Sustainability and environmental responsibility have always been at the forefront of the agriculture industry.

Now in 2024, we’re turning our attention to a newer method of growing: vertical farming. Vertical farming is capturing the attention of experts, eco-conscious individuals, and food lovers alike.

Vertical farming isn't your typical agriculture. It's a revolutionary way of growing crops in vertically stacked growing towers or horizontally stacked trays, often within controlled environments like dedicated indoor spaces, skyscrapers, and shipping containers.

Vertical farming says goodbye to the vast fields seen with other types of agriculture and maximizes space and resources, reduces environmental impact, and creates a more sustainable food future.

In The Ultimate List of Vertical Farming Facts for 2024, we're diving into the latest trends, eye-opening statistics, and game-changing impacts that define this agricultural shift. From cutting-edge technology to environmental perks that align with our changing climate, each fact peels back a layer of the vertical farming story, giving us a comprehensive look into its role in agriculture.

Summary

Water conservation: Vertical farms use up to 10 times less water, achieving a 98% reduction in water usage and a 99% decrease in land requirements.
Space optimization: Vertical farming optimizes space and offers a solution for large urban centres where 80% of the world's population is projected to reside by 2050.
Year-round harvests: Year-round controlled-environment agriculture ensures a constant supply of fresh produce.
Protective environment: Vertical farms’-controlled environment shields crops from pests, diseases, and external factors.
Carbon-footprint minimization: Vertical farming minimizes the carbon footprint by situating farms near urban centres, reducing transportation emissions, and supporting local economies.
Minimal chemicals: Using fewer chemicals, vertical farming aligns with consumers' preferences for transparent and sustainable food production.
Hyper-local agriculture: Hyper-local container farming transforms forgotten spaces into thriving gardens, reducing the carbon footprint, and fostering community engagement.
Hydroponic efficiency: Hydroponic farming, a key vertical farming technique, ensures quicker harvests by directly providing essential nutrients to plant roots.

Vertical farming facts

1. Vertical farms use less water

Vertical farms redefine water usage in agriculture, embracing a sustainable approach that minimizes waste. Employing hydroponic farming systems, these farms can significantly reduce water consumption — often utilizing up to 10 times less water than conventional crop watering methods. The closed-system design captures and efficiently recirculates water, preventing environmental runoff and maximizing water efficiency.

Vertical farming techniques take water conservation to new heights compared to traditional farming. Farmers can achieve an astounding 98% reduction in water usage and a 99% decrease in land requirements. The perpetual harvest model, facilitated by year-round rolling cultivation, enables these farms to boast crop yields that surpass traditional methods by a staggering 240 times.

This water-wise and land-efficient approach underscores the pivotal role vertical farming plays in addressing the sustainability challenges of modern agriculture.

2. Vertical farms require less land usage

Vertical farming not only conserves water but also addresses the challenge of limited arable land, a critical resource in conventional agriculture. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on sprawling acreages for single-layer planting on the ground, hydroponic farming optimizes vertical space. By stacking plants on top of each other, vertical farms achieve higher yields without requiring extensive land.

Looking ahead to 2050, where approximately 80% of the world's population is projected to reside in urban areas, the demand for food will intensify, particularly in regions where land is scarce. Vertical farming offers a solution tailored for large urban centres, providing a viable means to meet the rising demand without relying on expansive fields. This innovative approach aligns with the changing demographic landscape and positions vertical farming as a key player in the sustainable future of agriculture.

On the flip side, a decentralized approach to food production gives more people the opportunity to eat fresher food. For example, modular vertical farms can be placed almost anywhere (in a parking lot or an area that rains year-round) to grow fresh vegetables steps away from where they are consumed. Sometimes land is not suitable for outdoor production, but that does not mean you cannot grow food on it - just expand which growing method you use.

3. Vertical farming allows for farming year-round

Imagine having your favorite veggies on the table, no matter the season. Vertical farming in Canada makes it a reality, growing crops year-round in its controlled environment. With vertical farming, there’s no concern about weather quirks or seasonal shifts — these farms ensure a constant supply of greens whenever you crave them.

In a world where supply chains can be unpredictable and folks are leaning toward healthier eating habits, controlled-environment agriculture is taking center stage. With year-round harvests, vertical farming isn't just a trend; it's one reliable solution to the world’s food access problems.

For example, in Huntsville, Ontario, Muskoka North Good Food Co-op has made container farming in Canada a reality. Its modular hydroponic farm, installed in February 2023, guarantees that the community enjoys fresh produce regardless of the season. With crops like buttercrunch lettuce, spinach, and basil available year-round, this initiative showcases the tangible benefits of controlled-environment agriculture, bringing locally grown food to the table every day.

4. The controlled environment eliminates environmental impacts on crops, improving and increasing yield

In the controlled environment of a vertical farm, crops get the white-glove treatment — with careful management of the temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, light, nutrient concentration, acidity, and other factors.

These facilities act as protective barriers, shielding the farm from external factors like pests, fungal diseases, and seasonal weather patterns. This level of control not only benefits crop yield but also mitigates the risk of runoff.

Consider the example of New Horizon Local Garden in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Using small rafts that float on water, the New Horizon team can grow up to various types of leafy greens in as little as six weeks, with no need for pest control products and significantly reduced water and land usage. The best part? The freshly harvested greens are carried into the store in minutes, to then be displayed on the produce shelf for you to buy.

New Horizon Local Garden in Grande Prairie, Alberta stocks freshly harvest greens on store shelves. The few minute commute saves on time and emissions from longer haul trips.

5. Vertical farming minimizes the carbon footprint

According to Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems research, human activities related to agriculture — including supply chain, food waste, and land-use issues — account for 21% to 37% of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Vertical farmers address this problem head-on by situating farms near urban centres, reducing the need for extensive produce transportation.

This intentional proximity curtails emissions (and food spoilage) associated with long-distance haulage and supports local economies. Meanwhile, consumers receive fresher, locally sourced produce.

By relying on different types of production – like outdoor and indoor agriculture – we can efficiently use the world’s resources in ways that make the most sense. For example, it does not make sense to grow potatoes using hydroponics (because they do not like wet growing conditions) but it does make sense to grow leafy greens which grow quickly.

6. Vertical farming uses fewer chemicals than traditional farming methods

Unlike conventional agriculture, where perishable foods often undergo chemical treatments to extend shelf life, vertical farms ensure rapid transportation from farm to table. This swift delivery reduces the reliance on preservatives and chemicals — and allows consumers to enjoy their food with confidence, knowing it's free from chemical residues.

Although not all chemicals are bad, consumers today are increasingly conscious of what goes into their food. By using fewer chemicals, vertical farming aligns with consumers’ evolving preferences, offering a sustainable, transparent, and efficient alternative to traditional farming methods. Meanwhile, plants undergo less pest-related stress and can grow faster, producing quicker yields — a benefit to growers and consumers alike.

7. Crops can be grown hyper-locally

Picture having your veggies grown just around the corner in that vacant lot you pass daily. Vertical farming turns forgotten spaces into thriving gardens, leading to fresher produce and a greener planet.

With hyper-local container farming, your lettuce, leafy greens, and herbs are even more local than Canadian-grown or from the same province. The short journey from the farm to plate — often in the same town or city — means a reduced carbon footprint and exceptionally fresh veggies on your table.

Moreover, hyper-local container farming in Canada supports local businesses, encouraging a sustainable lifestyle where communities come together for greener, fresher produce and a healthier planet.

8. Vertical farming — more specifically, hydroponic farming — is ready for harvest quicker than traditional farming

Whether you’re a vertical farmer or a consumer of hyper-local produce, hydroponics offers time-sensitive advantages over traditional soil methods.

Unlike soil-grown produce, hydroponics directly feed the plant roots, providing a consistent supply of essential nutrients. This process allows crops to channel all their energy into growing lush leaves.

Fast-tracking the time from planting to harvest means a quicker time to market for farmers — and fresh greens on plates in half the time for consumers.

Cultivating Tomorrow: Embrace Vertical Farming With Growcer

Vertical farming is one piece of the puzzle to a more resilient food future. Countless of growers coast to coast to coast are embracing modular farming to improve food access and grow fresher produce for their local communities.

To delve further into insights and facts on the world of vertical farming and hydroponics, check out the Growcer blog, including the 20 unique benefits of hydroponic farming.

Comparing Vertical Farms

Check out the Vertical Farming Comparison Guide to cut through the noise of information. This guide compares and contrasts key aspects of vertical farms, helping you make decisions about your own business, understand more as a student or educator, and ultimately dispel any myths and legends.

Download the guide to better understand:

DIY vs. Turn-Key Solutions
All About Yields
Horizontal vs. Vertical Stacking
DWC vs. NFT Hydroponic Setups
Choosing Your Provider