A new project will explore the potential for underground food production in a working deep sea salt mine off the coast of north east England
A new research project will test the viability of a vertical salad farm 1.1km underground, thanks to a UKRI-funded project between the University of Sheffield and Farm Urban.
The farm, which will be built at the Boulby Underground Laboratory, itself based in a working polyhalite and salt mine off the coast of Whitby, is being described as ‘the world’s deepest vertical farm’.
Designed the explore the potential for underground food production, researchers will use the site’s naturally stable environment to reduce energy costs associated with heating and ventilation, test crop viability at a world-record depth, and develop a model that could transform other disused UK mines into sustainable food hubs.
Launching in spring 2026, the 12-month study will combine cutting-edge commercial technology with the academic expertise of Sheffield’s Institute for Sustainable Food’s focus on controlled environment production.
