The Future of Farming: Taking the Greenhouse to a Whole New Level
Sustainable, fresh, local, and environmentally responsible are just a few terms used to describe a method of farming that is quickly gaining the attention of the USDA and its stakeholders alike. When you imagine the practice of vertical farming what do you imagine? For me, I imagine a long pole with various types of fruits and vegetables spreading their roots both high and low. But as reality sets in, I begin to consider the basics of gardening I learned way back, in what may have been, my first lesson in science as a child. Companies like Freight Farms, AeroFarms, and S2G Ventures are pioneering the way to meet those basic needs of sunlight, water, and food by turning an old concept into a large-scale production.
How Does It Work?
By understanding plant genetics and biology, a closed loop system allows for aeroponic technology to provide plants with everything they need to thrive. When thinking about future use for large-scale production, precision aeroponics allows growers to control nutrients, water, and oxygen absorbed to yield higher quality products in larger quantities, while reducing costs, water used, and avoiding pesticides completely. By avoiding the traditional route, a growing cloth medium allows a plant’s roots to be misted with nutrient-dense water on one side while holding in place a ready-to-eat product under a perfectly tailored LED light on the other.
What Are The Benefits?
By utilizing a fully controlled environment, vertical farming opens the door for year-round growth of seasonal plants, decreased risk of food-borne illnesses, and opportunities to provide fresh produce in locations lacking this basic human right before. In addition to these consumer benefits, its environmental impact is worth noting as the practice requires up to 95% less water, 99% less land, and zero run-offs of pesticides compared to traditional.
Giving New Meaning To Farm-to-Table
Vertical farming is far from a new concept and has been a useful method for individuals with little land for traditional gardening. Check out the links below for tips on starting your own vertical garden at home with a low-cost system to get you started:
DIY Tips- https://www.diys.com/vertical-farming/
-PR
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/08/14/vertical-farming-future
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3880525/802AE7093CFCAA4D48B7D657EF61D446
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