribute to the sector’s expansion.