Vertical Farming Trends & Solutions for 2021

Our food supply system has been a problem for a long while. Contamination and food recalls continue to be a problem, causing food waste, disease, and even death in some cases. There are large portions of our nation that are devoid of fresh, healthy foods, and this problem is even worse in other parts of the world. Soil degradation is destroying farmable land at an alarming rate. Traditional soil-based agriculture is a significant contributor to global climate change and the buildup of greenhouse gasses. And the challenges of a worldwide pandemic have only served to shine a light on its shortcomings.

One answer that is becoming increasingly popular is vertical farming. It allows us to meet all of these challenges and many more, meaning a healthier, more sustainable, more widely available food supply. Here are a few of the trends we’re seeing in 2021 and on the horizon for 2022.

Vertical Farms Become More Sustainable 

Hydroponic vertical farms are already more sustainable than most traditional farming practices. They use far less water, require (and therefore degrade) no soil, and produce far less waste than a typical farm. They also don’t add pollution to our groundwater with pesticides and chemical fertilizers. But there’s a significant flaw in the system for many.

Because many vertical farms involve trays stacked on shelves, they can’t make any use of natural sunlight in the growing process. Instead, they use vast numbers of LEDs to create the light conditions needed for photosynthesis. Fortunately, there is a better option.

Plants stacked in towers within hydroponic greenhouses require far less electricity because they can access natural sunlight when it’s available. You’ll still need LEDs to ensure proper growth in all seasons, but the electricity required for lighting is significantly less in this model. 

More Variety in Vertical Crops 

Right now, most hydroponic vertical farms produce leafy greens, maybe a few herbs, and not much else. In 2021, we expect to see this change in a big way. 

Certain crops, like potatoes and carrots, do not lend themselves to hydroponic growing. These are unlikely to ever work in a vertical hydroponic farm because they require soil for plant health. But there are plenty of other options that can be adapted to hydroponic systems, allowing for a greater variety of crops produced year-round in clean, sustainable conditions.

Eden Green Technology is currently working on more plant options, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other healthy and delicious hydroponic produce. Imagine harvesting strawberries in the dead of winter or fresh celery stalks as the snow falls outside. We’re making this dream a reality with new developments in hydroponic growing. These new options will allow us to provide more variety to your customers for a more nutritious, more balanced diet.

Vertical Farms Move Into More Communities

It’s no secret that there are many parts of our world where people don’t have reliable access to fresh, nutritious foods. Even in some agricultural communities, fresh vegetables may not be available year-round. Vertical farming is an excellent way to get healthy food into these communities regardless of the climate or season. 

Because our greenhouses require a much smaller footprint than typical farms, they can thrive in areas with little room for agriculture. Using as little as an acre and a half of space, an Eden Green Technology greenhouse can produce a dozen or more harvests per year — yielding up to 2.7 million servings of leafy green goodness. 

This high yield/low space model allows for commercial food production in inner cities, desert climates, or even places where the ground is frozen most of the year. And each greenhouse provides 30 career-level jobs for the surrounding community, meaning workers can earn a living wage and benefits. 

It’s clear that vertical farming offers significant benefits and an excellent opportunity for success. If you would like to get in on the trend, contact Eden Green Technology today. We’d love to help you start your own commercial hydroponic greenhouse.