The Rise of Vertical Farming

Image of vertical farm growing tomatoes (Credit: Getty Images)

Today, we're looking up, way up, to explore vertical farming. It’s not just a futuristic concept; as research shows, it's actively being developed to bring fresh produce into urban centers year-round all over the world. Before it sprouted in skyscrapers, vertical farming first grew in space. NASA’s quest to feed astronauts on long missions gave birth to the same high-tech systems now transforming how we grow food on Earth.

So, how does it work? Instead of spreading out over fields, crops are grown in stacked layers using hydroponics, aeroponics or aquaponics inside controlled environments. This method uses LED lights and precisely delivered nutrients. It’s like a high-tech garden skyscraper! It maximizes yield per square foot and protects crops from weather unpredictability.

The Biomass Production Chamber at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (Credit: https://spinoff.nasa.gov/indoor-farming)

The core technology behind modern vertical farming, which is precise closed-loop control of light, nutrients, and water, was pioneered by aerospace engineers for NASA’s Advanced Life Support program. This research aimed to sustain astronauts on long-duration missions. The Veggie unit on the International Space Station is the most public-facing testbed for this research, continuously providing data to refine these controlled environment agriculture systems.

The powerful benefits of vertical farming are many fold. A main advantage is its incredible water efficiency. According to the World Economic Forum, vertical farming uses up to 95% less water than traditional agriculture by recycling every drop. This is a game-changer for drought-prone areas.

These farms save space, too. Stacked layers and compact designs mean you can grow 10 times the food on far less land. The future of the food depends on such efficient farming. They’re especially useful in cities, deserts, or areas where traditional farming struggles. Vertical farming can also potentially transform urban spaces into green building solutions by integrating food production with sustainable architecture.

Controlled environments also protect against pests, weather shocks, and seasonality. Many operations are located in urban centers, reducing food miles and boosting local access to fresh produce. Novel approaches, such as electro-agriculture, allow produce to be grown even in total darkness.

Want to see vertical farming in action? Check out this short video from the World Economic Forum.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Vertical farming often demands lots of energy, especially for LED lighting, climate control, and infrastructure, which makes it expensive and sometimes environmentally questionable if powered by fossil fuels. From the University of Wisconsin’s Grow magazine, six hard truths about vertical farming remind us: it’s not always better for health or the environment, water savings vary by setup, and it’s not yet viable for staple crops like wheat.

Shaky finances also pose a problem. Several high-profile indoor farming companies have gone bankrupt, though innovative models and smaller, locally focused farms are now gaining traction. 

New developments are promising, though. Technologies like electro‑agriculture, which uses solar-powered chemistry instead of sunlight, could reduce land use by up to 88%, though it's still experimental.

Smaller-scale, community-powered farms are gaining ground, too. Companies, such as True Garden, Homer Farms, and Vertical Harvest, are working in food deserts, using natural light, biogas, modular systems, and locally shared data to build resilience.

Vertical farming isn’t a perfect or universal solution, but it’s a powerful tool in our sustainability toolbox. With continued innovation in energy, automation, and design, along with thoughtful scaling, these farms can support food security, especially in challenging environments. Maybe soon, the greens in your lunch will come from a vertical farm just a few blocks away.

---

Author Bio:

I’m Anika Bhat, a student at Moreau Catholic High School. I’m passionate about tackling real-world challenges through research and advocating for food security. With writing and innovation, I aim to inspire sustainable, equitable solutions for the future.