How does vertical farming fit into sustainable food production?

Vertical farming contributes to sustainable food production by maximising crop yield per unit area, reducing resource use, and minimising environmental impact.

Vertical farming is a revolutionary approach to producing high quantities of nutritious and quality fresh food all year round, without relying on skilled labour, favourable weather, high water usage, fertile soil, and high energy consumption. It is a form of modern farming that utilises indoor farming techniques and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology, where all environmental factors can be controlled. These facilities utilise artificial control of light, environmental control (humidity, temperature, gases) and fertigation.

One of the key benefits of vertical farming is its efficient use of space. Traditional farming methods spread out across large plots of land, but vertical farming stacks crops on top of one another, often in urban environments. This allows for a much higher crop yield per unit area compared to traditional farming methods. For instance, a 1-acre vertical farm is equivalent to a 10 to 20 traditional soil-based acres, depending on the crop.

Vertical farming also uses significantly less water than traditional farming. In vertical farms, water is recycled and reused, reducing the overall water usage by up to 70%. This is particularly beneficial in areas where water is scarce.

Moreover, vertical farming minimises the environmental impact of traditional farming. It reduces the need for deforestation and land conversion for agricultural purposes, thus preserving natural habitats and biodiversity. It also eliminates the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides, as the controlled indoor environment prevents the spread of pests and diseases.

Furthermore, vertical farming can contribute to food security and reduce food miles by enabling year-round crop production close to urban areas. This not only ensures a constant supply of fresh produce but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food from rural farms to urban markets.

In conclusion, vertical farming fits into sustainable food production by maximising efficiency and minimising environmental impact. It represents a promising solution to the increasing demand for food in the face of limited natural resources and climate change.