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Ensures consistent crop production -

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.

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Ensures consistent crop production -

Whereas traditional farming is dependent on the seasons, vertical farming assures consistent crop production all year round.

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Optimizes space -

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.

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Optimizes space -

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.

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Reduces water usage -

Another great advantage of vertical farming is that it uses a hydroponic growing process, which means its water usage is much more efficient.

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Reduces water usage -

Moreover, the water is normally completely clean after it has been used, meaning that it can be recycled.

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Fewer fertilizers needed -

As a general rule, fewer fertilizers and nutrients are needed in vertical farming when compared to traditional farming methods.

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Reduces transportation costs -

Perhaps a less obvious advantage of vertical farming is that it reduces transportation costs. This is because crops can be grown anywhere.

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Reduces transportation costs -

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.

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Reduces transportation costs -

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.

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Reduces labor costs -

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.

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Reduces labor costs -

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.

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Practiced in a controlled environment -

Because vertical farming is practiced in a controlled environment and pests cannot get in, farmers do not need to pay for and use pesticides.

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Practiced in a controlled environment -

Not using pesticides prevents crop damage and makes for an end product that is both healthier and safer to consume.

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Limits occupational hazards -

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.

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Limits occupational hazards -

With indoor farming, workers are exposed to fewer hazards, as well as being protected from diseases caused by pests and/or harmful chemicals.

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Promotes biodiversity -

Furthermore, vertical farming has the added benefit of promoting biodiversity, because it does not affect surrounding wildlife.

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More produce -

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.

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More produce -

Provided the conditions are right, vertical farming will consistently yield large amounts of high-quality produce all year round.

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Not energy efficient -

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.

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Not energy efficient -

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.

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Less pollination - We have spoken about the controlled environment as being an advantage of vertical farming in terms of pests, but there is a downside to this, too.

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Less pollination -

Just as the controlled environment prevents pests from entering, it also prevents insects from entering that are important for pollination.

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Less pollination -

This means that farmers need to consider manual pollination, which, although feasible, is an intensive and expensive process.

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Technology dependent -

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.

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Technology dependent -

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.

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Technology dependent - Even the slightest issue with just one of these systems could hinder the vertical farming process. Moreover, some argue that vertical farming technologies do not scale and are not suitable for mass adoption.

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Negatively affects communities -

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.

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Negatively affects communities -

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.

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Negatively affects communities -

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

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