Scottish technology company, Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) is showcasing its vertical farming growth towers. They vary in size, but those on show in Glasgow on the sidelines of recently concluded global climate change talks stack up to 5.5m high.
Growing in trays are an array of different leafy vegetables, trees, flowers, fruit, microgreens, and seed potatoes. In this smart ecosystem, this variety of crops can grow under highly tailored, controlled conditions
Every aspect of the growth process is controlled: light from sophisticated lighting, air being extracted and cooled for perfect temperatures, and a zero water waste circular system. A mechanical lift system can be remotely controlled to move trays of different crops up and down the towers.
“We can create an entire climate. If you want to grow cherry tomatoes and basil to make pesto in Singapore, we’ll just create Tuscany,” said David Farquhar, the chief executive of IGS.
Agriculture, forestry, and land-use sectors are responsible for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and many nations will need to make steep reforms to make the carbon cuts needed to meet their Paris Agreement targets. Amid ongoing debate about traditional agriculture, urban farming is a looming solution for many cities.
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