Agriculture, Largest European “Vertical Farm” In Brescia

Europe’s largest vertical farm has been opened in Verolanuova, Brescia province, in northern Italy. It is called the Green Kilometer and is located in an old garment factory reused a “vertical farm,” where lettuce will be grown on multi-level racks using hydroponics.

This method involves growing vegetables above ground using irrigation specifically designed to provide the plants with all the nutrients they need to grow. In this particular case, it is the ability to grow 365 days a year, in an environment with controlled climate, ventilation, and lighting, i.e., outside the normal cycle of seasons. In addition to being able to provide ready-to-eat vegetables year-round, the controlled environment means no need for pesticides. Various ecological benefits also include minimal soil consumption, water savings both during the growing phase and during the preparation of the finished product: in this case, bags of lettuce that are grown without soil need not be washed before distribution.

This creates true “zero-kilometer” agriculture, reusing abandoned buildings and producing products close to populated areas, where these products will then be sold. As the company led by Giuseppe Battagliola, who invested 32 million euros in the project, explains, this type of cultivation also increases yields and guarantees a longer shelf life of the product. To complete the construction of the plant and minimize emissions, the plans are to create a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 10 Megawatts.