Is vertical farming a good idea?
One company has turned heads of late! Today we look at a very exciting indoor agricultural technology firm!
Vertical Harvest Farms is a greenhouse farm located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA. It was founded in 2016 by Nona Yehia and Penny McBride. The concept of Vertical Harvest Farms began in 2009 when Yehia, an architect, and McBride, a sustainable business consultant, met and discussed ways to address food insecurity in their community.
According to their website:
Vertical Harvest energizes local food systems via hydroponic, vertical, controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) to deliver healthier food and futures. We work with communities to develop underutilized space in urban, underserved neighborhoods, grow “up” on a fraction of the land required by traditional agriculture, while using 85% less water to deliver our produce at peak flavor and nutrition, year-round. We prioritize both our social impact and profitability, by leveraging a mix of public/private partnerships and operating with a customized, inclusive employment model currently focused on individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Additionally, we ensure each farm innovates at the intersection of climate, food accessibility and economic inclusivity to leverage food as a medium for change. Our goal is to develop a network of farms that serve locally, support regionally and scale nationally to bring food production closer to home and keep local dollars in-community longer.
Is vertical farming profitable?
In 2010, they won a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to study the feasibility of a vertical greenhouse in downtown Jackson Hole. Moreover, after conducting extensive research and engaging with the community, they developed a plan to build a three-story hydroponic greenhouse on a 4,500-square-foot lot owned by the town.
Construction of the greenhouse began in 2014, and Vertical Harvest Farms opened for business in 2016. The greenhouse became built with a design to maximize its use of space. As a result of using a vertical growing system. Furthermore, the plants are grown hydroponically, which means they are grown without soil and receive nutrients through a water-based solution.
Vertical Harvest Farms uses sustainable growing practices, less water and growing plants without pesticides or herbicides. They also employ people with disabilities, providing meaningful employment opportunities and promoting social inclusion.
Since its opening, Vertical Harvest Farms has become recognized for its innovative approach to agriculture. Furthermore, its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Lastly, it received numerous awards, including the 2017 American Institute of Architects Small Projects Award and the 2019 Wyoming Governor’s Arts Award for the creative economy.
Is vertical farming a good idea?
Vertical Farming : The Future of Feeding our Planet?
What are the pros and cons of vertical farming? (rebellionresearch.com)
Don’t Count Out Vertical Farms | The Breakthrough Institute
Can vertical farms save the planet? Here’s what it will take. Money Smarts (millionstories.com)
Vertical Farming Isn’t the Solution to Our Food Crisis (undark.org)
Is vertical farming a good idea?
