What is the potential of vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture in urban food production?
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Potential of Vertical Farming and Controlled-Environment Agriculture in Urban Food Production
Introduction to Vertical Farming and Controlled-Environment Agriculture
Vertical farming (VF) and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) are innovative approaches to urban food production that aim to address the challenges posed by climate change, urbanization, and food security. These methods involve growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled environments, often utilizing advanced technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and artificial lighting1 3 6.
Environmental Benefits and Sustainability
Reduced Resource Intensity and Emissions
Vertical farming and CEA can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of food production. By growing food closer to urban centers, these methods minimize the need for long-distance transportation, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with food miles5 9. Additionally, VF and CEA systems can optimize water use, recycle nutrients, and eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural practice4 5.
Climate Mitigation Potential
VF and CEA offer substantial potential for climate mitigation. These systems can operate independently of external weather conditions, ensuring consistent food production regardless of climate variability. This resilience is particularly crucial as climate change continues to impact traditional agriculture1 4. Moreover, integrating VF into urban planning can enhance the sustainability of urban food systems by reducing the resource intensity of food production and consumption1 7.
Economic and Social Implications
Economic Viability and Challenges
While VF and CEA present numerous environmental benefits, their economic viability remains a challenge. High capital and energy costs, particularly for artificial lighting, can make these systems less competitive compared to traditional agriculture2 4. However, advancements in technology and increased use of renewable energy sources could improve the economic feasibility of VF and CEA in the future5 9.
Social Benefits and Community Impact
VF and CEA can also provide social benefits, such as creating green-sector jobs and increasing access to fresh produce in urban areas, particularly in low-income communities2. These systems can contribute to food security by ensuring a stable supply of fresh produce year-round, which is essential for rapidly growing urban populations3 8.
Technological Innovations and Future Prospects
Advances in Agricultural Technology
Recent advancements in agricultural technology, including the use of LED lighting and automation, have significantly enhanced the efficiency and productivity of VF and CEA systems6 9. These innovations enable precise control over growing conditions, leading to higher yields and better quality produce4 6.
Potential for Large-Scale Implementation
For VF and CEA to realize their full potential, large-scale implementation and integration into urban planning are necessary. Policymakers need to consider the environmental, economic, and social impacts of these systems and provide support for projects that demonstrate clear community benefits2 7. Additionally, further research and technological innovations are required to reduce the capital and energy costs associated with VF and CEA4 5.
Conclusion
Vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture hold significant promise for transforming urban food production. By reducing the environmental footprint, enhancing food security, and providing social benefits, these innovative approaches can contribute to more sustainable and resilient urban food systems. However, addressing economic challenges and advancing technological innovations are crucial for the widespread adoption and success of VF and CEA in urban environments.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Planning for sustainable urban food systems: an analysis of the up-scaling potential of vertical farming
Vertical farming can contribute to urban sustainability and climate mitigation when integrated into urban-level systemic food planning.
Will the urban agricultural revolution be vertical and soilless? A case study of controlled environment agriculture in New York City
CEA in New York City provides green-sector jobs and increased access to produce for low-income communities, but its limited focus and intensive capital and energy needs limit its meaningful contribution to the urban food system.
Highly CitedFuture food-production systems: vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture
Urban vertical farming, using technology and automation, can potentially increase productivity and reduce environmental footprint while maintaining biosecurity, pest resistance, and reduced transportation and fossil fuel use.
Highly CitedWheat yield potential in controlled-environment vertical farms
Indoor vertical farms could potentially produce hundreds of times higher wheat yields than field-grown crops, using less land, being more environmentally friendly, and hedging against climate disruptions.
Highly CitedA Systematic Literature Review on Controlled-Environment Agriculture: How Vertical Farms and Greenhouses Can Influence the Sustainability and Footprint of Urban Microclimate with Local Food Production
Vertical farms and greenhouses can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and urban food waste, but require further energy efficiency improvements for large-scale implementation.
Literature ReviewPlant Production in Controlled Environments
Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) techniques, such as high tunnels, greenhouses, and indoor vertical farming, can improve crop yield, quality, and productivity, offering an alternative to conventional open field production.
Transformative Potential of Vertical Farming—An Urban Planning Investigation Using Multi-Level Perspective
Vertical farming has the potential to revolutionize urban food supply, but requires six conditions and recommendations for successful integration into urban planning.
Controlled Environment Food Production for Urban Agriculture
Controlled environment agriculture techniques have the potential to revolutionize urban food systems by offering year-round production, optimizing resource-use efficiency, and addressing food safety concerns.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedThe Vertical Farm: A Review of Developments and Implications for the Vertical City
Advances in greenhouse technologies show promise for vertical farms, offering efficient and cost-effective solutions to urban food security and climate change.
Highly CitedUrban Agriculture and Vertical Farming
Vertical farming can significantly reduce ecological footprint and ensure sustainable food production while maintaining a stable supply of fresh produce in urban environments.
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