In the quest for sustainable food production, vertical farming has emerged as a promising contender, but how does it stack up against traditional field farming in terms of environmental impact? A recent study published in the journal *Food and Energy Security* (which translates to *Seguridad Alimentaria y Energética* in Spanish) sheds light on this very question, offering valuable insights for the agritech and energy sectors.
The study, led by Michael Gargaro from the Centre for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Surrey in the UK, employed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to compare the environmental footprint of lettuce production in a commercial vertical farm with that of traditional field farming. The results reveal a nuanced picture, with vertical farming showing higher emissions across most impact categories, except for water use. However, when renewable energy sources are utilized, the greenhouse gas emissions of vertical farming become more comparable to those of field farming.
“Energy use, whether it’s electricity or diesel, the choice of substrate, and soil emissions were the biggest hotspots for lettuce production in this study,” Gargaro explained. This finding underscores the critical role of energy choices in shaping the environmental impact of both farming methods. For the energy sector, this presents an opportunity to innovate and provide sustainable energy solutions tailored to the needs of modern agriculture.
One of the most striking findings of the study is the vastly superior yield per area in vertical farming systems compared to field farming. With yields of 97.3 kg per square meter in vertical farms versus an average of 3.3 kg per square meter in field farms, vertical farming offers significant land sparing potential. This could allow for the repurposing of spared land to achieve other environmental benefits, such as reforestation or biodiversity conservation, while still meeting food production demands.
The study’s findings have profound implications for the future of agriculture and the energy sector. As climate change continues to accelerate the degradation of agricultural land, the need for climate-resilient food production systems becomes ever more pressing. Vertical farming, with its potential for high yields and reduced environmental impact when powered by renewable energy, could play a pivotal role in this transition.
Moreover, the study highlights the importance of considering the entire life cycle of food production when assessing its environmental impact. From energy use to substrate choice and soil emissions, every aspect of the production process contributes to the overall footprint. This holistic approach is crucial for developing sustainable and resilient food systems that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.
As we look to the future, the findings of this study serve as a call to action for the agritech and energy sectors. By innovating and collaborating, we can develop and implement sustainable solutions that support climate-resilient food production. In doing so, we can secure a more sustainable and food-secure future for all.