Vertical Farming

Urban areas, consuming nearly 80 percent of global food production, are increasingly turning to urban farming to bring food production closer to consumption centers. This concept is not new, but it is evolving with technological advancements enhancing efficiency and sustainability. A significant trend in this area is vertical farming, in which plants are grown in stacked layers, mostly indoors. This market is expected to reach $50 billion by 2032.

Technological innovations in vertical farming aim to make it a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture, focusing on crops that require less space and no pollination, like herbs and leafy greens. Challenges such as limited space, high energy use, pest control, and effective water and light management are being addressed with advancements in robotics, AI, and even electricity-boosted crops. Additionally, the shift towards hybrid work models has opened possibilities for converting empty office spaces into urban farming sites, reimagining the future of urban centers with integrated fresh food production. Planners should be aware of the potential for such emerging approaches to augment local food production in urban areas.