It's well known that Hawai'i imports about 90% of its food. This leaves us dramatically unprepared for any serious natural disasters or, in a world seemingly going mad with war and great power rivalries, scenarios in which "the boats stop coming."
Vertical agriculture represents an innovative approach to food production that could be particularly beneficial for Hawai'i, given its limited land resources and urban population centers. This method of farming, which involves growing crops in stacked layers, often in controlled environments, can significantly increase yield per square foot while reducing water usage and transportation costs.
Companies like Metrogrow and Sensei Farms are already active in Hawai'i, but we need far more widespread facilities if we are to achieve true food security.
It's worth noting that the ancient Hawaiians engaged in a kind of "vertical farming" with the ahupuaŹ»a system, which allowed for the feeding of its entire population for a thousand years.
Implementing modern vertical agriculture on a commercial scale in Hawai'i would require initial investment in infrastructure and technology. However, the potential benefits in terms of year-round production, use of cheap solar power and locally produced nutrients, reduced vulnerability to weather events, and decreased reliance on imports make it an attractive option.
The state could encourage this sector's growth through targeted incentives, zoning accommodations, and partnerships with research institutions to develop systems optimized for Hawai'i's climate and energy landscape. As vertical farming operations scale up, they could become integral to Hawai'i's food production capabilities, complementing traditional agriculture and enhancing overall food security.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat