Project references

This large-scale commercial hemp operation spans 18 hectares and incorporates advanced agricultural technologies. The farm is equipped with polypropylene tunnels and shade-netting to protect crops from harsh conditions, as well as climate-smart irrigation systems designed to optimise water usage and promote sustainable farming. The infrastructure includes automated fertigation systems for precise nutrient delivery and advanced irrigation technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Future Farms played a key role in the project, overseeing the entire process from start to finish. The company conducted a thorough feasibility assessment to evaluate the project's potential and ensure alignment with market demands and regulatory requirements. Following this, Future Farms handled all aspects of project development, including planning, site selection, and securing permits and financing.

Additionally, Future Farms managed the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the operation, ensuring seamless integration of all systems — from irrigation to fertigation. The company continues to provide Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services to ensure the farm operates efficiently, maximising yields and supporting long-term success.

• 18 hectares
• Polypropylene tunnels & shade-netting
• Automated fertigation
• Full EPC + O&M

Future Farms collaborated with the Touws River community to develop a state-of-the-art hydroponic vegetable farm. The goal of the project was to create jobs, stimulate economic development, and empower a previously disenfranchised community through sustainable agriculture.

Future Farms played a key role in the project's success by securing off-take agreements, acquiring project funding, and overseeing the full Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the farm's infrastructure. This included the installation of hydroponic tunnels, fertigation systems, climate controls, packaging facilities, cold storage and office spaces to ensure the farm's efficiency and long-term sustainability.

In addition to infrastructure development, Future Farms provided extensive training to the local community, teaching them the necessary technical and operational skills to manage the farm. Through this initiative, the Touws River community gained valuable knowledge and employment opportunities, positioning them to thrive in the agricultural sector.

• Off-take agreements secured
• Hydroponic tunnels & fertigation
• Cold storage & packhouse
• Community skills transfer

As part of a government-funded job creation initiative, Future Farms collaborated with local entrepreneurs to develop small-scale hydroponic farms on urban rooftops, transforming unused spaces into productive agricultural hubs. The project aimed to tackle unemployment and food security by empowering entrepreneurs to run their own micro agribusinesses across Gauteng.

Future Farms successfully constructed over 10 hydroponic greenhouses, each featuring vertical growing systems and water-saving technologies tailored to urban environments. In addition to infrastructure, Future Farms provided comprehensive training, equipping “agri-preneurs” with the skills to independently manage and maintain their farms — covering crop management, system maintenance and business operations.

This initiative has created a network of successful micro agribusinesses, contributing to job creation and promoting sustainable urban agriculture. These agri-preneurs are now producing fresh, locally-sourced food, supporting local economies and addressing food security challenges in their communities.

• 10+ greenhouses built
• Vertical growing systems
• Water-saving technology
• Agri-preneur training

In 2017, Future Farms partnered with startup Aquaveg to develop an innovative 600-square-metre pilot indoor farm, using a combination of Deep Water Culture (DWC) hydroponic systems and vertical Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems. By integrating these two methods, Aquaveg was able to maximise crop production in a compact space while maintaining a controlled environment for optimal growth.

In addition to supplying the hydroponic infrastructure, Future Farms custom-designed LED grow lights for the project, focusing on energy efficiency and plant performance. These lights were crucial for research and development, allowing the team to experiment with different light spectrums and intensities to identify the best conditions for crop growth.

This facility has since become a test-bed for advancements in LED grow lighting and hydroponic system optimisation, particularly for leafy greens and other fresh produce. The insights gained have helped Future Farms refine its products and improve future indoor farming projects.

• 600 m² pilot facility
• Deep Water Culture
• Vertical NFT
• Custom LED grow lights

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Anglo American enlisted Future Farms SA to design and build advanced greenhouses, hydroponic systems and innovative water collection systems in a challenging desert environment. Future Farms developed specialised solutions, including submerged tanks, efficient pump systems and a range of hydroponic infrastructure to support crops like tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens and even root vegetables.

Future Farms took a holistic approach, managing all aspects of the project from engineering, procurement and construction to ensure a seamless implementation. The company also provided comprehensive training for local personnel to operate and maintain the hydroponic systems and water management infrastructure, from basic system operation to advanced maintenance.

This initiative not only addressed the challenges of farming in desert conditions but also set a precedent for future agricultural projects in water-scarce regions, showing how businesses can invest in sustainable, climate-smart agriculture as part of their CSR efforts.

• Desert-condition greenhouses
• Submerged tanks & pumps
• Tomatoes, peppers & leafy greens
• Local operator training

Future Farms constructed a state-of-the-art greenhouse and all necessary seedling infrastructure to establish a reliable and robust nursery in the heart of the Johannesburg Central Business District. The project was designed to create an efficient and sustainable seedling production environment, using advanced greenhouse technologies and optimised layouts to ensure consistent growth and healthy plant development.

In addition to the construction, Future Farms provided comprehensive training to the nursery staff, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to operate the greenhouse and maintain the seedling infrastructure effectively — from day-to-day operations and plant care to troubleshooting and system maintenance.

• CBD nursery greenhouse
• Full seedling infrastructure
• Wide crop range
• Staff training included

Future Farms completed its first project in the UAE, marking a significant milestone in the company's international expansion. The UAE, with its challenging climate and limited arable land, presents the perfect environment to showcase the potential of innovative agricultural solutions like hydroponics and vertical farming.

The focal point of this project is a fully operational indoor farm demo site designed to highlight the opportunities that indoor farming offers in the Middle East and beyond. The demo farm showcases cutting-edge hydroponic systems, energy-efficient climate control and optimised irrigation methods, all aimed at maximising yield and minimising resource use.

• First international project
• Indoor farm demo site
• Energy-efficient climate control
• Training centre