Market growth is often underpinned by product or process research, corporate and entrepreneurial investment and individuals willing to take a risk on doing things differently. Vertical farming seems to fit this remit and the concept and business opportunity is being grasped throughout the supply chain.
But what is it about this modern agricultural concept that has got so many excited about implementing sustainable farming solutions, and becoming advocates of the process along the way?
In short, the answer is scalability and accessibility. Not only can we admire the fully commercialized outfits dedicated to supplying sustainably sourced products to their customers, but we can replicate that same vision in our own back gardens and on our roofs and balconies.
The amateur grower growing crops to feed their family and the commercial grower growing crops to supply their vendors with products are arguably one and the same in this instance. Both have the same intent – to influence the switch to more sustainable agriculture practices, and in doing so, to reduce the contribution of agriculture to climate change.
Concept introduction
However, let’s now look at the foundations for the rise in vertical farming – the research that kickstarted it all. Professor Dickson Despommier of Columbia University, USA first introduced the concept over twenty years ago to a class of students enrolled in his medical ecology course at Columbia University in the US.
Originally presented in the form of ‘farmscrapers’, vertical farming systems have since evolved into impressive mechanisms that can feed a rapidly growing population. Now regarded as the ‘founding father’ of vertical farming, it’s hard to imagine where the sector would be without his innovative thinking.
Book: vertical farming in horticulture
Professor Despommier is still active in this area and has contributed an insightful chapter to a new book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing – an award-winning publisher of agricultural science content.
Vertical farming in horticulture explores the development of new technologies and methods for growing plants in soilless environments, such as, plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), hydroponics, aeroponics and vertical propagation systems.
Featuring contributions from an array of internationally renowned experts on controlled environment systems, the book also provides examples of the practical application of vertical farming systems in the form of case studies.
The book is part of their new series: Instant Insights, which aim to give users immediate access to key research on a topic, allowing them to get right to the heart of a subject in an instant and empowering them to contribute to sustainable agriculture.
However, let’s now look at the foundations for the rise in vertical farming – the research that kickstarted it all.
Professor Dickson Despommier of Columbia University, USA first introduced the concept over twenty years ago to a class of students enrolled on his medical ecology course at Columbia University in the US.
Originally presented in the form of ‘farmscrapers’, vertical farming systems have since evolved into impressive mechanisms that can feed a rapidly growing population.
Now regarded as the ‘founding father’ of vertical farming, it’s hard to imagine where the sector would be without his innovative thinking.
Professor Despommier is still active in this area and has contributed an insightful chapter to a new book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing – an award-winning publisher of agricultural science content.
'Instant insights'
Vertical farming in horticulture explores the development of new technologies and methods for growing plants in soilless environments, such as plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), hydroponics, aeroponics and vertical propagation systems. Featuring contributions from an array of internationally renowned experts on controlled environment systems, the book also provides examples of the practical application of vertical farming systems in the form of case studies.
The book is part of their new series: Instant Insights, which aims to give users immediate access to key research on a topic, allowing them to get right to the heart of a subject in an instant and empowering them to contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Speaking on the new book’s publication, Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing says, “With the sector evolving and expanding rapidly each day, we want to ensure that as many people as possible are engaged with key research that has shaped current and future advancements in developing/optimizing vertical farming systems.
“It’s a huge honor to open the book with a fantastic chapter contributed by Professor Dickson Despommier.”
Find out more about the book here.
Receive 10% off Vertical farming in horticulture if purchased via the Burleigh Dodds Online Bookshop. Simply enter code VFD10 at checkout to receive this discount. *Code expires 31st March 2021.
For more information:
Katherine Lister, Marketing Executive
Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing
82 High Street
Sawston, Cambridge, CB22 3HJ, UK
+44 (0) 1223 839365
www.bdspublishing.com