Sign up here to subscribe to the Grower2grower Ezine. Every two weeks you will receive new articles, specific to the protected cropping industry, informing you of industry news and events straight to your inbox.
11
Feb 2025
Feb 2025
Greenleaf Fresh, which traded under the name Greengrower, has gone into voluntary administration.
Unfavorable outcome may pause innovation and investment into other Vertical Farming (VF) projects, and that’s unfortunate.
Recently I became aware that Greenleaf Fresh has been placed into voluntary administration. An extremely disappointing result for such an innovative project with so much promise. There are significant advantages to using indoor vertical farms to grow produce, including a huge reduction in land required and much less water usage compared to conventional greenhouse or field grown crops.
The extremely high initial capital cost (automated table systems, electronics etc.) and operational expenses of VF, including the cost of electricity to run the lighting and air handling systems, may be contributing factors and the hand break for financial success with this project.
Energy security for VF is a key factor for profitability. As we have recently experienced, energy affordability is a huge issue for commercial greenhouse growers, so one can only imagine the pressure this placed on this project.
I hope this project can be saved. I would suggest as a country it is technology we do not want to lose.
To all involved including employees and unsecured creditors our thoughts are with you at this challenging time.
Please read the source links below:
https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/news/lack-of-scale-cited-for-greenleaf-demise/
https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2025-aa114
https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2025-al631
Related:
https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/technology/nzs-first-commercial-vertical-farm-gets-3-5m-govt-boost/
CLASSIFIED
Photo
Gallery
Subscribe to our E-Zine
More
From This Category
March 10, 2026
Australia’s horticulture sector has delivered a year of record‑breaking performance
Highest production value to date of $18.4 billion, up 6% on the previous year.
March 10, 2026
Energy saving through screens
A combination of screen use, screen quality, greenhouse climate requirements, and greenhouse equipment.
March 10, 2026
Heating Uncertainty Leaves Greenhouse Growers Searching for Answers
Waste oil supply changes force growers to reconsider long-term heating options ahead of winter. Two weeks ago I was alerted that one of the major recycled waste oil suppliers, based in the Auckland region, will soon stop supplying greenhouse growers. For one of my customers this came as a significant shock, particularly given that notice was given that deliveries will cease in the coming months –
February 10, 2026
MG Group partners with The Gut Foundation
Growing a healthier New Zealand together
January 27, 2026
Protected Cropping, Weather Extremes And Growth Potential
Extreme weather again highlights the role of protected cropping. During last week’s deluge across the North Island, significant damage is expected across many outdoor crops. Onions lying on the ground and attempting to dry will be particularly vulnerable, with prolonged saturation likely to result in quality losses and storage issues.
CLASSIFIED
