Using a close looped water recycling system, Kalera uses an estimated 95% less water than traditional field farming. This is especially important for the western parts of the United States
Vertical Distribution of Growing Plants Results in Less Land and Soil Used
Q&A with | Kalera
How is Kalera leading the future of agriculture?
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization by the United Nations, by 2025, 1.8 billion people are expected to be living in countries or regions with “absolute” water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world population could be under “stress” conditions. Securing a food future for all is needed now more than ever, as droughts and loss of arable land weaken traditional farming structures across the world. Kalera’s farming methods are necessary to food equity and food equality, as we use climate-controlled environments to grow leafy greens year-round using a fraction of the water and land typically used in traditional field farming.
What farming methods does Kalera use to save water and land?
Using a close looped water recycling system, Kalera uses an estimated 95% less water than traditional field farming. This is especially important for the western parts of the United States, where not only the majority of lettuce is field farmed, but where many regions face extreme droughts and water shortages. In addition, Kalera’s vertical distribution of growing plants resulted in 99% less land and soil used in 2021 alone, when compared to traditional field farming.
Kalera has described itself as “thinking globally but acting locally.” Could you expand on this?
Kalera is in the business of developing farms of the future across the world as millions experience food insecurity. We look to feed our global populations by starting at the heart of it all—the local communities. All our farms ship product within their surrounding regions, providing clean leafy greens directly to urban communities at risk. This is also especially crucial for regions that do not have long growing seasons due to climate constraints; Our controlled environments solve this issue, growing greens year-round that are days fresher and miles fresher.
What makes Kalera products so unique?
Year round freshness, Non-GMO and free of harmful sprays and pesticides, Kalera’s lettuce and microgreen varieties boast 50% more vitamins, minerals and protein combined when compared to traditional field farmed greens.
Our lettuce head varieties are also sold with the roots still intact, meaning consumers are putting living lettuce in their refrigerators that will last for up to four weeks.
What are some goals Kalera looks to achieve in the next decade?
Kalera is setting its sights for carbon neutrality by 2030. To achieve this, Kalera will:
- Source electricity from renewables – either from on site generation or from certified sources
- Minimize waste, remove all unnecessary packaging and ensure our packaging is widely recyclable
- Reduce emissions from logistics by maximizing fuel efficiency across load, route planning and driver behavior
- Switch to decarbonized transport and address emissions from heating/cooling by trialing innovative technologies
- Among several other goals!
Kalera plans to further reduce water usage and close our current gap of 95% less water usage compared to traditional field farming to 97% less water. In addition, Kalera aims to build upon its already impressive water stewardship goals by:
- Implementing programs to reduce water withdrawal, reuse water and use alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting
- Setting strict targets for water discharge quality, for water returning to the environment
- Ensuring that our operations do not compromise the right to water and sanitation of local communities
- Among others!
Kalera also plans to expand its educational and R&D partnerships with internship opportunities and school outreach programs.
What resources are there for investors and potential investors?
To build a secure food future globally, education is necessary—from our consumers to our investors. We are fortunate to boast an impressive bench of well-seasoned individuals on our team who have the knowledge, expertise and tools to do so. We recently led an Analyst and Investor Virtual Event, which allowed investors and potential investors the opportunity to listen to Kalera leadership, including CEO Jim Leighton. Our speakers discussed our goals for the next decade, updates on our state-of-the-art technology, our differentiated CPG strategy, and much more. More of these events and forums are planned, as keeping our investors informed is key to success. There is no better time to invest in our global future.
Where are Kalera products available?
Kalera has farms in Orlando, Houston, Atlanta, Denver, Kuwait and Munich—with two opening in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in Singapore by the end of the year. Our products are sold at a plethora of retailers located across our regional locations, which buyers can find on our store locator page. We also partner with numerous hotels, resorts and restaurants to provide their clientele with the best leafy greens available through our partnership with U.S. Foods.
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of AgriTechTomorrow
Comments (0)
This post does not have any comments. Be the first to leave a comment below.
Featured Product
