Vertical farming refers to the process of producing crops in vertically stacked layers. It often integrates soilless agriculture techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics, as well as controlled environment farming, which seeks to optimize plant growth.
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The main benefit of using vertical farming technologies is higher crop yields that come with less unit land requirement. At the same time, the ability to grow more varieties of crops is increasing.
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In vertical farming practices, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is used to alter the natural environment to increase crop yield or extend the growing season. Since the crops are indoors, they are not affected by unexpected weather events and the crop loss rate is very low. Environmental factors such as air, temperature, light, water, humidity, carbon dioxide and plant nutrition can be controlled and by being in well-controlled environments, vertical farms can grow food anywhere in any climate and in any country with access to a power source and water.
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With the cultivation in a sterile and controlled environment, much lower quantities of fertilisers and zero-chemical pesticides are used. Vertical farming produces pesticide-free, non-GMO and organic equivalent food with high nutritional value. There is no need for triple washing to remove pesticides before eating.
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According to UN reports, it is estimated that the world population will exceed 9 billion and more than 50% of the population will be living in cities by 2050. Vertical farming is a predictable response to possible food shortages as the population increases.
With this method, environmentally responsible production can be achieved by reducing emissions and reducing the water needed. This type of urban farming will reduce the expense of intermediary distribution, logistic costs and product losses, from farm to sale.
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The food problem and nutritional insecurity is a serious problem in urban centers where the global population is projected to increase. Especially with the COVID-19 outbreak, food access has been restricted due to the increase in food insecurity in the food supply chain. Vertical farming can potentially benefit the quality and safety of food, contribute to sustainable urban agriculture, and increase food production.
Traditional agriculture is plagued with concerns over the freshness, health and nutrition of food as well as the consumer’s health and ecological sustainability. Vertically-farmed food solves many of the issues related to traditional farming. By operating in a controlled environment and in an ecologically efficient manner, it opens an array of opportunities for sustainable food sourcing.
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Vertical farming requires energy. The use of sustainable energy sources such as solar energy, wind turbines and other clean energy alternatives is in line with the high sustainability references of vertical farming. These sources provide an increasingly cheap source of electricity in many parts of the world, and vertical farms are using renewable energy sources for their energy needs.
Production unit at -8th floor of a closed car park.