AgriTech start-up Future Crops, Ltd., is boosting output of a pure, high-yielding basil variety it successfully adapted for cultivation in the company's primarily solar-powered 2,000m2 vertical farm. This aromatic basil variety's advanced, clean-farming technique will impart a long shelf life and secure a steady supply of locally grown, pesticide-free herb to the European market.
The proprietary seeds were developed at the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) by Nativ Dudai, Ph.D., professor, and head of The Unit of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Dudai is considered a prominent global figure in the mapping, breeding, and developing basil varieties. His research team was the first in the world to sequence the whole sweet basil genome.
Royal herb, royal treatment
Designated the "king of herbs," basil is one of the leading three herbs marketed in Europe, alongside mint and coriander. Its distinct aromatic qualities make it a favorite of the culinary world, yet it is unusually demanding to cultivate because of its soft, delicate leaves. Basil requires a minimum of five hours of sunshine daily and thrives in warm, temperate, subtropical climates. It is highly sensitive to cold, making northern Europe less ideal for growing basil. Basil also carries a characteristically short shelf life, as its tender leaves blacken and wilt easily.
"Most of the basil varieties today have been developed to grow in the outdoors in open fields as well as green houses," explains Dudai. " Our goal was breeding varieties that would best fit the novel vertical farming paradigm. Our breakthrough in sequencing the basil genome gave us the modern molecular tools for developing cultivars imbued with very specific desired genetic characteristics. We in particular searched for such traits as resilience to environmental stressors, yield capabilities, as well as flavor and textural properties."
Natural breeding creates the perfect seed
Thanks to extensive shared agronomical know-how and access to Professor Dudai's impressive seed bank and database, basil seeds harboring all the desired traits were selected and brought together via a process of natural breeding to create the perfect seed for cultivation in a vertical farm. This was achieved without genetic modifications or editing. Dudai notes that the team has developed a number of different herb seed varieties via this method. The start-up has finalized negotiations with the ARO Institute to purchase exclusive licensing rights to these seeds for commercialization worldwide.
Future Crops developed ideal climate conditions for its basil, thriving year-round even during the cold Dutch winter. Equipped with precision agricultural technology, this signature basil crop is grown on a unique, nutrient-enriched soil-like substrate. All cultivation parameters, including light, temperature, wind, and humidity, are fully controlled.
"Plants behave very differently in closed environments versus in an open field," asserts Gary Grinspan, CEO and co-founder of Future Crops. "We are constantly observing and tuning into their growth needs to mimic the outdoor field ambiance as much as possible." As a result of these arduous measures, Future Crops' vertically farmed basil has almost tripled its yield over the last three years and boasts a shelf life that stretches over two weeks under optimum storage conditions. It also possesses a distinctive flavor and fragrance that captivates chefs and is completely free of pesticides.
Flavorful, long-life, high-yield basil
"Our basil has received excellent feedback from Genoa residents, who claim it to be as good as the globally renowned Genovese basil," Grinspan adds. Genovese basil is considered the gold standard in basil cultivation, unmatched in quality and flavor, and a favorite of pesto producers.
Future Crops grows a range of basil varieties, including cinnamon, lemon, lime, and Thai basil. With a focus on the retail and foodservice sectors, the company says it also targets food producers, especially pesto makers.
"We have been able to supply a premium pesto brand with basil that was not appropriate for retail but ideal for use as the base for a condiment," explains Grinspan. "This proved instrumental in reducing waste while enabling us to provide high-quality product at a reasonable cost, thus using 100% of the crop and contributing to sustainable sourcing and farming."
Future Crops is continuously improving its basil crops. Its team of agricultural experts is now working to further increase yields significantly by the end of the year to deliver customers fragrant basil at peak freshness.
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