The company Paradise Farms and the municipality of Ölfus have decided to finalize their intention to lease up to 50 hectares intended for green food production and especially large greenhouses. At first, the company intends to produce fairly traditional crops, such as tomatoes, cabbage, and peppers, but later they will also produce mango, avocado, beans, papaya and more, according to the plans shown during the meeting in the municipality of Ölfus.
Paradise Farms are aiming for five thousand tonnes of production in the first year and are looking especially for export.
Gunnar Þorgeirsson, chairman of the Horticultural Farmers Association, says that they are expecting to put one hundred thousand square meters under glass - with an expansion potential of up to five hundred thousand square meters, which corresponds to the aforementioned 50 hectares. "The project needs ample elbow room if this is to become a reality," he says.
Asked whether it is feasible to cultivate the tropical fruit species mentioned earlier, Gunnar states it depends on energy prices. Informal discussions have taken place on this point. "It's about getting energy, both electricity and hot water, at a reasonable price," he says.
As lliði Vignisson, mayor of Ölfus, points out, the municipality has a very special position and has a policy of specializing in the production of environmentally friendly foods. The 730 square kilometers of land in the municipality are well suited for growing, on top of that there is a large water reservoir, the area is very energy efficient, and there is a large port for import and export - in short, the perfect location for a such a project.
Sources: Frettabladid & Visir (Garðar Örn Úlfarsson)