In the agricultural heart of Seed Valley, Wageningen, a pivotal event took place that shed light on the state of vertical farming. At the Sky High Day, industry professionals, researchers, and innovators gathered to discuss the future of vertical farming, a concept that promised efficient, sustainable urban food production. While the dream remains compelling, the reality of implementing these systems on a large scale reveals a complex web of bottlenecks and hurdles.
The Vertical Farming Hype and Hard Realities
Over the past decade, vertical farming has captured imaginations and wallets. By 2021, over $2.1 billion had been invested into developing large-scale indoor farms, driven by the allure of growing crops in climate-controlled, pesticide-free environments that use significantly less water and land. Yet, the industry is now undergoing a “shake up and shake out” phase, as WUR Professor Leo Marcelis described, where only the most adaptable and cost-effective operations will survive.
The soaring energy costs following geopolitical events like the war in Ukraine have particularly exposed the vulnerabilities of energy-dependent vertical farms. Artificial lighting and climate control are expensive, and as energy prices have increased, many vertical farms have shuttered their operations. The need for advancements in energy efficiency is more critical than ever.
Innovations and Energy Management
Despite these hurdles, vertical farming continues to evolve. Professor Marcelis emphasized that while vertical farming may not be a panacea for all agricultural challenges, it remains a crucial component of future food systems. To make it sustainable, the sector must focus on integrating renewable energy sources and using energy flexibly. For instance, energy usage could be optimized by adjusting crop light exposure to off-peak hours when the energy grid is under less demand.
There have been some promising developments in lighting technology. LED efficiency has significantly improved over the years, but experts argue there is still room for optimization. Innovations like dynamic lighting—adjusting light intensity based on real-time energy pricing—could further cut costs.
Another key area is crop flexibility. Some plant species can tolerate reduced light on days when energy is costly, which presents an opportunity for strategic energy management.
Economic Viability and Collaboration
Financial sustainability is another hurdle. High initial investments, costly production, and thin profit margins make vertical farming a risky venture. Labor costs add to the burden, making automation and efficiency critical. Professor Marcelis pointed out that the industry would progress faster with more openness and collaboration. The prevalent practice of requiring non-disclosure agreements slows down innovation. Sharing knowledge, he argues, could benefit the entire sector.
Success Stories and the Way Forward
Despite the challenges, companies like 80 Acres Farms and Growy have proven that success is possible. These ventures highlight the potential of vertical farming to deliver high yields with minimal environmental impact. Yet, they also underscore that financial and technological sustainability must go hand in hand.
Learning from Greenhouses
Experts also emphasized the need to draw lessons from traditional greenhouses. Both vertical farms and greenhouses face similar energy and cost challenges, but greenhouses benefit from years of practical experience. Combining the controlled precision of vertical farming with the energy efficiency strategies of greenhouses could accelerate innovation.
Jacob Boxhoorn of Bosman Van Zaal argued that the choice between vertical farms and greenhouses must depend on local conditions. In regions with scarce or expensive land, vertical farming is advantageous. However, in areas where land is abundant and cheap, traditional greenhouses remain more economical.
Lighting and Substrate Synergies
Lighting technology stands at the forefront of innovation in both systems. Ellis Janssen-van Boxtel from Signify Philips Horticulture LED Solutions highlighted that while greenhouses benefit from sunlight, vertical farms require total light control. Dynamic lighting solutions are helping bridge the gap, allowing for adaptive responses to crop needs and market demands.
Similarly, substrate technologies, like rock wool, have shown promise in both setups. Federico Puksic from Grodan noted that substrates used in vertical farming could benefit from research done in greenhouse agriculture, creating synergies between the two approaches.
Vertical farming is not the universal solution to global food production challenges, but it is an essential piece of the agricultural puzzle. The sector must adapt by enhancing energy efficiency, embracing strategic crop management, and fostering collaboration. Learning from greenhouse agriculture and integrating the best practices from both worlds will be critical to making vertical farming a sustainable reality.
