10 Years of The Vertical Farm

A Decade of Vision: Reflecting on "The Vertical Farm"

Approximately two hours elapsed between my initial contact and our first Zoom discussion – occurring on a Sunday, remarkably. I bypassed my post-workout shower and donned a baseball cap, anticipating a potentially unique opportunity.

Dr. Dickson Despommier, after over twenty years of advocating for vertical farming globally, remains as enthusiastic about the topic as ever. This is likely connected to the recent tenth-anniversary edition of his seminal work, “The Vertical Farm,” released late last year.

The Genesis of an Idea

In the original edition, Despommier posited, “Although there are at present no examples of vertical farms, we know how to proceed – we can apply hydroponic and aeroponic farming methodologies in a multistory building and create the world’s first vertical farms.”

The updated book includes a new chapter, “And Then What Happened?” This chapter attempts to encapsulate the significant developments of the past decade. However, as I’ve observed within the vertical farming sector, a single chapter – or even a concise review – is insufficient to fully address the topic’s complexity.

Despommier notes in the new chapter, “In 2010, when this book was first published, there were no vertical farms.” He continues, stating that as of the present, the number of vertical farms is so numerous that an exact count is difficult.

A Growing Movement

The list of vertical farms presented in the book, while not exhaustive, spans four and a half pages. It includes selective entries, such as listing only Spread, Japan’s largest vertical farming company, while acknowledging the existence of at least 200 similar farms within the country.

The U.S. list features well-known names like AeroFarms and Bowery Farming, companies familiar to those following the technology sector.

The widespread adoption of vertical farming by numerous countries and companies demonstrates its potential as a solution to the challenges posed by climate change. While not a singular answer, it is increasingly viewed as a crucial component of a broader strategy.

Addressing Global Concerns

It’s unlikely that readers picking up “The Vertical Farm” in 2021 require convincing regarding the reality of human-induced climate change. Nevertheless, Despommier effectively outlines the associated concerns, particularly those related to population growth and unsustainable farming practices.

Beyond the clear need to address meat production, further education is needed regarding the broader environmental impact of food production systems.

These critical issues spurred the initial development of the vertical farming concept. The modern understanding of the idea originated as a thought experiment during a 1999 Columbia University course led by Despommier. A prior publication titled “Vertical Farming” appeared in 1915, but bears little resemblance to the contemporary interpretation.

Accessibility and Idealism

Despite Despommier’s academic background – he is now an emeritus professor at the age of 81 – “The Vertical Farm” is written in an accessible and easily understandable style. The book functions as an extension of his class’s initial explorations, which is fitting considering the lack of established vertical farms at the time of its first release.

This approach reflects the author’s underlying utopian idealism.

Irving Fain, CEO of Bowery Farming, who consulted with Despommier before his company’s 2014 launch, articulated this sentiment in a recent discussion.

Despommier is a pragmatist regarding the threats of climate change, overpopulation, and overfarming, but remains an idealist when discussing potential solutions. This perspective offers a refreshing contrast in an era often dominated by pessimism.

Energy and Sustainability

A key consideration revolves around the energy consumption and costs associated with indoor plant cultivation, compared to utilizing natural sunlight. The book’s new chapter highlights potential solutions, such as clear photovoltaic windows, rainwater harvesting, and carbon sequestration.

As more farms become operational, further analysis will be needed to determine the net environmental benefits of these approaches. Increased scale and technological advancements are crucial for achieving sustainability goals.

My experience covering startups has instilled a degree of skepticism regarding purely altruistic motivations within the green technology sector. I believe that demonstrating strong financial returns is paramount, particularly within the United States.

Companies must prove the economic viability of vertical farms before substantial progress can be made on the sustainability front.

A Catalytic Work

To quote Bowery’s CEO once more, the work remains profoundly impactful. The agricultural revolution catalyzed by Despommier and “The Vertical Farm” over the past decade serves as compelling evidence.

The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century by Dr. Dickson Despommier
Picador, 2020, 368 pages