This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
The world’s largest indoor vertical farm is coming to Melbourne Airport, promising to alleviate supply chain disruptions, skyrocketing prices and food shortages.
Gold Coast-based Stacked Farm has broken ground on its $150 million fully-automated climate-controlled facility will produce 3.4 million kilograms of fresh, high-quality herbs and leafy greens annually.
Stacked Farm specialises in growing cos and mixed leaf lettuces, spinach, rocket, basil, coriander and parsley, among others.
It describes the 10,000 sqm farm as a “game-changer”, “set to transform the way Australians access fresh, affordable and locally grown greens”.
Fully automated from seed to bag via 25 pieces of proprietary robotics, the facility will require only 15 staff members to operate, comprising farm operators, horticulturists and technical maintenance engineers.
Vertical farming is also quicker than traditional farming methods – crops are ready to harvest in just 16 to 31 days, compared to 45 to 80 days at a traditional farm.
The project marks the first large-scale indoor vertical farm in an airport precinct in the southern hemisphere, and just the second globally. The farm will be powered entirely by green energy, operate with a zero-waste water system, and use cutting-edge robotics.
“Our cutting-edge design and proprietary technology are redefining farming efficiency and setting a new global benchmark. This is the future of fresh food, built by a world-class team,” said Sam Canavan, chief operating officer at Stacked Farm.
“Aussies want fresh, nutrient-packed food without the mark-up. They crave real flavour, fewer additives, and maximum nutrition, but rising costs make healthy eating feel out of reach. That’s where we come in. Stacked Farm is quite literally growing the solution—top-tier produce at prices that make sense, fuelling a healthier nation.”
Jai McDermott, Melbourne Airport chief of ground transport, property & retail, said, “There’s no other business like this at Melbourne Airport – or even in the country.”
“The company is doing incredible work to revolutionise food production, creating high-quality products with low waste. We’re proud to partner with them, especially given Melbourne is Australia’s food capital.”
Total Construction is working on the project, with an anticipated opening in mid-2026.
Funding is via a combination of debt and equity, including backing from US-based alternative assets manager Magnetar Capital
Melbourne Airport will construct a dedicated building for Stacked Farm as part of the new 150,000 sqm Tullamarine land precinct.
CBRE negotiated the lease agreement.
