When people think of farming in Mid Canterbury, they usually picture paddocks of wheat or dairy herds under open skies. In 2022, a different model took hold in Ashburton: commercial vertical farming.

While the technology can sound futuristic, the core idea is simple, grow high-quality food locally, year-round, in a controlled environment. Here’s how vertical farming started in Ashburton, and why smaller-scale, local systems are holding their ground.

Who was the first vertical farm in Ashburton?

The first commercial vertical farm in Ashburton was Tiny Space Greenz, established in 2022.

While larger, highly automated projects were discussed and trialled in the region shortly after, Tiny Space Greenz focused on a practical, small-scale model, producing fresh microgreens using stacked growing systems in a controlled indoor space.

This approach demonstrated that high quality, nutrient dense crops could be grown consistently without requiring large land areas.

Inside Tiny Space Greenz.  A compact vertical farming system producing fresh microgreens year-round in Ashburton.

What is vertical farming?

Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, typically indoors. Unlike traditional farming, it does not rely on seasonal weather patterns.

• Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): Temperature, humidity, and light are carefully managed.
• Stacked Growing Systems: Multiple layers maximise production in a small footprint.
• Soil or Hydroponic Methods: Crops can be grown in soil, coco coir, or water-based systems.
• LED Lighting: Efficient lighting supports growth year-round, including winter.

This method allows consistent production regardless of outdoor conditions, particularly useful in regions with strong seasonal variation like Canterbury.

Why does sustainability matter in vertical farming?

Sustainability is a key factor in whether vertical farming systems succeed long-term.

Large scale automated systems often face challenges with energy use, distribution, and waste. In contrast, smaller, local operations can adapt more easily and reduce unnecessary inputs.

At Tiny Space Greenz, the focus has been on practical sustainability:

• Reducing single use plastics through reusable container systems
• Encouraging customers to bring their own containers
• Using efficient lighting and offsetting energy use where possible
• Designing systems that minimise waste rather than relying on scale

These choices are not about perfection, they are about making consistent improvements that add up over time.

Why are small, local vertical farms proving effective?

Recent challenges faced by large, centralised vertical farming operations have highlighted a key point: local production works best when it stays local.

Smaller farms can:

• Respond quickly to customer demand
• Supply fresher product with minimal transport
• Adjust growing methods based on real-world results
• Maintain direct relationships with customers and local businesses

Being an early adopter in Ashburton meant working through these systems from the ground up, refining growing methods, selecting suitable seed varieties, and developing reliable weekly supply for local outlets.

What does this mean for the future of food in Ashburton?

Vertical farming is not replacing traditional agriculture, it is complementing it.

By producing fresh greens locally, year round, small vertical farms help strengthen local food systems and reduce reliance on long supply chains.

In Ashburton, this means fresher produce available weekly through local markets and stockists, with growing methods that continue to evolve based on experience.