Spain, Unknown – January 13, 2026 — VALENCIA, Spain — A towering innovation rises in the heart of Valencia, marking a bold step forward in sustainable urban agriculture. The city’s newly operational vertical farm tower, standing 25 storeys tall in the Quatre Carreres district, promises an annual harvest of 500 tonnes of fresh produce while generating 200 skilled green jobs for local residents.
Engineered by a consortium led by Valencia-based AgriTech Innovators SL and NAC Arquitectos, the structure occupies a former industrial plot on Antonio Ferrandis Street, blending seamlessly with the surrounding orchard landscapes that stretch towards the Albufera Natural Park. Construction wrapped up in late December 2025, with full operations commencing this week under the watchful eye of project director Elena Navarro. “This tower represents Valencia’s commitment to harmonious growth, bridging rural traditions with city living,” Navarro said during the opening ceremony attended by over 300 community members.
At its core, the facility employs advanced hydroponic systems across 20 dedicated farming levels, circulating nutrient-rich water through 8,000 modular growing pods. These pods, inspired by compact vertical towers tested successfully in nearby Barcelona pilots, cultivate a diverse array of crops including Tango Gold mandarins, heirloom tomatoes, leafy greens, and herbs suited to the Mediterranean climate. Each level features climate-controlled environments with LED lighting optimised for energy efficiency, drawing on agrivoltaic principles to integrate solar panels that power 70% of operations. The design saves 90% of water compared to traditional farming, recirculating moisture in a closed-loop system that minimises waste.
The tower’s output—500 tonnes annually—equates to supplying fresh produce for 50,000 Valencia households, reducing reliance on imports and cutting food miles by 95%. Produce will reach local markets, schools, and restaurants within hours of harvest, boosting food security and supporting small-scale distributors like GreenHarvest España. “Farmers in Llíria and beyond are already partnering with us to scale similar tech,” noted researcher Zulema Sousa from the Polytechnic University of Valencia’s Agrivoltaics Chair, which contributed data from its citrus pilot in providing technical guidance.
Employment forms a cornerstone of the project, with 200 positions filled through targeted training programmes launched in partnership with the regional employment office. Roles span hydroponic technicians, crop scientists, maintenance engineers, and logistics coordinators, prioritising hires from local neighbourhoods. Maria López, a 28-year-old mother from the southern outskirts, secured one of the first technician spots after a six-week course. “This job not only provides stability but equips me with skills for the green economy,” López shared, echoing sentiments from the 450 applicants who underwent interviews last month.
Community integration shines through thoughtful amenities at ground level. Arcaded walkways lead to a public plaza with demonstration gardens, a children’s educational farm, and a weekly harvest market set to debut on 20 January. The entrance route features lush vertical gardens that pay homage to Valencia’s orchard heritage, fostering biodiversity with native pollinator plants. Upper terraces, staggered in height to comply with urban guidelines, offer shaded communal spaces for residents and workers alike.
This initiative builds momentum from Valencia’s rising focus on urban greening, complementing projects like the Saler Homes development nearby. By maximising vertical space on a compact 2,000-square-metre footprint, the tower exemplifies efficient land use amid growing population pressures. Experts project scalability, with plans for two sister towers by 2028, potentially tripling output and jobs.
Financial backing from the European Union’s Green Deal fund, alongside private investors including EMIN Energy and Elecnor Foundation, underscores broad support. “Valencia leads by example, turning urban challenges into opportunities for prosperity and sustainability,” said city councillor for environment, Javier Ruiz, at the ribbon-cutting on 10 January.
As the tower hums with activity—pumps whirring, lights glowing, and first sprouts emerging—residents envision a greener future. Produce from the inaugural harvest, expected in March, will donate 10% to local food banks, amplifying the project’s ripple effects. In a city famed for innovation, this vertical farm stands as a beacon of progress, nurturing both people and planet.
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Image Credit: Photo by joemi_chulo on Unsplash
