Vertical farming has gained attention the world over, and the future will likely see several developments and trends in the sector. For instance, continued advancements in technology – including automation, robotics and artificial intelligence – are likely to play a significant role in the efficiency and productivity of vertical farms.
Other innovations include energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LED technology and renewable energy sources; improvements in controlled environments, enabling the cultivation of a wide variety of crops beyond what is currently available; the integration of vertical farms into urban landscapes; and the potential to embrace circular economy principles, where waste products from one process become inputs for another.
One company challenges the “stacked” approach favoured by early vertical farms. GrowPura uses a ‘gondola’ that moves the growing trays under the light, meaning fewer LEDs are required than static systems. Read more about that in our Q&A with GrowPura’s CEO Nick Bateman.
Also in this issue of New AG International, we include a report from the 3rd Symposium on Vertical Farming, held in January, and attended by Oded Achilea. In his article, Achilea cites several presentations during the symposium, focusing on nutrient requirements, lighting needs and crop types.
What we can learn from current vertical farming enterprises is that ongoing research and development efforts will likely focus on addressing challenges such as cost reduction, scalability and optimizing growing conditions. Innovations in plant genetics, nutrient delivery systems and disease prevention methods may further improve the efficiency and viability of vertical farming.
“From sand to green” Nowhere is the evolution of vertical farms more apparent than in the world’s arid areas. According to Michael Tanchum, CEO of Nexus Foresight and Universidad de Navarra professor, vertical farming in the Middle East and Africa is forecasted to grow at a 21.7 percent CAGR, reaching US$6.2 billion by 2030. In this issue of New AG International, Tanchum writes that “during the past two years, new vertical farming projects on the Arabian Peninsula have proven so successful that the region appears poised for a revolutionary transformation in agricultural productivity.” Read Tanchum’sstory under our Products and Trends section.
Challenges remainLike any new trend, downsides and challenges continue to thwart uptake of vertical farming, with high initial investment often cited as the number one challenge. Indeed, establishing a vertical farm requires a significant upfront investment in infrastructure, technology and specialized equipment. Thus, initial costs can be a barrier for many potential investors and farmers.
New AG International spoke with Henry Gordon-Smith, founder and CEO of Agritecture, a consultancy that specializes in urban and controlled environment agriculture, regenerative agriculture, agritourism and comprehensive food systems planning. Gordon-Smith maintains the influx of tech-centric companies into the vertical farming space has been consistent, and that it's understandable given the allure of innovation and the potential for raising significant investment. Gordon-Smith goes deeper on the topic in a Q&A following the UAE Regional Report in this issue.
Other challenges include the fact that vertical farms rely heavily on artificial lighting, usually using energy-intensive technologies such as LEDs. The energy consumption of these systems can contribute to high operational costs and may counterbalance some of the sustainability benefits. And while vertical farms maximize the use of vertical space, they often sacrifice horizontal space efficiency. This can limit the overall cultivation area compared to traditional farms, potentially impacting the scale of production.
While advancements are being made, not all crops are well-suited for vertical farming. Some plants, particularly those with large root systems or specific growth requirements, may be challenging to cultivate in vertical systems. Also, vertical farming heavily relies on technology, and any failures or malfunctions in the systems can lead to crop loss. The dependency on artificial environments makes vertical farms vulnerable to power outages or technical issues. In addition, the production and disposal of materials such as LED lights, hydroponic systems and other technology components can have environmental implications.
Despite the controlled environment, the overall yield per square metre may not always surpass traditional farming methods for certain crops. Efficiency gains may be offset by the costs associated with vertical farming technologies. And while hydroponic and aeroponic systems can be more water-efficient than traditional farming, the overall water usage in vertical farming can still be substantial.
Overall, the future of vertical farming looks bright. Continued collaboration and partnerships between vertical farming companies and food retailiers, restaurants and other stakeholders in the food industry help to create new distribution channels with the potential to provide a more sustainable and efficient way of producing food the world over.
We hope you enjoy this issue of New AG International. ●
