Vertical Farming – A Tool in the Sustainable Arsenal

The problem at hand

Cutting-edge technology and revolutionary new methods pave the way for substantially improved yields. Additionally, a more interconnected global network has provided the basis for smoother international supply. By 2030 however, experts project world population will grow by a further 33%, increasing to 9.9 billion by 2050. With a predicted carrying capacity of between 9 to 10 billion people, the planet draws closer to a point where it can no longer produce sufficient natural resources to sustain all-natural life. Therefore, global land management will ultimately play a crucial role in our ability to feed future populations. Vertical farming offers a solution.

What is vertical farming?

Chiefly, this involves the indoor cultivation of produce traditionally grown on arable farmland. Using environmentally controlled facilities, farmers grow vegetation on a series of vertical shelves. In the absence of soil, plant roots are therefore exposed to nutrient rich water through an automatic recirculating system known as hydroponics. The method allows a greater uptake of nutrients, enhancing the overall yield of the crop. Combined with the stacking system, 1 acre of vertical farming can then produce the equivalent production as 30 acres of traditional farmland. The process offers a far less land intensive method, with facilities allowing high demand produce to be grown year round. Additionally, the produce is safe from extreme weather conditions that frequently hinder arable farming practices. Further, vertical farmers generally abandon pesticides and herbicides, replacing them with ladybirds and targeted biological controls.

The benefits of vertical farming

A handful of European countries are already realising the benefits of vertical farming. Most notably, The Netherlands utilise this process in their agriculture practices, and have done for generations. Whilst ranked 31st in the EU for total land mass (Km2), they are the 2nd largest exporter of foods in Europe. They offer the perfect example of successful scaling up of vertical farming.

Evidence suggests that their implementation can have profound effects on more than just food production. Current intensive agriculture techniques are fossil fuel intensive. Markedly, it is estimated that arable and livestock farming account for 10% of total UK emissions. Vertical farming on the other hand emits very few green house gases. It therefore represents part of the solution to mitigating growing concerns over climate warming and food supply.

The path forwards

There is no doubt that traditional agriculture must continue to supply food production and countryside stewardship. Locally sourced low intensity food grown on well managed land is an essential part of historic human development. Further, the current swing to more sustainable practices will promote carbon storage in soils and help to stabilise climate change. These practices include regenerative farming, shallow tilling, multi-planting, and reduced reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Conclusions

Recognising the increase in global population density, we as a global community need more sustainable farming methods. We need these to supplement our supply chains without encroaching further on land that currently supports woodland and forests. This is certainly the case in developing countries. In doing so, those areas can help in the fight to reduce warming, acting as sites of significant natural carbon capture. They can also provide a wealth of ecosystem biodiversity. The vertical farming industry has had increasing interest in the UK of late. Investment is growing, and the announcement of 40 new vertical farms across the country adds to their rising number. Vertical farming may represent part of the solution needed in a time of continual population growth and ecological instability.