Vertical farming in the UK: Industry overview

Added on 30 August 2022

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Vertical farming has gained popularity in the UK in recent years as vertical farms are being set up in cities across the country. Private and government funds are widely supporting vertical farming across the country, aiming to promote and integrate this approach into urban centers. For instance, in an urban environment, such as London vertical farms can guarantee a constant fresh supply to its population at any time.

Traditional agriculture in the UK often makes excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, and it continuously suffers from labor shortages. As a result, vertical farming and urban agriculture are rapidly integrating into the skyline of many British cities.

A growing number of vertical farms and vertical farming technology companies are currently operating in British cities, where they deliver fresh, pest-free produce to local supermarkets and consumers. Continue reading to learn more about some of the most innovative vertical farms in the UK, the size of the UK vertical farming market, and the research and education opportunities available to anyone who has an interest in vertical farming.

Vertical Farming Conditions in the UK

Agriculture in the United Kingdom is highly automated and efficient, and it produces about 64% of the total amount of food consumed in the country. However, climate change, Brexit, workforce shortages, and other environmental challenges are putting increased pressure on farmers and the agricultural sector in the UK.

The traditional agricultural sector occupies about 69% of the country's land area, with most farmland located in the East of England. As of 2020, 83.9% of the UK's population lives in urban areas. There are about 55.91 million urban dwellers and only 10.93 million rural residents. Vertical farms have a great potential to feed the increasingly urban population of the UK while taking advantage of vacant buildings, factories, and other community dead spaces in the cities. Furthermore, urban dwellers will have easy access to highly nutritious and carbon-neutral fresh produce within 24 hours of harvesting.