"In 2010, the most pressing issue my class addressed was rapid climate change. Deforestation, largely driven by the need for more agricultural land, was significantly reducing Earth's ability to sequester carbon," says Dickson Despommier, author of 'The Vertical Farm' which was published in 2010, whilst he reflects on the early days of vertical farming.
With very few vertical farms existing at the time, much of his early work involved speculating about the future impact of vertical farms, Dickson predicted that especially operations at scale would slow down 'climate change' as it reduces the need for traditional agriculture which ultimately drives deforestation. "I'm trained in parasitology, and I've always been passionate about natural processes. The idea that changing the way we produce food could have such positive effects on ecological systems drew me in," he shares.
Broadening the product basket
'Back in the days' Dickson already distinguished high-value crops for vertical farms such as leafy greens and tomatoes with high-return on investments. However, for vertical farming to fully integrate into diverse food systems, a broader variety of crops is necessary. "Our diets are much more varied than that. Therefore, we need vertical farms to grow more kinds of crops, root vegetables, vine vegetables, and even essential grains like corn and wheat. Government incentives will likely be needed to make this shift."
Dickson Despommier (Photo credits: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Tech growth spurt
In the last 14 years, the industry has significantly changed, with many technical advancements coming to vertical farming which contributed to this growth. "Vertical farming has now been accepted as a legitimate means of providing an improved food source for many urban consumers throughout the world. Yet, consumers are now demanding a wider range of produce, and I believe we'll see that happen."
With enhancedfarming elements such as LED lighting, and the use of AI to run a farm,have improved farming significantly. "AI now helps monitor essential factors like nutrient levels and humidity. This technology is advancing quickly, and it's driving the industry's growth."
The market for fresh produce from vertical farms will undoubtedly increase Dickson believes, as rapid climate change becomes the dominant reason for outdoor crop failures. "Colleges and Universities have begun to take up the challenge of educating those who wish to have careers in controlled environment agriculture. This is essential if vertical farms are to continue to prosper," he affirms.
Energy efficiency
Is there any room for improvement? "Where should I start? Perhaps the most prescient issue involves energy utilization. I predict that hydrogen fuel cells will eventually be the energy source of choice for powering up vertical farms. Right now, the focus is shifting toward solar and geothermal energy, but hydrogen fuel cells could become the preferred choice for powering vertical farms," he predicts. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels will lower operational costs and make vertical farms more profitable in the long run.
Looking ahead, Dickson is optimistic about the growth of vertical farming over the next decade. "I foresee a future where every city in the world has a variety of vertical farms integrated into its urban fabric," he states. As technology improves and the demand for local, climate-resilient food sources grows, vertical farming is positioned to play an increasingly essential role in global food production.
Meet in person
Dickson Despommier will be attending the Vertical Farming World Congress this week in Frankfurt am Main. Click here to register for the event. This year's agenda promises two days of insights from key industry figures, industry round tables, informal networking opportunities, and a gala industry dinner featuring the presentation of the annual Vertical Farming World Awards.
For more information:
Columbia University
Dickson Despommier, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences and Microbiology
[email protected]
www.columbia.edu
Zenith Global
[email protected]
www.zenithglobal.com