With a rapidly growing population and harmful agricultural practices for the planet, the future of agriculture needs a change. Vertical farming has existed for thousands of years, but it has recently become popular in the U.S. as the tech industry seeks to make it the future of farming. To be able to produce food for future generations and control climate change, soil degradation and deforestation, vertical farming provides an excellent solution.
Rather than traditional and horizontal agriculture, vertical farming uses vertical surfaces. By using vertically stacked layers, farmers can use 99% less land, 98% less water, and increase production throughout the year compared to traditional farming practices. Vertical farming has been used in countries such as Japan and the Netherlands for decades, but the first example of vertical farming known today is that of the Babylonian Hanging Gardens around 2,500 years ago.
Vertical farms can be integrated into buildings such as skyscrapers, warehouses, shipping containers, greenhouses, rooftops or other indoor spaces that would otherwise be unfit for farming. Vertical farms can be grown in many different structures that can be built nearly anywhere, particularly in populated urban areas or even in depleted areas. When grown in urban areas, the distance traveled between farms and grocery stores is also greatly reduced, meaning a lower carbon footprint.
Vertical farming offers consistent, year-round production and increased production overall. Rather than fruits and vegetables only being available seasonally, vertical farms can produce crops year-round with little dependance on climate or weather. When done correctly, companies can grow everything from leafy greens like lettuce and kale to other common crops like herbs and tomatoes. By being able to recycle water through the system with minimal waste, vertical farms use far less water than traditional farms. By controlling the environment around crops naturally, vertical farming also has little need or even use for pesticides.
While vertical farming has high initial costs, limited crop options, a higher energy consumption and higher food prices, the pros outweigh the cons. With benefits including reduced land use, increased sustainability, year-round production, fresher produce, safer growing environments and improved efficiency, there are many great reasons to adopt vertical farming techniques.
