Vertical farming

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Vertical farming is a conceptual form of agriculture done in urban high-rises. In these high-rises (variously called "farmscrapers,"^[1] food such as fruit, vegetables, fish, and livestock can be raised by using greenhouse growing methods and recycled resources year-round, allowing cities of the future to become self-sufficient.

Recent research into the concept has been primarily the brainchild of Dickson Despommier, a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University in New York City, New York. Designs by Chris Jacobs^[2]^[3] (Creative Director of United Future) of Los Angeles, California have brought the Vertical Farm concepts into the world spotlight, starting with an article that featured Dickson's Vertical Farm concept in New York Magazine.

The potential advantages of vertical farming would be the prevention of deforestation, desertification, sprawl, and other consequences of growing agricultural land use. By producing food within population centers, less pollution is produced transporting the food from distant farms. The controlled environment of a greenhouse may also allow greater crop yields and reduced need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. As currently envisioned, the vertical farm would also be designed to turn sewage into fresh water, generate its own electricity from decomposition byproducts, and be virtually self sufficient.

Professor Despommier argues that the technology to construct vertical farms exists. He also believes that the system can be profitable and effective, a claim evidenced by some preliminary research posted on the project's website. One rough cost estimate suggests a vertical farm large enough to feed 35,000 people could be built for less than $84 million.^[4] Currently, a vertical farm has been proposed in Toronto by designer Gordon Graff.^[5]^[6]^[7]

The city of Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States will build the world's first 30 story vertical farm. Scheduled to be open in 2010, the $200 million dollar project would produce food for 72,000 people.^[8]^[9]