Farming Upward

Due to the great deal of chemicals used on today's produce we are losing fertile land quickly yet feeling the need to respond to a larger population. Topsoil is the basis by which our food is grown yet with the introduction of chemicals we have depleted the health of our soil and in turn our land. As a result, researchers have begun searching for alternatives such as vertical farming. This concept will help feed local areas efficiently and in a sustainable fashion. Basically, these indoor farms will be built upward in high rise buildings. The idea is that older buildings with no use will now become useful. In addition, the produce can be generated in the winter and will reduce outsourcing for some food products.

The main goal will be to produce a large amount of produce with little cost. These efficient farms will be located in urban areas to produce year round vegetables in hopes of restoring the eco-systems that were harmed by horizontal farming. The benefits of vertical farming are many. To name a few, year round crop production, no weather related crop failure, and no use of pesticides. In addition, vertical farming will create a sustainable environment for urban areas, it will not require tractor equipment therefore reducing the use of fossil fuels, and it will create jobs. These are only a few of the many advantages of vertical farming.

If we can make vertical cities why can't we mimic this idea on how we grow our produce? This thought for the future could create a localized sustainable food network if done efficiently.