What did you have for breakfast today? Was it scrambled eggs with bacon or a hearty millet porridge? Every meal has its own story, from the farm to the table, and it’s not always a pleasant one. Agriculture currently accounts for about 70% of our freshwater usage and up to 21% of greenhouse gas emissions. Feeding the world’s growing population would mean depleting more forests and water resources than the planet can sustain.
Given these challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative farming systems that significantly reduce water usage and have minimal environmental impact. Vertical farming offers a promising alternative, but the major challenge lies in its large upfront costs. In this article, we’ll discuss how vertical farming can be made more economically viable.
Major Advantages Of Vertical Farming

The vertical farming industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, valued at $5.6 billion in 2023. This is credit to the numerous benefits it entails, some of which include:
Increased crop yield in limited space
Vertical farming maximises space utilisation by stacking crops in layers, often using shelves or towers. This three-dimensional approach to agriculture can dramatically increase yield per square foot. Some vertical farms report producing up to 50 times more food per square foot than conventional farms. While this varies by crop and system, even conservative estimates often show 10-20 times higher yields.
Many vertical farms can achieve faster crop cycles due to optimised growing conditions. Lettuce, for instance, might be ready for harvest in 30 days instead of 45-60 days in traditional farming. This accelerated growth contributes significantly to the overall increased yield.
Download the Ebook nowÂ
Year-round production independent of weather
Vertical farms create artificial environments that precisely control temperature, humidity, light, and other crucial factors for plant growth. This allows farmers to simulate ideal growing conditions regardless of the external climate or season. As a result, crops that would typically be seasonal can be grown continuously throughout the year.
This year-round production capability has profound implications for food security and supply chain stability. Traditional agriculture is highly susceptible to weather fluctuations, climate change, and seasonal variations. Droughts, floods, unexpected frosts, or heat waves can devastate crops and lead to shortages. Vertical farming mitigates these risks by isolating crop production from external environmental factors.
Reduced water usage and environmental impact
The dramatic reduction in water usage is one of vertical farming’s most impressive features. Traditional agriculture is often water-intensive, especially in arid regions or during droughts. In contrast, vertical farms typically employ hydroponic or aeroponic systems that use a fraction of the water. These systems recirculate water, allowing plants to absorb what they need while excess water is captured and reused. This closed-loop approach can lead to water savings of up to 98% compared to conventional farming methods.
Pesticide use is another area where vertical farms shine. By creating controlled, indoor environments, many common pests and diseases that plague outdoor crops are eliminated. This reduces or often completely removes the need for chemical pesticides. When pest control is necessary, vertical farms can use targeted, biological methods that are less harmful to the environment. The result is cleaner produce and a reduced impact on beneficial insects and ecosystems.
Ways To Make Vertical Farming More Economically Viable
The high initial costs and ongoing operational expenses have often been stumbling blocks to widespread adoption of vertical farming. Here are four innovative ways to make vertical farming more economically viable:
Community-Based Vertical Farming Models
One way to reduce costs and increase accessibility is through community-based vertical farming models. These involve shared ownership and operation of vertical farms by local communities or cooperatives.
By pooling resources, community members can collectively invest in the infrastructures like smart greenhouses needed for vertical farming. This model spreads the financial burden across multiple stakeholders, making it more affordable for individuals to participate. It also creates a sense of ownership and engagement within the community.
Community-based vertical farms can be integrated into existing community spaces like schools, community centres, or public housing complexes. This approach not only provides fresh, locally grown produce but also serves as an educational tool and a means of community building.
Modular and Scalable Design
Developing modular and scalable vertical farming systems can make this technology more accessible to a wider range of users, from individual households to small businesses.
Modular designs allow for vertical farms to start small and expand as needed. This approach reduces initial investment costs and allows for gradual scaling as demand grows or more resources become available. It also makes vertical farming more adaptable to different spaces, from balconies and rooftops to basements and vacant lots.
Companies could develop “plug-and-play” vertical farming kits that are easy to set up and maintain. These could come with all necessary components – growing trays, lighting, irrigation systems, and nutrient solutions – along with simple instructions and ongoing support.
Integration with Existing Infrastructure
Integrating vertical farms into existing urban infrastructure can significantly reduce costs and increase accessibility. This approach involves retrofitting unused or underutilised spaces in cities to accommodate vertical farming operations.
For instance, vacant office buildings, unused parking structures, or abandoned factories could be repurposed for vertical farming. This not only puts these spaces to productive use but also reduces the need for new construction, cutting down on initial investment costs.
This integration could extend to residential buildings as well. Apartment complexes could incorporate small-scale vertical farming systems, allowing residents to grow their own fresh produce. This could be offered as an amenity, potentially increasing property values while providing residents with access to fresh, locally grown food.
Leveraging Technology for Efficiency and Accessibility
Advancements in technology can play a crucial role in making vertical farming more accessible. The development of user-friendly apps and software can make vertical farming more accessible to those without extensive agricultural knowledge. These tools could provide guidance on crop selection, growing conditions, and troubleshooting, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for newcomers
Conclusion
This democratisation of vertical farming technology has the potential to transform urban food systems, improve food security, and create new economic opportunities in cities around the world. As we continue to innovate and refine these approaches, vertical farming could become an integral part of sustainable urban development, benefiting communities of all sizes and economic backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)
What are some low-cost ways to start vertical farming?
Low-cost entry points include starting with DIY hydroponic systems, using repurposed materials, focusing on a small variety of easy-to-grow crops, and utilising available spaces like balconies or spare rooms.
How can vertical farming be made more energy-efficient to reduce operational costs?
Energy efficiency can be improved through the use of LED lighting, optimised climate control systems, and integration of renewable energy sources like solar panels.