VF: The future of the farming industry

VF: The future of the farming industry

Agriculture has seen a significant transformation over the past hundred years, with improvements in technology allowing for more land to be farmed with greater efficiency and advancements in seeds, irrigation, and fertilisers have increased yields. Now, a new technological revolution in the form of indoor vertical farming systems are giving rise to a new era for the agricultural industry.

This innovative food production system can significantly increase crop yields while increasing efficiency and fortifying the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems. But what exactly is vertical farming and why is it so important?

What is vertical farming?

Vertical farming systems are a type of agriculture where crops, such as herbs and leafy greens, are grown indoors in vertically stacked layers instead of in horizontal rows in the ground, like traditional  (open field and glasshouse) agriculture methods. This system is optimised through the use of technology such as LED lighting, closed-loop water recycling, and total climate control.

How do vertical farms work?

At IGS, our vertical farming technology  (we call them Growth Towers) allows for complete control over environmental elements, such as lighting, irrigation, CO2 levels, and nutrient delivery. Advanced power management delivers optimised energy usage throughout the day and night, ensuring energy costs are as low as possible.

Each tower has its own independent microclimate, which allows for faster, more controlled production, irrespective of the season. You can grow multiple crops or varieties in one Growth Tower,.

Unlike arable farming, you can choose the exact crop you want to grow regardless of the season or weather.,. Vertical agriculture also allows you to grow predictably and consistently to meet market demand and switch quickly to crops that are in short supply.  

Vertical farming allows us to reduce our reliance on imported crops and increase our ability to grow and purchase locally.‍

What are the best plants to grow in a vertical farm?

Vertical farms can grow a wide variety of crops including lettuce, rocket, and many others. Leafy greens and salad types are some of the most common crops grown in vertical farms because there is high demand for them. They are also quick to grow, and they're a reliable crop. Unlike an open field, where salads are at high risk from pests an disease, vertical farm produce is grown without the use of pesticides.

https://www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/news/vertical-farming-the-future-of-the-farming-industry

Photo Courtesy of Intelligent Growth Solutions

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