Why vertical farming cannot become widespread, despite its advantages: 95% water savings and no pesticides
With the global population expected to reach 70% urbanization by 2050, ensuring a stable food supply becomes a critical challenge. Vertical farming, which allows crops to be grown in controlled environments, is a potential solution that can save water, eliminate the use of pesticides and reduce carbon emissions. However, this innovative agricultural method has not yet become widespread. Why?
Benefits of vertical farming
Vertical farming differs from traditional agriculture in that crops are grown in layers inside buildings, shipping containers, or other enclosed spaces. This method uses artificial lighting, automated irrigation and advanced monitoring systems. Its main advantages include:
1. Water Efficiency: Vertical farming systems use up to 95% less water than traditional farming methods. This significant reduction is achieved through hydroponics and aeroponics, where water is recycled and used more efficiently.
2. Production without pesticides. In a controlled environment, vertical farms are less susceptible to pests and diseases, eliminating the need for pesticides. The result is healthier and safer products for consumers.
3. Urban food production: By growing food close to where it is consumed, vertical farming reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions. It also allows for efficient use of urban spaces that would otherwise be underutilized.
Challenges preventing widespread adoption
Despite these advantages, several factors are preventing vertical farming from becoming a mainstream phenomenon:
1. High initial costs. Creating and maintaining vertical farms requires significant investment. Advanced technologies such as LED lighting, climate control systems and automated monitoring contribute to high operating costs. These costs remain a major barrier to widespread adoption, according to recent research.
2. Energy consumption. Vertical farms rely heavily on artificial lighting and climate control, which results in high energy consumption. Although advances in LED technology and renewable energy sources such as those used in the WIRED (Western Innovation in Renewable Energy) project can mitigate this problem, overall energy needs remain significant.
3. Limited varieties of crops. Currently, vertical farming is most effective for growing high-value, short-cycle crops such as leafy greens and berries. Staple crops such as wheat, rice and corn are less economically viable due to longer growing periods and lower market prices.
4. Technical expertise. Operating a vertical farm requires specialized knowledge and skills. Automated systems and AI monitoring reduce some of this burden, but the initial learning curve and technical challenges can deter potential users.
Expert opinions and future directions
Dr. Fang Wei, a professor in the Department of Biomechatronics at National Taiwan University, suggests that as artificial intelligence and automation technologies develop, the complexity of managing vertical farming will decrease. This could lower the barrier to entry and make vertical farming more accessible to a wider range of farmers.
Cai Wenqing, chairman of Taoyuan Yuanxian Farm, emphasizes that vertical farming is not intended to replace traditional agriculture, but to complement it. He believes vertical farming can help diversify crop production and attract younger generations to agriculture. By converting abandoned buildings into vertical farms, the initial investment costs can be reduced, making this method more viable.
Although vertical farming offersWhile it offers many benefits, including significant water savings and pesticide-free production, its high costs, energy requirements and limited crop diversity currently hinder its widespread adoption. As technology advances and costs fall, vertical farming could play a critical role in global food security, especially in urban areas. However, it is important to view it as a complementary approach to traditional farming and not as a replacement.
