Vertical Farming Concepts and Challenges

Vertical farming was seen as a solution to feed a growing population with less water and land. Despite initial investments and market growth, many vertical farms faced bankruptcy by 2024 due to high costs and profitability issues. The technology offers benefits like better yields and reduced water use, but challenges such as high labor and capital costs hinder its success. The future of vertical farming may lie in automation and relocation to regions with renewable energy.

What was one of the main promises of vertical farming?

• Increased use of pesticides

• Higher crop yields with less water

• More land usage

• Seasonal crop production

By 2023, what was the estimated worth of the vertical farming market?

• $10 billion

• $1 billion

• $5 billion

• $2 billion

Which company was the first unicorn vertical farming startup?

• Fifth Season

• Bowery Farming

• Infarm

• AeroFarms

What is a significant technological challenge in vertical farming?

• Lack of water

• High-tech equipment and sensors

• Excessive land usage

• Dependence on natural sunlight

What is the primary source of nutrients for plants in vertical farming?

• Natural rainfall

• Compost

• Soil

• Hydroponics or aeroponics

What is the highest cost component in vertical farming?

• Electricity

• Labor

• Pesticides

• Water

How much more productive can vertical farms be compared to traditional open field farming for lettuce?

• 5 times more

• 10 times more

• 20 times more

• 33 times more

What is a major economic disadvantage of vertical farming?

• Low initial investment

• Low electricity consumption

• High labor and capital costs

• Abundant land availability

Which region is seeing a relocation of large vertical farming companies due to renewable energy availability?

• Europe

• Asia

• Middle East

• South America

What is the projected compound annual growth rate of the vertical farming industry?

• 25%

• 20%

• 15%

• 10%