Vertical farming is taking agriculture to new heights, quite literally. This innovative farming method involves growing crops in stacked layers, often in controlled environments where light, temperature, and nutrients are closely monitored and adjusted for optimal growth. At Full Fat Ventures we are leveraging vertical farming to make high-protein, high-omega-3 livestock feed and a premium protein supplement for people.
In today's rapidly changing world, sustainable agriculture is no longer just a choice; it's a necessity. Vertical farming emerges as a beacon of hope, revolutionizing how we grow our food. Let's explore the benefits:
Maximized Space Utilization: Vertical farming allows for high-density cultivation, maximizing land use efficiency. With crops grown in vertical stacks, we can produce significantly more food per square meter compared to traditional farming methods [1]dddddddddd.
Year-Round Production: By controlling environmental factors such as temperature, light, nutrients and humidity, vertical farms can operate year-round, ensuring a consistent and reliable food supply regardless of seasonality or climatic events [2].
Water Conservation: Vertical farming uses significantly less water than conventional agriculture. Hydroponic and aeroponic systems recycle water, reducing water consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional soil-based farming [3,4].
Reduced Environmental Impact: With minimal need for pesticides and herbicides, vertical farming minimizes chemical runoff and soil degradation. Additionally, its proximity to urban centers reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution [5].
Fresh, Locally Grown Produce: Vertical farms can be located in urban areas, bringing fresh, nutritious produce closer to consumers. By shortening the supply chain, vertical farming reduces food miles and promotes community resilience [5].
By targeting Western Australia for expansion, Full Fat Ventures is strategically establishing a strong foothold in the region before branching out to other parts of Australia. This gradual approach will allow us to fine-tune our operations, build partnerships with local farmers, and make a lasting impact on the food supplements and livestock feed industry in Australia.
References: 1. Despommier, D. The Vertical Farm. Feeding the World in the XXI Century (p. 159). New York: Picado Press, 2010.
2. Van Delden, SH et al. Current status and future challenges in implementing and upscaling vertical farming systems. Nature Food, 2021.
3. Marsh, J. How Vertical Farming Can Save Water, AGRILINKS: https://agrilinks.org/post/how-vertical-farming-can-save-water#:~:text=Traditional%20farming%20wastes%20water%20because,indoors%2C%20independent%20of%20environmental%20changes.
4. How vertical farming can save water and support food security. World Economic Forum 2023: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/06/how-vertical-farming-can-save-water-and-support-food-security/
5. Benke, K. and Tomkins, B. Future food-production systems: vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy. 13(1). 2017.