In the vibrant city of The Hague, an innovative Dutch agri-tech company is revolutionizing the way we think about food production and retail. LocalDutch has come up with an exciting concept that merges greenhouse farming with grocery shopping and delivery services all in one location.
Their initiative, known as Urban Farm Shops, aims to seamlessly integrate on-site food cultivation with direct-to-consumer sales and local delivery. This approach not only hopes to cut down on transportation costs but also seeks to minimize food waste, creating a more sustainable food system.
LocalDutch envisions a straightforward and scalable model: cultivating fresh vegetables year-round, selling them within the community, and fostering a social hub centered around locally grown food. This local emphasis is particularly crucial in regions across the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa, where access to fresh produce can be limited and supply chains often depend on long-distance transportation.
The Urban Farm Shops will generate revenue through direct retail sales, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships, and partnerships for last-mile delivery. This flexible framework allows the model to adapt to various local markets while maintaining a consistent operational structure.
Arne Spliet, co-founder of LocalDutch, expressed excitement about bringing this Dutch technology to the United States, stating, “We are applying our effective and scalable systems to meet the urgent needs of communities worldwide. Our automated greenhouse model helps overcome the challenge of finding skilled climate specialists, ensuring stable and successful local production.”
For those curious about the challenges of launching such a venture, LocalDutch points to the expertise needed to maintain a high-performing greenhouse. Optimal climate control typically requires specialized knowledge, which can be hard to come by. However, LocalDutch offers a solution through automation.
Their system employs an indoor climate “autopilot,” effectively managed through AI and cloud technologies. This allows each location to operate smoothly, without the constant need for rare climate specialists on-site.
So far, the ambitious Urban Farm Shops concept has garnered significant attention from investors, with over $68 million in funding proposals already received. Additionally, in February 2025, LocalDutch was awarded a $40,000 grant from Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Innovation Program to further support their automated greenhouse model.
Would you consider shopping at an Urban Farm Shop? This innovative Dutch concept is ready to take root on American soil!
