Wheat on wheat on wheat: Growing wheat best inside vertical farms

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• January 14, 2022

Insight summary

Vertical farming, a new approach to agriculture, is poised to transform the way we grow wheat, offering a solution to the increasing demand for food and the challenges posed by climate change. This method, which can significantly increase yields and offers benefits such as less land use, controlled growing conditions, and water reuse, could lead to a more efficient and sustainable form of agriculture. As this shift occurs, it will not only impact farmers, who will need to acquire new skills, but also urban environments, where vertical farming could create jobs, enhance food security, and stimulate technological development.

Vertical farming context

Traditional farms may no longer be the best environment to grow wheat. Innovations in agricultural science and technology enable new growing techniques that make highly efficient use of farmland footprints. As the global population continues to grow and climate change reduces the land available to farm, increasing agricultural yield is increasingly becoming a critical challenge for agriculture in the 21st century. 

This challenge is especially true for wheat and cereal crops, which supply one-fifth of calories and proteins for human diets globally and are an essential feedstock for animal agriculture. Fortunately, the rapid development of vertical wheat farming operations may have a significant impact on future yields.

According to varying estimates, vertical farming could increase hectare wheat yields between 220 and 600 times. Moreover, building vertical facilities can realize a range of savings and advantages, including the use of less land than field-grown wheat, control over growing conditions, the reuse of most water, the exclusion of pests and diseases, and no nutrient losses to the environment.

Disruptive impact 

As energy prices decrease, possibly due to the increased use of renewable sources or fusion reactors, wheat farmers may find vertical farming an attractive option. This shift could lead to a more efficient use of land, allowing farmers to diversify their agricultural practices. For instance, the land saved from traditional wheat farming could be repurposed for other agricultural activities, such as animal husbandry.

The transition to vertical farming also implies a change in the skill set required for farming. Farmers would need to acquire new knowledge and skills to operate these vertical farms effectively, potentially leading to a surge in educational and training programs tailored to this new form of agriculture. The shift could also stimulate job growth in the agricultural sector, particularly in vertical farming management and maintenance.

Furthermore, the potential for vertical farming to be implemented in urban environments could have profound implications for cities and their residents. Urban vertical farming could lead to the creation of new jobs within city limits, contributing to local economies. It could also enhance food security by reducing reliance on long-distance supply chains. For governments, this could mean a shift in policy focus towards supporting urban agriculture initiatives, while for companies, it could open up new avenues for investment and innovation in urban farming technologies.

Implications of vertical farming

Wider implications of vertical farming may include:

• A stable, consistent quantity of plant agriculture that is protected from disruptions from weather events and changes and free of pesticides and herbicides. (This would help protect a country’s food supply.)
• Exotic or non-native plants in countries that would not otherwise support their growth.
• Repurposing of existing and underutilized urban buildings into local farms, thereby reducing environmental pollution by cutting transport costs from the farm to the end consumer.
• Biologically active molecules for existing and future medical applications.
• A shift in population dynamics, with more people choosing to live in urban areas due to the availability of fresh, locally grown produce.
• New technologies for efficient energy use and climate control in vertical farms, leading to a surge in the agricultural technology sector.
• An increased need for skilled workers who can operate and maintain vertical farming systems.
• Reduced strain on natural resources by using less water and land compared to traditional farming methods, leading to a more sustainable form of agriculture.
• New policies and regulations to support this form of agriculture leading to a shift in agricultural policy focus.

Questions to consider

• When do you think vertical farming will see widespread adoption inside the agricultural industry?
• Alternatively, do you think the benefits of vertical farming are overblown?