The future of agriculture

The 3^rd Annual Indoor Ag Conference was a rousing success, celebrating a year of exponential growth and exposure in the industry. Seasoned, new and prospective growers from across the world flocked to Las Vegas, Nevada for the two-day educational conference.

 

Speakers from eight countries held forth on diverse topics ranging from what chefs want from the indoor agriculture industry to selecting optimal lighting technology to the competitive ability of vertical farms.

 

Attendance at the conference, much like the vertical farming market, has increased year-to-year. Investment and interest in that segment of the industry has started to crest upwards. According to a white paper produced for the conference, there are an estimated 15 commercial-scale vertical farms and rooftop greenhouses in North America, with another 30 planned for 2015.

 

Much of the market’s growth can be attributed to an increased demand for “local food.” Most estimates peg the local food market at close to $7 billion. Vertical farming, with a focus on controlling growing variables through technology and other advancements, appears to be a crucial part of the future of agriculture.

 

While indoor farming will never replace conventional field farming, it does have the chance to supplement and enhance the current food system. As drought and rising land prices make outdoor crop production increasingly costly, moving some crops indoors and allowing more space for other outdoor produce will become crucial.