A culture of conspiracy still surrounds the shooting
On the other hand, the heavy dependence on technology opens up farms to the risk that something could go wrong. In any given farm, there are a number of different systems for lighting, regulating temperature, managing humidity, etc.
Today, there are still many rural communities that are heavily dependent on traditional farming for their employment, and the widespread adoption of vertical farming could disrupt this.
This means that farmers need to consider manual pollination, which, although feasible, is an intensive and expensive process.
Just as the controlled environment prevents pests from entering, it also prevents insects from entering that are important for pollination.
For families who are already living below or on the poverty line, the idea that vertical farms could take their jobs is very concerning.
See also: The sustainable cities made of mud
Another potential drawback is that vertical farming is heavily dependent on technology. On the one hand, this could be considered an advantage: as technology advances, farming will become cheaper and more efficient.
Earlier we discussed the fact that vertical farming is less dependent on human labor. While this may be an advantage for farm owners, it is a definite disadvantage for farm workers.
While there are certain vertical farms that consume less energy and many researchers are looking into more sustainable solutions, the current reality is that vertical farming is energy intensive.
Furthermore, vertical farming has the added benefit of promoting biodiversity, because it does not affect surrounding wildlife.
Whereas with traditional farming there is a lot of heavy machinery involved and therefore a considerable risk of occupational injury, vertical farming is very safe.
The final advantage of vertical farming is that it produces more crops in general. This is a direct result of the fact that vertical farmers can work independently of the weather.
But a big downside to vertical farming is that it’s not very energy efficient. Whereas traditional farming is powered by the sun, vertical farming uses LED lighting powered by electricity.
With indoor farming, workers are exposed to fewer hazards, as well as being protected from diseases caused by pests and/or harmful chemicals.
Because vertical farming is practiced in a controlled environment and pests cannot get in, farmers do not need to pay for and use pesticides.
Not using pesticides prevents crop damage and makes for an end product that is both healthier and safer to consume.
Provided the conditions are right, vertical farming will consistently yield large amounts of high-quality produce all year round.
People are still required to manage and pack the harvests, but this is low-skilled labor that can be found for a cheaper rate than some of the more skilled farming work.
In fact, as a general rule there are fewer overhead costs with vertical farming, including labor. This is because much of the vertical farming process is automated.
As a general rule, fewer fertilizers and nutrients are needed in vertical farming when compared to traditional farming methods.
Perhaps a less obvious advantage of vertical farming is that it reduces transportation costs. This is because crops can be grown anywhere.
Another great advantage of vertical farming is that it uses a hydroponic growing process, which means its water usage is much more efficient.
This is thanks to the stacking growth system it uses. As a rule of thumb, one acre of vertical farm can produce the same yield as 10 to 20 acres of land.
Moreover, the water is normally completely clean after it has been used, meaning that it can be recycled.
With traditional farming, produce has to be grown in a particular location that is often far away from the end customer. For its part, vertical farming allows farmers to grow locally.
This is beneficial for both the farmer and the consumer: the farmer enjoys savings on transportation costs, and the customer enjoys produce that stays fresher for longer.
Whereas traditional farming is dependent on the seasons, vertical farming assures consistent crop production all year round.
Whereas traditional farming requires farmers to have large swathes of fertile land, vertical farming can be done almost anywhere and on a small patch of land.
One of the main advantages of vertical farming is that it is more reliable than traditional farming. This is because it is done in a controlled environment and is therefore unaffected by changes in the weather.
For those who aren't familiar with the term, "vertical farming" refers to a stacking farming method that allows farmers to grow crops in small, artificial spaces. Crops are stacked and grown in shelves, which means they can be produced just about anywhere.
Proponents of this farming practice will tell you there are nothing but benefits to the method: there are considerably fewer overhead costs and an overall higher yield. That doesn't mean there aren't challenges, however. After all, if it weren't for the high energy consumption and potential to destroy livelihoods, vertical farming would probably have been adopted a long time ago.
Intrigued? Check out this gallery to learn about some of the advantages and disadvantages of the potential farming method of the future.
The pros and cons of vertical farming
Is it really as revolutionary as they say?
LIFESTYLE Planet
For those who aren't familiar with the term, "vertical farming" refers to a stacking farming method that allows farmers to grow crops in small, artificial spaces. Crops are stacked and grown in shelves, which means they can be produced just about anywhere.
Proponents of this farming practice will tell you there are nothing but benefits to the method: there are considerably fewer overhead costs and an overall higher yield. That doesn't mean there aren't challenges, however. After all, if it weren't for the high energy consumption and potential to destroy livelihoods, vertical farming would probably have been adopted a long time ago.
Intrigued? Check out this gallery to learn about some of the advantages and disadvantages of the potential farming method of the future.