In a world grappling with climate challenges and unpredictable weather patterns, Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) is championing a hybrid approach to agriculture that marries traditional farming with vertical farming technology. This innovative strategy positions vertical farms not as replacements for conventional agriculture, but as vital partners that can enhance the growth cycle of crops, particularly during their nursery stages.
The recent surge in global temperatures—averaging 17.16 degrees Celsius in July 2024—has underscored the urgency for farmers to adapt. With climate change leading to erratic weather conditions, including flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat, growers face significant hurdles in maintaining crop quality and yield. IGS has identified that many issues related to crop quality arise during the nursery stage, where up to half of the problems can occur. By utilizing vertical farming technology, growers can create the ideal environment to produce robust starter plants that are disease-free and ready for transplanting into more traditional settings, such as greenhouses or outdoor fields.
This hybrid model not only addresses the challenges posed by climate change but also mitigates supply chain vulnerabilities. For crops like strawberry propagules and lettuce plugs, which often rely on imports, the risks of damage and disease during transportation can lead to significant losses. In the UK, for instance, over a third of imported strawberry propagules suffer from these issues. By cultivating these crops in controlled vertical farming environments, IGS enables growers to increase yields by approximately 30%, while avoiding the volatility associated with third-party starter plant supplies. This self-sufficiency allows farmers to align their production with market demand, reducing overhead costs and minimizing environmental impacts.
IGS’s tailored Growth Recipes play a crucial role in this process, ensuring that crops receive the optimal combination of lighting, temperature, and humidity during their formative stages. The company has successfully experimented with a variety of crops, including lettuce and tomatoes, demonstrating that vertical farming can accelerate growth rates and enhance plant resilience. For instance, trials have shown that tomato plugs can be produced in vertical farms at nearly double the speed of traditional greenhouse methods, all while remaining free from harmful chemicals.
The implications of this hybrid approach are profound. As growers face increasing pressures from climate variability and supply chain disruptions, the ability to cultivate healthy, strong starter plants in a controlled environment offers a pathway to greater food security and sustainability. By harnessing the strengths of both vertical and traditional farming, IGS is not only empowering farmers to take control of their operations but is also paving the way for a more resilient agricultural future.
