Revolutionary Tech Company Turns Dubai Desert into a Thriving Food Oasis: Overcoming Doubts to Transform Agriculture

Agriculture tech company Pure Harvest Smart Farms is making waves by growing food in Dubai’s desert using indoor farming. This innovative approach provides sustainable fruits and vegetables all year round.

Founded in 2017 by Sky Kurtz, Pure Harvest emerged from the UAE’s need to tackle food shortages as climate change impacts agriculture. In just eight years, it has become a leading player in controlled-environment farming in the Middle East, a region facing significant food insecurity.

“People thought we were crazy,” Kurtz recalled about starting his journey. “I was worried we wouldn’t get off the ground.” However, his vision attracted investors, allowing the company to secure nearly $290 million. Today, Pure Harvest produces over 33 million pounds of crops annually, including berries and green vegetables, which it sells to major grocery chains.

As more agri-tech companies look to enter the UAE, Pure Harvest plans to expand to Kuwait, Morocco, and Singapore. Kurtz noted, “The world recognizes the urgency of what we’re solving.” In a region where less than 1% of land is available for farming, local indoor farms are essential. Currently, the UAE imports around 80% of its food, so this initiative not only saves money but also cuts down on transportation pollution.

The UAE aims to source 70% of its produce locally by 2025, emphasizing the importance of hydroponic farming. This initiative is supported by the government, eager to promote indoor farming due to rising food security concerns in a heating world.

With around 80% of the global population living within an eight-hour flight of Dubai, the UAE is an attractive hub for agri-tech innovation. Initial funding came from the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund and grants from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, showcasing strong institutional support.

Pure Harvest is not just about growing vegetables; it also creates products like strawberry preserves and tomato sauces from seasonal surplus. This approach reduces waste while generating additional income.

Looking ahead, Kurtz envisions Pure Harvest becoming a household name within 50 years. As the conversation around sustainable food supply gains momentum, his dream seems increasingly achievable. “We need to secure food for a future with 9.5 billion people, especially in a world where land is not expanding and water security is a rising crisis,” he remarked.

According to a recent survey, over 60% of people believe that local farming initiatives can help combat climate change and improve food security. As more consumers engage with the topic, the popularity of companies like Pure Harvest is set to rise.

For more on sustainable agriculture and innovative solutions like Pure Harvest, check out this Fast Company article.

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