This 12-minute video summarizes the potential contributions of controlled-environment agriculture systems (greenhouses, vertical farms and plant factories) to food security in higher-income countries.
CEA systems could impact food security due to higher and more stable yields, and they can potentially be located near food-insecure populations, for example in urban areas.
However, food insecurity arises primarily due to limits on food access for some populations, access that has both distance and economic dimensions. It is less clear based on existing evidence that the location or cost structures for CEA would facilitate the broad-based improvements in food access necessary for substantive reductions in food insecurity.
Pending additional information, it is appropriate to exercise caution in claims about the role of CEA in the improvement of food security outcomes.
For more information:
Cornell University
www.cornell.edu