Welcome to ComCrop
In an abiding commitment to sustainability and community, ComCrop is blazing a trail for urban agriculture in Singapore. First established in 2011, the island’s first-ever commercial rooftop farm relies on advanced hydroponics technology and dedicated members of the community to nurture its bounty of pesticide-free herbs and vegetables.
With plans to expand production to 220 tonnes of crops per annum by 2021 and expansion of the farm currently underway, the sky is certainly the limit for these local farming pioneers.
Raising the roof with urban farming
ComCrop’s co-owner and CEO Peter Barber shares his insights on running a thriving rooftop farm.
Finding the right balance
While indoor farming may have its own benefits, ComCrop employs a hybrid model of urban agriculture that balances both cost and efficiency.
“As a hybrid farm, we’ve been able to embrace modern indoor farming technology in combination with a cost-effective environment,” Peter explains. “We can use natural sunlight supplemented with artificial lighting to grow [our crops], which makes our energy costs lower than an indoor farm.”
Committed to pesticide-free produce
“Most people don’t connect the dots, but pesticide can be harmful, and cooking doesn’t get rid of it,” Peter shares. “We need to educate people on the choices that they make when they purchase their groceries.”
ComCrop is so committed to delivering pesticide-free produce that the company was willing to lose a harvest to pests, rather than spray their crops with chemicals.
A labour of love
Despite advances in agricultural technology and automation, farming remains a labour of love that requires both manpower and constant attention.
“We seed in a nursery for about two weeks, before the seedlings get transplanted to a hydroponic growing channel,” Peter explains. “During that process, we’re monitoring factors like water, light and nutrient levels and adjusting those to optimum levels. Most of the manpower goes into transplanting, harvesting and cleaning.”
Cultivating a community
Besides feeding the heartlands, ComCrop’s commitment to growing local also comes in the form of partnering senior citizens and other members of the community to help grow their crops.
“We work with groups like Apex Harmony to do the seeding for us,” Peter shares. “I’d much rather spend money on that than buy a seeding machine — Sustainable farming isn’t just about processes, but people as well.”
Fascinating farm facts
Modern day farming is a fascinating profession. Learn more about ComCrop with these fun factoids.
Basil’s name stems from the tin word ‘basileus’, which means ‘emperor’. Being completely pesticide-free, the ones grown at ComCrop are certainly fit for a royal palate.
Pesto — one of ComCrop’s most popular products — can trace its history all the way back to Ancient Rome.
In Peter’s view, people should pick their vegetables based on how they’re grown, rather than how they look. “If an insect has had a go at it, it hasn’t been drenched in pesticides,” he explains.
Feast for SG’S food security
Eat local and do your part to support our local farming community.
Eager to taste the vegetables from ComCrop for yourself? You’ll be able to buy their produce from RedMart and supermarkets like FairPrice Finest. You can also check out ComCrop’s vegetable growing showcase at FairPrice Xtra (VivoCity).
Keep an eye out for the SG Fresh Produce logo to sample produce proudly grown and harvested on Singaporean soil.
