--- layout: default_v3 language: default permalink: sustainable-agriculture/farming-systems.html i18n_link: 3864 updated: 2023-02-03 #--- article key-values ---# collection: default_topiccluster t_keyword: Farming Systems tags: introduction to, vertical farming systems, sustainable agriculture, business management, zip haccp type: supporting page_id: 3864 hreflang_id: 3864 parent_id: 3833 date_published: 2021-06-16 date_modified: 2023-02-03 #--- javascript schema ---# javascript_schema: - script: jquery_3_2_0_min - script: bootstrap_min - script: article_infinite_scroll - script: article_mix_infinitescroll - script: article_mix - script: article_mix_faq - script: article_mix_toc #--- section schema ---# section_schema: - section: nav-main_menu - section: article_body_v2 - section: footer - section: schedule_demo_cta #--- page key-values ---# meta_tags: t_meta_title: Introduction to Vertical Farming Systems t_meta_description: Vertical farming systems are a different method to grow and harvest crops. This farming system uses vertical shelves and towers for growing instead of a horizontal plane. t_meta_abstract: Vertical farming systems are a different method to grow and harvest crops. This farming system uses vertical shelves and towers for growing instead of a horizontal plane. i_meta_image: article_body: json-ld_article: v_date_published: 2021-06-16 v_date_modified: 2023-02-03 author: p_author_id: 153 t_author: Cynthia Vespia p_author_url: cynthia-vespia.html i_author: 153.png t_author_description: Cynthia Vespia is a content writer/copywriter helping brands connect with their customers through top quality content. She is also a published fantasy author giving villains a purpose and heroes a hard time. p_author_facebook: //www.facebook.com/HubWorksApp p_author_twitter: https://twitter.com/HubworksApp p_author_linkedin: p_author_instagram: feature_snippet: p_type: text t_title: t_description: content: heading: t_title: Introduction to Vertical Farming Systems t_description: Vertical farming systems are a different method to grow and harvest crops. This farming system uses vertical shelves and towers for growing instead of a horizontal plane. image: i_image: introduction-to-vertical-farming-systems-1623811575-4406.png t_image_description: crop livestock crops livestock united states ecosystem services v_image_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/sheep-farmer-shepherd-agriculture-690198/ v_image_license: Creative Commons Zero v_video: paragraphs: - t_headline: What Are Vertical Farming Systems? t_text: An increase in food demand from a growing population, coupled with a decrease in soil health across farm lands, is creating a challenge for future farming systems. Vertical farming systems are now being explored as an answer to that challenge.

Vertical farming is exactly how it sounds. It is a farming system that uses inclined surfaces for food production rather than the horizontal layout used in in most farming practices.

Most agricultural systems have a single farm level like a greenhouse or field of land. In a vertical farming system the food production is done in stacked layers. Often, these farming systems are found in repurposed warehouses or shipping containers.

The idea for vertical farming is based on the use of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology. This allows for indoor farming to receive a semblance of natural resources in a controlled manner.

Temperature and light are artificially controlled in a similar manner to how a greenhouse augments sun exposure onto the crops. The main goals for vertical farming systems are to have the most abundant crop growth within a limited space.

Four Critical Areas of Vertical Farming
p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: what-are-vertical-farming-systems-1623864869-5293.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/countryside-harvest-agriculture-2326787/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/countryside-harvest-agriculture-2326787/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Pros and Cons to Vertical Farming Systems t_text: Vertical farming is still new but the benefits are already evident.

1. Year-round production- Through the use of technology, crops can grow continuously without being at the mercy of seasonal change or climate change. Growing seasons extend from a certain monthly span to year-round production.

2. Weatherproof- Seasonable temperatures can vary which can offset a harvest. In a vertical farming situation, the environment is controlled so the threat of extreme weather isn't prevalent.

3. Using less water- Most vertical farms use 70% less water than traditional farms. With water scarcity growing and droughts increasing, this is highly beneficial.

4. Less spoilage- With the risk of shifting weather and pest infestation controlled, there is less food waste that occurs especially as compared to traditional farms. Additionally, transport time is cut down which also reduces the risk of food spoilage.

One of the most significant disadvantages vertical farming systems have is the inability to grow certain foods. Leafy greens and tomatoes are usually the only things grown in this type of farming system.

Most crops and grains cannot be grown on a vertical farm due to their weight and the space they take up. A large portion of the average American diet relies on these types of crops.

There is increased energy consumption involved with vertical farming systems. Plus, artificial lights used to add more carbon emissions than traditional farms do. Cost is also considerably more expensive than traditional farms. This means, the consumer often suffers higher pricing based on the method in which the food is grown.

Human error also needs to be considered when running a vertical farm. If a mistake is made it will take additional time and money to rectify the situation before the products can go to market. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: pros-and-cons-to-vertical-farming-systems-1623864869-6849.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/vineyard-sunrise-sun-farm-428041/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/vineyard-sunrise-sun-farm-428041/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Final Thoughts on Vertical Farming Systems t_text: p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: video: v_video: QFg6j0m6wvk v_video_language: default t_name: Vertical Farm Systems with John Leslie t_description: John gives us a tour of his Australian company Vertical Farm Systems. This system is fully integrated from seed to harvest and is designed to have major impacts on reducing labor and operational costs related to environmental management. Vertical Farming Systems has been iterating on this design for over 9 years and are currently expanding into global markets. v_url: //youtu.be/QFg6j0m6wvk i_thumbnail: //i.ytimg.com/vi/QFg6j0m6wvk/default.jpg i_thumbnail_1x1: //i.ytimg.com/vi/QFg6j0m6wvk/default.jpg i_thumbnail_4x3: //i.ytimg.com/vi/QFg6j0m6wvk/mqdefault.jpg i_thumbnail_16x9: //i.ytimg.com/vi/QFg6j0m6wvk/sddefault.jpg v_upload_date: 5-8-2020 v_length_minutes: 30 v_length_seconds: 26 v_view_count: 18084 callout_text: event_body: json-ld_event: t_name: Employee Scheduling for Restaurant Managers t_description: Attendees will learn how create excellent schedules. The class teaches managers how to estimate the number of employees they need to staff their locations; how to accurately forecast their customer demand; how to quickly and accuaratly write and communicate schedules to employees; and how to evaluate the accuracy and optimization of their schedules to make adjustments. v_start_date: 2022-08-08 i_image: p_location_name: Altametrics Online Webinar Course p_address: webinar.hubworks.com?site=altametrics v_price: 10.00 t_offer_description: Priority Registration v_registration_url: webinar.hubworks.com?site=altametrics ---