The Vertical farming industry has exploded over the last decade, with many urban areas now developing farms as a means to produce food products in a more safe and secure environment. A large majority of people share the opinion that this is a positive development for metropolitan city’s, whereas some would oppose this, as it might detract business from local farmers in smaller towns.
To start with, some would say vertical farming offers farmers the opportunity to have more control over safety and quality of there stock, without the stress and worry of rapid seasonal changes in weather conditions. This is due to the fact that vertical farming can be contained indoors, in controlled temperature conditions, this results in better quality produce that is grown in a more sustainable and secure environment.
However, many would counter that argument by saying vertical farming would strip local businesses and small towns of an important source if income. Moreover, farming communities often pass down family businesses to the next generation, and as a result these families are able to keep providing an income to staff, which consequently leads to the staff staying in the local area and spending that money back into the community, either in retail shop’s, or hospitality businesses.
With all sides considered, I believe traditional farming communities should adopt a more open minded approach to vertical farming because it could help them save money and develop their existing bussiness model into something more sustainable and safe in the long run.