Growing Up: The Rise of Vertical Farming

The world is evolving, and farming is evolving with it. Food insecurity, climate change, and demand for local produce drive the growth of Canadian sustainable agriculture. Imported vegetables and fruits make up over 50%, and 75% (respectively) of the produce Canadians eat. More than 80% of Canadians live in urban areas, making urban agriculture (UA) options even more vital. One alternative agricultural practice that can be adapted for UA is vertical farming. The need for alternative farming is at an all-time high. Although it is not a perfect answer, it is just that—another answer.

For a more in-depth look, check out the article, “Vertical Farming: Breaking New Ground”, by Brooke Cupelli.

Alternative Agricultural Practices:

Traditional farming uses outdoor space, open-field cultivation, pesticides, and irrigation.

Alternative options come in many forms, such as:

• Organic Farming: avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

• Hydroponics: growing plants in water, strictly without soil

• Aquaponics: the addition of fish into a hydroponic system

• Aeroponics: root system suspended in air, without soil or water

• Agroforestry: the integration of trees and shrubs with crops

One type of alternative agricultural practice that utilizes components from many of these alternatives is vertical farming.

What is vertical farming?

Vertical farming is a type of closed environment farming (indoor farming) characterized by growing crops in vertically stacked layers. The central goal is to be able to grow food year-round and have as high a crop yield as possible per square foot. Vertical farming uses a combination of growing techniques, but most commonly utilizes hydroponics.

Vertical farming can scale up and down. It can be container-based, to building-based, and beyond. This allows individual and community-based UA opportunities, all the way to commercialized national and international distribution. Vertical farms can adapt to available space, meaning they can exist in homes, greenhouses, warehouses, shipping containers, repurposed office buildings and more.

These farms can grow year-round. The benefit of vertical gardening goes beyond the growing season. Higher access to local produce allows for lower transportation costs and emissions associated with transportation. Vertical farming uses 70 to 90% less water and 98% less land to produce food volume equivalent to traditional farming. Further benefits include lower labour costs and essentially eliminating the need for chemicals and pesticides.

Challenges facing vertical farming:

Vertical farms rely on artificial light sources. Energy dependency is one of the most significant challenges vertical farm operations face. Startup costs can be high, including purchasing space, installing technology, and general operating expenses. Crop variety can be difficult depending on growing conditions. Currently, the most successful crop yields are lettuce, herbs, and similar vegetation. Solutions are continually developing, allowing for steady positive changes.

Conclusion

Vertical farming is growing in Canada. With a projected 20% growth forecasted by 2027. Solutions for many challenges look for a combination of community support and government policy to aid this growth. Vertical farming is not a singular catch-all solution, but it can be a sustainable step forward.