Singapore’s high-tech farming sector has faced another setback with the closure of local indoor farm I.F.F.I. The mega 38,000 sq m facility in Tuas, capable of producing 300 tonnes of leafy greens annually, recently shut its doors.
I.F.F.I’s holding company, TranZPlus Engineering, has entered liquidation, filing for insolvency in November 2023. The farm, known for its produce under the brand name Next Farmers, offered a variety of crops such as arugula, kale, green lettuce, and red bok choy, previously available at FairPrice supermarkets.
The company, a recipient of Singapore Food Agency’s 30 by 30 express grant in 2020, received funding to construct a high-tech indoor farm with advanced environmental controls. Despite the promising technology, challenges seem to have led to its closure, raising questions about the sustainability of high-tech farming ventures.
Amidst the closure, JTC Corporation has not disclosed whether there are outstanding rental payments from I.F.F.I. The fate of the company’s equipment, left at the Space@Tuas location, remains uncertain.
The shutdown of I.F.F.I highlights the difficulties faced by local high-tech farms, even with government support. As the industry grapples with setbacks, stakeholders are left to ponder the future of Singapore’s food production landscape.
