A recent report suggested that cities and urban areas should be aiming to produce 30% of fruit and vegetables by 2030 in order to meet global demand. We’ve therefore seen new projects coming forward and a renewed focus on innovative forms of farming that can help hit this ambitious target.
Vertical farming is the latest revolution in agriculture, with facilities allowing producers to grow 365 days of the year through automated, climate-controlled environments that ensure consistent and productive yields.
Taking place in upright stacked layers in a controlled growing environment, vertical farming is an increasingly popular option for food growers looking to make the most of their space.
With increasing populations, rising costs, carbon impact, supply chain issues and climate change impacts, we explore the nuances of vertical farming and what it could mean for the food supply chain.
SOME BENEFITS OF VERTICAL FARMING
Bio-security – Vertical farming facilities operate in ‘clean’ environments, meaning that there are no requirements for pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides.
Reduced environmental impact – The efficient use of space enables high yields compared to traditional field grown methods, as well as meaning less food miles from food imports, and significantly less water used when compared to field grown.
Less food waste – With no chemicals used, produce does not need washing which means less damaged products and reduces waste.
Increased food security – By localising food growth and allowing it to take place in major population centres, reliance on imported foods is significantly reduced.
Flexible locations – One of the biggest benefits of vertical farms is their flexibility as they can be set up anywhere with space, from industrial parks to city centres to deserts.
THE FUTURE
Vertical farming is an exciting space to be in, with the potential to transform the way we produce food in this country.
A vertical farming project we are currently working on is with Fischer Farms. Appointed in 2021 as principal contractor, Clegg Food Projects is overseeing the development and construction of a 25,000 sq m growing space and packaging space that will complement the firm’s existing vertical farm operation in Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Fischer Farms, work in progress. July 2022
When complete later this year, the £25m Norfolk-based facility will be the ‘world’s biggest’ vertical farm, with an eventual growing capacity of 75,000 sq m.
This will grow the same amount of food in its four-acre building that would usually take 1,000 acres of conventional British farmland – all without using pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides.
The sky really is the limit for vertical farming.
For more information or to find out how we can help you then please get in touch with our team.