Vertical farms worldwide are facing significant challenges and failures primarily due to their unsustainable economic model and operational constraints. The fundamental issue lies in their extremely high operational costs, particularly in terms of energy consumption for artificial lighting and climate control, which can account for up to 30% of total operational expenses. Labor costs also remain surprisingly high despite automation, as skilled workers are needed to manage complex hydroponic systems and maintain sterile environments. The limited crop selection poses another major challenge - while vertical farms can technically grow various crops, they are economically viable for only a few high-value, quick-turning crops like leafy greens and herbs, which ultimately restricts their market potential and revenue streams. Capital costs for establishing these facilities are enormous, with sophisticated technology and infrastructure requirements demanding substantial initial investments that take years to recover. The competitive landscape has also proven challenging, as vertical farms struggle to price their produce competitively against traditional farming while maintaining profitability, especially when accounting for technology maintenance and replacement costs. Additionally, many vertical farming companies have overestimated market demand and consumer willingness to pay premium prices for their produce, leading to revenue shortfalls. Technical challenges such as maintaining consistent environmental conditions, managing pests in enclosed spaces, and optimizing growth recipes for different crops have further complicated operations and increased costs. The combination of these factors has led to the closure of several high-profile vertical farming operations and has raised serious questions about the current business model's long-term viability without significant technological advancements or cost reductions.

As for many people think; that plants only grew with certain nutrients and water. Plants and crops that are grown in soil, contain several other caracteristics that are not found in the vertical system plant development. This caracteristics vary from flavor, silicium components from clay particles, vitamins and aminoacids that come from microbial organism from the soil, making the vertical crop system far from getting the whole benefits that soil farming has.

Vertical farms were once seen as the future of agriculture, promising year-round fresh produce with minimal land use and reduced water consumption. However, many vertical farms worldwide are struggling or failing due to several key challenges:

1. High Energy Costs

• Vertical farms rely heavily on artificial lighting (LEDs) and climate control systems, which consume vast amounts of electricity.
• Rising energy prices have made operations unsustainable, especially in regions where electricity costs are high.

2. Expensive Infrastructure & Operating Costs

• Setting up a vertical farm requires significant upfront capital for technology, automation, and building modifications.
• Ongoing costs, including maintenance, labor, and materials, often outweigh revenues from crop sales.

3. Limited Crop Variety

• Vertical farming is most viable for leafy greens, herbs, and some fruits (e.g., strawberries), but staple crops like wheat, corn, and rice are not economically feasible.
• This limits profitability and market reach.

4. Price Competition with Traditional Farming

• Traditional farms, especially those using open fields or greenhouses, produce crops at a lower cost.
• Consumers are often unwilling to pay a premium for vertically farmed produce, making it hard for these farms to compete.

5. Difficult Scalability & Profitability

• While small-scale vertical farms may work, scaling up profitably is challenging due to high recurring costs.
• Many startups secure initial investments but struggle to sustain operations once funding runs out.

6. Supply Chain & Market Challenges

• Distributing vertical farm produce can be complex, requiring specialized logistics.
• Some regions lack demand for high-cost indoor-grown produce.

7. Technological & Mechanical Failures

• Complex automation systems can fail, requiring costly repairs and expert intervention.
• Crop failures in a controlled environment can lead to total losses.

8. Investment Hype vs. Reality

• Many vertical farming startups were overhyped, attracting venture capital without a clear path to profitability.
• As investors seek returns, many unsustainable ventures collapse.

Possible Solutions?

• Using renewable energy sources to cut electricity costs.
• Expanding crop variety with better genetic and technological advances.
• Partnering with local businesses to ensure a steady customer base.
• Focusing on niche markets where premium prices are acceptable

As fazendas verticais, quando bem implementadas, podem ser vistas como uma alternativa sustentável à agricultura convencional, pois reduzem o uso de água, o desmatamento e a necessidade de agrotóxicos. No entanto, é necessário questionar se essa tecnologia está sendo usada de forma a beneficiar as comunidades locais e se não está reproduzindo lógicas de concentração de poder e recursos. Ailton Krenak faz uma crítica bastante contundente a formas de sustentabilidade que visam somente o lucro de grandes corporações capitalistas em detrimento da conexão do ser humano com a natureza.

1. High cos installation and technology

2. Limited technology and facilities

3. High energy demand and residual wast related environmental problems