The objective of the "Sustainable Vertical farming" research project is to find simplified and low-cost solutions to optimize energy resources and encourage the growth of vertical systems farming. The research is coordinated by the Department of Agri-Food Sciences and Technologies - DISTAL.
Launched in 2022, the Sustainable Vertical farming research project is coordinated by prof. Francesco Orsini of the DISTAL, with the aim of tackling climate change by proposing innovative solutions for the development of Vertical Farms in Italy. Together with the universities of Naples, Turin, and Padua, this project has already taken some grand steps.
"Among our goals, there is that of optimizing the use of energy, nutrients and water resources and diversifying production towards small fruits, exotic tropical species and medicinal plants from which to extract active ingredients intended for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use," shares prof. Orsini.
The costs are still very high(1,500-3,000 euros per square meter of cultivated area), but this system, once fully operational, could have important repercussions on employment. For example, in Japan, a vertical farm that needs operators employs as many as 300 per hectare. Differently, in Italy and in Europe, one hectare of greenhouse generally employs between 4 and 10 operators. Finally, in the poorest countries, vertical farms can be a driving force for employment.
"It is important to think about the generation of work, - explains Orsini- because in vertical farms, it is possible to employ people at risk of exclusion, given that the tasks are rather simple. This is why in some territories this system proves to be an opportunity also from the point of view of employment and social redemption."
Read the entire article at the Unibo Magazine (in Italian)