CONSUMERS depend on farmers for their supply of vegetables but these days, with new farming technologies at our fingertips, it's possible to grow our own greens at home.
Urban farming, as it is called, also means fresher and a more sustainable supply.
Sunway FutureX Farm ventured into this niche space and believes it is a workable concept.
HOW IT STARTED
Sunway FutureX Farm, Malaysia's first urban farm innovation hub, was launched in 2020.
It brings together a wide pool of expertise and resources from ecosystem partners to build decentralised urban farms, serving local communities and addressing supply chain challenges from farm to fork.
Eleanor Choong, who is iLabs Ventures head at Sunway FutureX Farm, explained that the initiative consists of four key objectives — nourish, educate, innovate and empower.
"To achieve all these, research and development is carried out constantly to increase yield without sacrificing quality. We educate the community through workshops to empower them to permeate similar change no matter where they are, be it now or in the future," she said.
Claiming to offer fresh, clean and tasty vegetables harvested the same day that people need them, FutureX Farm follows the farm-to-table concept.
WHAT DRIVES FUTUREX FARM?
A couple of years ago, Sunway realised that there were plenty of under-utilised spaces around its university in Bandar Sunway.
"Couple that with broken supply chains and this idea began to take root. Why not maximise the use of these spaces to do something productive like growing vegetables?" said Choong.
The Covid-19 pandemic, she said, blindsided many people and left no one unscathed.
"Remember the panic buying that occurred at supermarkets last year during the first Movement Control Order? Shelves were empty as everyone prepared for the worst. The ban on inter-state travel also resulted in the main vegetable suppliers in Peninsular Malaysia —Cameron Highlands —to dispose of their products, resulting in tonnes of wasted food.
"It reinforced Sunway FutureX Farm's belief that having farms closer to homes is a far better solution.
"Not only do you reduce costs in terms of transportation, refrigeration and the middleman, your vegetables too will be fresher. Our vision is that a FutureX Farm should be no more than 5km from our Sunway community," she explained.
For the initiative, a survey was first carried out. It was found that many consumers lived in apartments and high-rise buildings where space was a premium.
"The lack of farming know-how was another obstacle, even those with green fingers discovered that small farm kits were not enough to sustain a household's vegetable needs," she said.
ENTER THE GROWNER MODEL
In addressing the issues, a Growner model was established. It focuses on two aspects —Grow and Own.
This model provides several advantages, including a fixed price for one's monthly vegetable consumption, with changing varieties depending on harvest and season.
"Our same-day harvest policy ensures that the vegetables are fresh. While we are unable to obtain organic certification in Malaysia for our produce due to it being grown in an urban farm, you can be sure crops are fresh and free from pesticides and herbicides," said Choong.
FutureX Farm offers numerous varieties of greens, ranging from kale to other Asian greens, herbs and microgreens.
"Vegetables are available weekly. So far, our trial phase has seen a reasonable degree of success. We hope to replicate this across other Sunway communities throughout Malaysia before working with outside communities," she said.
FutureX Farm is also looking at launching an online platform to allow Growners to choose the crops they prefer. At the moment, there are still elements of uncertainty as to which vegetables are available every week.
"Through the upcoming online platform, you can also view your crops through a CCTV system," she added.
To ensure that its carbon footprint is further reduced, a zero-single-use plastic policy is implemented. Only paper bags are used.
"While we recommend you pick up your vegetables at the appointed time, we also offer chargeable delivery services," said Choong, stressing that FutureX Farm is not another vegetable subscription service.
THE REAL VALUE
According to Choong, the work at FutureX Farm revolves around technology and innovation.
"There is data gathered, both upstream (farm) and downstream (consumers). Such big data allows us to predict changes and makes managing the farm-to-table process easier. Data also helps in the growing of the plants as it will be in a more efficient and optimised manner," she said.
"We hope to offer food safety, security, predictability and traceability through this effort.
"There is also a Facebook group for Growners, where participants share their experience, tips and tricks for improvement.
"We want people to be invested in food security. Our efforts include conducting workshops where we share our vision and sell various kits such as window farm kits, hydroponic systems and full waterfall kits to help those who are interested
in getting started.
"We also have a programme called Training of Trainers, where university students and graduates will enrol to work at these farms on a voluntary basis. The aim is to pick up the necessary skills to be part of a sustainable supply chain in the future," she said.
THE FUTURE
Right now, FutureX Farm is at a crossroads.
Utilising almost 280 square metres of available farming space, it has more or less achieved maximum capacity, supplying fresh and nutritious vegetables to slightly more than 60 small households on a weekly basis.
"While we continue to seek ways to maximise our unused spaces, we are also looking at working with F&B partners on monthly contracts to get the Growner movement going — not only on Sunway properties but elsewhere as well," said Choong.
Currently, FutureX Farm is working with the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry
to obtain certification for urban farming.
"The MyGap and MyFood certifications require us to be in operation for at least six months before we can apply for them.
"This certification will monitor nitrate levels through regular food nitrate testing while ensuring that we continue to follow safe agricultural practices, standard operating procedures and safety requirements. With the MyGap certification, we will also be able to export our produce to Singapore.
"While it may look like we are just a small player in the sustainable Earth movement, we strongly believe that change begins with us.
"Hopefully, this will spark a movement of urban farming that will not only increase food security through these turbulent times, but also leave a worthy inheritance for
future generations," said Choong.