Propane is an essential fuel for controlling growing environments in greenhouses. With the advent of vertical farming in the early 2000s, growing crops in stacked layers instead of traditional field rows can use 99% less water and 98% less land. The Wildhorse Propane & Appliance team takes a look at the role propane plays in the migration to indoor farming solutions.
Greenhouse, or "indoor farming," has been around since at least Roman times. Growing crops in sheltered, controlled environments extends growing seasons, protects sensitive crops from cold and heat, conserves water, reduces reliance on pesticides, and increases crop yield. Vertical and hydroponic farming are relatively new concepts.
According to Wildhorse Propane & Appliance, propane provides "reliable temperature control, keeping crops at ideal growing conditions regardless of weather." It also delivers cost-effective operations thanks to pricing that's generally more stable than electricity or diesel. "Propane burns more efficiently," the company explains, "providing dependable temperature control at a lower cost." In addition, propane emits fewer greenhouse gases and burns cleaner than many other fuels, while also serving as a reliable backup power source during grid failures.
The company has been delivering propane to Watsonville and surrounding agricultural communities since 1980. "Propane plays a vital role in every part of life throughout our service area," the team says. They remain committed to supporting the agricultural and environmental quality of life across Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo counties.
"Today's farmers face mounting challenges, including the loss of farmland, environmental shifts, global economic pressures, and the migration of rural populations to urban areas. Innovations like vertical farming are poised to help meet these challenges and could revolutionize both farming and the nation's food supply, and propane is an essential part of that future," said a representative from Wildhorse in a statement.
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The loss of farmland, regardless of its cause, does not change the nation's food demands. California remains the leading agricultural producer in the U.S. and the fifth-largest in the world. Yet, according to the American Farmland Trust, nearly 50,000 acres of California's agricultural land are lost each year. Between 2001 and 2016, the state converted 466,000 acres of farmland to urban and residential use, and since 2017, another 332,197 acres have been lost.
Losing small farms has a particularly strong local impact. The American Farmland Trust describes small farms—those up to 180 acres—as "filling critical and often under-utilized roles" in local food economies. For these smaller operators, converting part of their operations to greenhouse or vertical farming can boost yields using less land and fewer resources.
On the national front, the successful turnaround of vertical farming pioneer AeroFarms, from a 2023 bankruptcy, is seen by many as an indicator of the future of vertical farming. PERC, the Propane Education & Research Council, sees a critical role for propane in the future of vertical farming.
"Looking ahead, Wildhorse Propane & Appliance is proud to continue supporting local farms and agricultural innovation throughout California. We remain committed to fueling progress as the state's farmers adapt to new challenges and embrace the promise of sustainable, efficient indoor farming," the company concluded their statement.
For more information:
Wildhorse Propane & Appliance
Email: [email protected]
wildhorsepropane.net/
