Odds are, among many, that’d be a nope.
Fair enough. But spurred by factors such as a burgeoning population and dwindling land availability, it might be time to rearrange your mindset. After all, vertical farming could be leveraged to meet the world’s expanding food demands in light of a growing population and the availability of too little farmland, according to
bygus.com.
However, before you pull the trigger, what, exactly, you might ask, is vertical farming?
Well, it’s a type of agricultural though which crops are grown in vertically stacked layers, according to
byjus.com. And it doesn’t unfold randomly; it’s conducted in a controlled environment tough the use of various techniques, including aquaponics, hydroponics and aeroponics, where soil isn’t used.
Now, the U.S. vertical farming market’s highly fragmented, according to
mordorintelligence.com. Across the country, in 2019, there were more than 2,000 farms. Small farms outnumber their larger counterparts.
Over the past 10 years, in Europe, Asia and North America, the number of vertical farm’s climbed significantly, according to
verticalfarmingplanet.com.
In 2020, the value of the vertical farming market checked in at $3.24 billion and, by 2030, was expected to hit $24.11 billion, according to
alliedmarketresearch.com. The catalyst of the uptick? Factors like a growing trend of using organic foods; optimal use of vertical space; and minimal impact of weather on yield.
According to
intelligentgrowthsolutions, through a commitment and innovative community fueling its adoption, vertical farming could impact areas of global agriculture and environmental need.
In fact, globally, major challenges are fanning the need for a large and urgent transformation in food production and distribution. The population of the world’s expected to escalate from $7.6 billion today to $8.6 billion in 2030, and $9.8 billion in 2050, according to The World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision, published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affair.
And just in case you’re thinking that sounds like a pretty heavy load for vertical farming to take on, thanks to their highly automated facilities and controlled conditions, on a year round basis, vertical farms are up to the task of producing a wide range of fresh pesticide and herbicide free crops, according to
verticalfarmingplanet.com. What’s more, together, they can nip major environmental polluters such as agricultural runoff in the bud and put a crimp in greenhouse gas emissions.
You might say that vertical farms are anything but cookie cutter; after all, there are a few known types, according to
bygus.com.
Vertical farms in buildings are where abandoned structures are repurposed for such a use. However—based on the requirements—new buildings also are leveraged for their construction.
Another’s shipping-container vertical farms, a type of vertically stacked farm, dated or recycled shipping containers, equipped with LED lighting, climate controls and monitoring sensors. They can preserve space and, in the process, generate a higher yield.
Then there’s underground forms of vertical farms—or ‘Deep Farms’. They’re erected in underground tunnels, abandoned mine shafts or any subterranean environment. Due to constant temperature and humidity, they don’t require as much energy for heating. What’s more, an underground water supply can be tapped. Compared to a conventional farm, vertical farms can produce seven to nine times more food than a convention farm.
Vertical farming boasts numerous advantages over traditional farming. For one, vertical farming enables year-round crop production, according to growlink.com. Since it doesn’t depend on weather and isn’t hindered by adverse conditions, consistent year crop production’s well in its wheelhouse.
What’s more, growing in a safe, climate-controlled environment allows for repeatable and programmable crop production. Technology allows automation to reduce harvest times and improve yield without compromising on flavor or quality.
Another upside revolves around the more efficient use of space. While traditional farms require ample fertile arable land, climate and location play no role in the way vertical farms can be designed and built. You also reap greater productivity in a relatively small space with vertical farming. Potentially, based on the crops grown, one acre of this type of farm will grow the equivalent of 10 to 20 soil-based acres.
Vertical farming’s also more sustainable than soil farming. Because it shores the amount of fossil fuels required for farming equipment, indoor farming can ne more environmentally friendly. On top of that, while energy bills can carry a high price tag, solar can help mitigate these costs to the environment.
All of that’s not to mention lower labor costs. There’s no need for large amounts of manual labor to fulfill reach round production with a fully automated indoor growing system and greenhouses. While, yes, staff’s required to undertake crop registration and make sure equipment’s fully functional, overseeing the growing environment means far few people are required.
And the ability to produce fresh greens and vegetables near growing urban populations could satisfy expanding food demands in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way, according to
usda.gov. How? By cutting distributions chains to culminate in decreased emissions to provide higher nutrient produce and reducing—big time—the use of water and runoff.
Now, not to be “Johnny Downer,” of course, but vertical farming isn’t all roses and petals. For instance, it means
higher costs due to the complexity of the original setup and unabated monitoring, which means securing a trained, qualified staff’s one of the most significant drawbacks of vertical farming.
Compounding matters, the key mechanism required to constantly cycle, remove and replace plants in the stacking system tend to come at considerable cost. Another expense: ongoing maintenance, since, likely, energy bills will be high. What’s more, typically the devices that control humidity, temperature, and light levels will carry a hefty cost to service and fix.
Another matter evolves around operational factors. After all, vertical farming technology’s remains steeped in development. Yes, early investment could mean benefits in Vertical farming technology, the technology could fairly quickly become stale as later stage competitors devise more advanced solutions. And the crop processing infrastructure to handle large-scale harvests effectively on a local level still is a work in progress.
And the beat goes on. Not only can vertical farming cut a chunk into the bottom line, in some urban settings—with nosebleed price tags in real estate—compared to traditional farming, maintenance fees can really mount, according to
bygus.com.
Not to pile on, but during the growing season, on a vertical surface, the sun shines at an extreme angle. That means crops aren’t exposed to as much light than they are when planted on flat land. That would create a need for supplemental light.
Okay, then. So, ups and downs aside, peeking into the spanking new crystal ball, given the world’s on an unmistakable trajectory for severe problems and that a perpetually burgeoning population that must be fed in a way that combines a trio of practicality, affordability and sustainability, vertical farming—abetted by additional research and funding—could blossom into the new normal, according to
europeanbusnessreview.com.
Speaking of which, funding opportunities are available through the National Institute for Food and Agriculture that could enable vertical agriculture conferences and research down the line, according to
usda.gov. Furthermore, the Agricultural Research Service is undertaking a project to step up U.S. tomato production and quality in greenhouses and other protected-environments.
