How does vertical farming affect the economy and people choose vertical farming and vertical farming produce more food on less land?
Vertical farms use less fertilizer than traditional farms, as it can be applied directly to the roots of the plants, with any wastage being recycled and recirculated. Vertical farming provides an employment opportunity, to support the local economy and healthy food in neighborhoods where fresh produce is scarce. Vertical Farming can be beneficial for increasing in food production, maintaining the high-quality products, safety and also contributing to sustainable urban farming. Vertical farms are able to grow food year-round because they maintain consistent growing conditions regardless of the weather outside and are much less vulnerable to climate changes. This promises a steady flow of products for the consumers and a consistent income for growers. Vertical farming may be the answer everyone is looking for. Vertical farming is sustainable, uses less space and water than traditional farming, isn't dependent on the weather, and it delivers fresh products all year long. By using vertically stacked layers, farmers can produce much more food on the same amount of land. Often these layers are integrated into buildings such as skyscrapers, housed in warehouses or shipping containers, greenhouses or placed in spaces that would otherwise be unfit for farming.
https://blogs.nicholas.duke.edu/env212/economic-viability-of-vertical-farming-overcoming-financial-obstacles-to-a-greener-future-of-farming/
Dear Dr Naresh,
Vertical farming is a relatively new farming method involving growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in controlled environments such as warehouses or shipping containers. One of the potential benefits of vertical farming is that it can produce more food on less land than traditional farming methods. This is because vertical farms can stack crops on top of each other, allowing for greater crop density and a higher yield per square foot of land.
In terms of its impact on the economy, vertical farming has the potential to create new jobs in the agriculture and technology sectors. As the industry grows, there will likely be a demand for workers with plant science, engineering, and data analysis skills. Additionally, vertical farming may provide local communities with a more reliable and consistent supply of fresh produce, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and potentially lowering food prices.
There are also potential benefits to individuals and communities who engage in or support vertical farming. For example, vertical farms can be located in urban areas, providing fresh produce to residents who may not have easy access to traditional grocery stores or farmers' markets. Vertical farming can also be a more sustainable option than traditional farming, as it can reduce the amount of water and other resources needed to grow crops and minimize the use of pesticides and other chemicals.
However, it's important to note that vertical farming has challenges. The initial investment costs of setting up a vertical farm can be high, and the technology and equipment required to maintain a controlled environment can be complex. Additionally, vertical farming relies heavily on artificial lighting and climate control, which can be energy-intensive and expensive. These factors can make it difficult for small farmers or communities to adopt vertical farming as a viable option.
In Vietnam, one example of how vertical farming is affecting the economy and local communities is the company FPT Smart Agriculture. This company has developed a vertical farming system that uses hydroponic technology to grow vegetables in a controlled environment.
Using vertical farming, FPT Smart Agriculture can produce up to 150 tons of vegetables per year in a space that normally only yields 1-2 tons using traditional farming methods. This increased efficiency and productivity has helped to address food shortages in Vietnam, particularly in urban areas where access to fresh produce can be limited.
Additionally, the company has created new jobs in the agriculture and technology sectors. Workers are needed to maintain the vertical farming systems and manage the data and analytics associated with crop growth. The company has also partnered with local communities to provide fresh produce and support sustainable farming practices.
However, challenges remain to be addressed, such as the high initial investment costs of setting up a vertical farm and the energy requirements of maintaining a controlled environment. Despite these challenges, FPT Smart Agriculture's success demonstrates the potential benefits of vertical farming for Vietnam's economy and local communities.
Best regards
In many ways, vertical farming has succeeded in making large-scale food production more sustainable. The fewer resources spent, the better, and vertical farming have reduced all but power consumption. In short, it makes no use of arable land.