A convergence of trends has created an opportunity for a new kind of farming, responding to
consumer demands for high-quality, sustainable food supply
High price of urban land creates the need for vertical farming
(space measured in cubic,
not square feet).
Carbon Footprint: growing recognition of the environmental and
financial costs
associated with shipping.
Locally-grown food – in urban environments.
Delivered to consumers within hours of harvesting.
Controlled Environment Agriculture: increasing efficiency, decreasing cost.
Low water consumption – 95% less than traditional farming.
Environmentally-aware consumers demand reduced use of pesticides
and herbicides.
Year-round production – weekly harvests that are neither seasonal
nor weather-dependent
Leafy greens and herbs are a multi-billion-pound industry in the
Scandinavia, with
current supply challenged to meet demand on a consistent year-round basis.
