The UK is leading the way in vertical farming, a more sustainable way to grow herbs, salads and soft fruits year-round
JFCo’s solution is investment in renewable energy: The roof of its farm in Lydney – which will eventually provide 1.5 hectares of growing space – will be entirely covered in solar panels, with space for further panels or a wind turbine on neighbouring land.
Companies are also exploring technologies that could reduce the cost of labour, eg by semi-automating the harvesting process: “A bit like a [robotic] Amazon or Ocado pick station, where you do what you need to do with the plant – prune it, pollinate it, take the strawberries off it – and then put it back in its position,” said Lloyd-Jones.
Even if these plant pioneers can make vertical farming cost-effective, it is unlikely to replace traditional farming for staple crops, such as wheat, rice or potatoes. These have a longer growing period and require a lot of light, compared with herbs or salad leaves.
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