Vertical farming as a concept has been around for several decades, but its modern form began to take shape in the early 2000s. The idea of growing plants vertically, stacked in layers or on vertical surfaces, emerged as a potential solution to address various challenges in agriculture, such as land scarcity, climate limitations, and food security concerns.
One of the pioneers in vertical farming is Dickson Despommier, a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University. Despommier popularized the concept of vertical farming in 1999 with his book “The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century.” His book laid out the vision and potential benefits of growing crops in multilevel indoor environments using hydroponics or aeroponics.
Following Despommier’s work, vertical farming gained more attention and traction in the early 2000s. Companies and entrepreneurs began exploring and implementing vertical farming systems, experimenting with different technologies and designs to maximize productivity and efficiency. Advancements in LED lighting, hydroponic systems, and automation technologies also contributed to the growth and development of vertical farming.
Around the mid-2000s, the first commercial vertical farming ventures started to emerge. These early pioneers focused on leafy greens and herbs as the primary crops due to their fast growth and suitability for controlled indoor environments. As the industry evolved, vertical farming expanded to include a wider range of crops, including strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, and even vine crops like cucumbers.
Since then, vertical farming has continued to gain momentum globally. Numerous vertical farms have been established in various countries, utilizing innovative techniques and technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and crop quality. The industry is constantly evolving, with ongoing research and development driving advancements in vertical farming practices.
Overall, while the concept of growing plants vertically can be traced back further, the modern era of vertical farming began to take shape in the early 2000s with the work of Dickson Despommier and subsequent efforts by researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies to explore and develop this innovative farming approach.