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http://www.wnd.sg

MADE IN SINGAPORE PRODUCER

Farm deLight’s indoor vertical farm for micro cresses shows

how a little goes a long way in Singapore’s urban farming efforts

WORDS CHARLENE CHOW

THE

LITTLE FARM

THAT COULD

T

he aroma of freshly baked biscuits awakens the

arid grounds of Khong Guan Biscuit Factory at

Jalan Boon Lay. In the depths of the compound,

a little sign points to Farm deLight at a wing

that could be mistaken for being abandoned or

disused. Up a little staircase and a clearing of racks, planter

boxes and equipment still does not give hint to the contrary,

until founder Edmund Wong opens the door to his 600sqm

air-conditioned indoor farm. His racks of LED-lit plants are

the signs of life we’re looking for. Here and in a small garden

outdoors, he grows more than 20 types of micro cresses such

as wood sorrel, lemon balm and marigold, as well as some

flowers too.

His farm seems Lilliputian compared to others who are

scaling heights in vertical indoor farming. In fact he says his

farm will not factor much in Singapore’s goal of producing 30

per cent of its food by 2030, even if he will soon be growing

leafy vegetables in a new 2-hectare plot of land in Neo Tiew

Crescent. But his micro cresses have proved popular with fine

dining chefs for a number of years now. Like the garnishes

they are used for, the farm’s contributions are an unobtrusive

yet vital part of the urban farming landscape.