The potential of urban vertical farms, hydroponics, and controlled environment agriculture in reducing food miles and promoting local food systems.
Searched over 200M research papers
Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that urban vertical farms, hydroponics, and controlled environment agriculture can reduce food miles, promote local food systems, and enhance urban sustainability by improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and integrating with urban infrastructure.
Not a yes or no question
To use the Consensus Meter, try asking a simple yes or no question
Research summarized with Copilot
Beta20 papers analyzed
Introduction
Urban vertical farms, hydroponics, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) are emerging as innovative solutions to address the challenges of food security, sustainability, and reducing food miles. These systems aim to produce food closer to urban populations, thereby minimizing transportation costs and environmental impacts while promoting local food systems.
Key Insights
-
Reduction in Food Miles and Transportation Costs:
- Vertical farming and hydroponics in urban areas can significantly reduce the distance food travels, thereby lowering transportation costs and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions .
-
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits:
- Vertical farming systems, particularly when integrated with urban infrastructure, can utilize residual material and energy streams, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental impacts .
- Replacing conventional growing media and fertilizers with urban residual streams can lead to substantial environmental performance benefits .
- Using paper pots instead of plastic and coir instead of conventional soil in hydroponic systems can reduce GHG emissions and other environmental impacts.
-
Resource Efficiency and Resilience:
- Vertical farming systems are more resource-efficient, using less water and land compared to traditional farming methods. They also offer year-round production, making them less vulnerable to climate changes .
- Integrating vertical farms with district heating systems can further enhance resource efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
-
Economic and Social Benefits:
- Urban vertical farms can contribute to local economies by providing fresh, high-quality produce and creating jobs within the community .
- These systems can also enhance food security by ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce, regardless of external weather conditions.
-
Technological Advancements:
- Advances in greenhouse technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics are making vertical farming more viable and efficient, offering high yields with minimal maintenance .
- The use of LED lighting in vertical farming has improved productivity and plant quality, making it a competitive system for sustainable food production.
Conclusion
Urban vertical farms, hydroponics, and controlled environment agriculture present promising solutions for reducing food miles and promoting local food systems. These systems offer significant environmental, economic, and social benefits by reducing transportation costs, enhancing resource efficiency, and providing fresh, high-quality produce year-round. Technological advancements and integration with urban infrastructure further enhance their potential, making them a viable option for sustainable urban food production.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
