WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT VERTICAL FARMING? MIGHT IT BE A SOLUTION?
By Charlotte Cullen www.euronews.com With the world’s population set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the World Bank is calling for innovations that will help us feed the planet. One of the options being discussed is vertical, indoor farming. The concept involves growing food indoors in big warehouses, with walls stacked several metres high with lush plants, all grown under LED lighting and completely protected from the outside world. These indoor farms are intended to be located in cities so they are close to customers. Supporters of the concept say it is unique as it can provide totally pesticide-free fruit and vegetables that are tastier than other varieties. The additional taste apparently comes from the ability to deliver specific growing conditions for difficult varieties, which are impossible to guarantee in traditional farms. Another advantage to vertically-grown food is its extended shelf life. Matt Barnard, CEO of Plenty , one of the leading US companies in the in...