Energy and Pesticides

Extreme Weather and Food Deserts

Water and Soil 

To become more sustainable, vertical farms around the world are working toward renewable energy rather than relying on electricity. The overall cost that is required to switch from non renewable to renewable is expensive, however, it is the sustainable option to power the LED lights. 

The walls of the vertical farm provide a natural barrier from insects, fungal growth and other harmful conditions. Pesticides are an unnecessary cost to the farmer and can disrupt the soil's natural cycle. 

On a local scale, vertical farms use on average 99% less water than traditional farms by eliminating the threat of evaporation. The water that the plants do not use are repeatedly filtered through the system. This process of water recycling is considered one of the only sustainable practices for freshwater. 

Vertical farms don’t require the same resources as traditional farms to successfully grow their crops. One of these resources that vertical farms don’t need is the soil or the acres of land to thrive. 

The first modern concept of Vertical Farming was developed in 1999 in a class led by Dickson Despommier. In this class Despommier and his students were trying to figure out a way to feed the population of New York City and the idea of a multi-level building where crops could be grown on each floor was hatched. It wouldn't be until 2009 when the first modern vertical farms were built in Singapore, this facility consisted of 100, nine-meter tall towers which were powered by sunlight and rainwater. It should be noted that the practice of multi-level farming and hydroponics is thought to be traced back to 600 BC with early examples being the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or the floating chinampas used by the Aztec people in 1150 AD.

Vertical Farming is becoming increasingly popular year by year. There is said to be an estimated 74 acres of vertical farmland across the globe with countries such as the United States, Japan, and China having a large portion of that estimate. It should also be noted that vertical farming is taking place in countries that have densely populated areas and high GDP. The most common crops that are grown in these farms include Lettuce, Chard, Kale, Mint, Basil, and other leafy greens and herbs. The selection of these crops to be grown in vertical farms is largely based on quick turnaround times, year-round productions, and higher yields. These crops are being primarily grown inside repurposed buildings and more recently retrofitted shipping containers.

 As the population of the world continues to grow, the reliance on food security will grow with it. Vertical farms will offer solutions due to their ability to produce high yields in such small spaces. Vertical farms will also benefit populations that live in food deserts like in big cities. This in turn will help cut the costs of transportation that is typically required to bring food into those areas. The industry is also starting to branch out from exclusively producing leafy greens. There has been an increasing effort to produce small fruits such as tomatoes and strawberries, offering more diversity in crop production. Lastly, vertical farming will also play a huge role in future space missions as NASA is currently looking into how this practice can be used on the Moon and on Mars. 

The Implementation of a vertical farm at the Sustainable Agriculture Project would be a an amazing educational opportunity for the GVSU student base as well as the community of Allendale. Providing them with hands on experience with not only the practice of vertical farming but the marketing side as well while increasing the supply of fresh local greens within the community.

Vertical Farming at the SAP will help expose our community to the multi faceted benefits of the vertical farming practice. With our community educated they can continue inform others around the world and raise awareness of the impact made possible with vertical farming in their communities.  Vertical farming utilizes plugs as well as recycled water. This will minimize damage to the soil unlike traditional farming methods. 

The profits from the initial investment will be re invested into the Sustainable Agriculture Project to continue to fund the GVSU vertical farm as well as fund other future endeavors at the SAP. This project has been curated to be self sustaining within 5 years due to crop production being available year round allowing for our marketplace to continue to sell even off season.