Along with vertical farming innovators, researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) are exploring the industry’s transformative potential. At the same time, their Singapore-based research platform, TUMCREATE, facilitates this creative experimentation. Innovation for a resilient agri-food sec Dr. Vanesa Calvo-Baltanás, research coordinator When based on climate-smart practices, this path can not only exponentially increase food production but minimize agriculture’s environmental footprint. The journal PNAS Nexus recently published the research. To them, vertical farming opens the door to healthier, more sustainable sources of protein for high-density cities like Singapore.
Vertical farming presents us with the potential to produce novel food groups such as crops, algae, mushrooms, insects, fish and even cultivated meat. Agroecology’s multifaceted approach to farming makes it a powerful tool through which we can improve food security in these populous urban landscapes. The research team, which includes Ph.D. candidate Jooseop Park and Professor Senthold Asseng, aims to support Singapore’s ambitious “30-by-30” strategy, which targets local production of 30% of the country’s nutritional requirements by the year 2030.
Enhancing Protein Yields
Vertical farming offers a unique opportunity to increase protein outputs per unit area. As shown by our study, the protein yield of crops can be increased almost three hundred times through the implementation of vertical farming practices. The exciting finding of this study is that… Mushroom and insect production has more than 6,000 times higher protein yield per hectare than conventional agriculture. These discoveries underscore the ways in which vertical farming can offer nutritious, protein-rich food alternatives. This action would make a huge positive impact towards creating a more sustainable food system.
Dr. Calvo-Baltanás elaborates on the implications of these findings, stating that “controlled environment agriculture can revolutionize food production.” She highlights the promising opportunity to make big strides. Reaching it requires directed investments in technology development and cross-cutting, transdisciplinary science to address energy challenges.
“Controlled environment agriculture can revolutionize food production. However, technological advances, interdisciplinary research to tackle energy issues, policy incentives and public engagement are needed to realize its full potential,” – Dr. Calvo-Baltanás.
Addressing Urban Food Needs
Singapore has staked a good portion of its future on vertical farming to increase its own food security. This strategy smartly tackles issues created by climate change and urban sprawl. What’s exciting about vertical farming is how it connects food more directly to consumers. This strategy shortens long supply chains and mitigates the risks of severe weather. Going beyond just improving access to fresh produce, this localized approach contributes to spreading sustainable practices like urban agriculture.
TUMCREATE’s Lead Principal Investigator, Professor Senthold Asseng. He’s keen to put the breaks on overly pessimistic assessments of vertical farming’s promise, which he argues have not been fully realized. He agrees that after all the hype this technology still needs a lot of research and development to fully unlock the potential of this global ag innovation.
“The potential of vertical farming is far from exhausted,” – Senthold Asseng.
The Path Forward
The research team says to maximize the benefits of vertical farming, all sectors should work together. Only by working together will we help it fulfill its true potential! You read up on technological innovations that increase energy efficiency and improve resource management. You research policies that are focused on promoting more sustainable farming practices. Creating community support Public engagement is a key ingredient in building community support for these planning and policy initiatives.
Dr. Calvo-Baltanás supports this perspective, calling vertical farming a welcome component of food production systems. She emphasizes that “food can be grown close to consumers, independent of the weather and using space efficiently.” This versatility is what makes vertical farming such a critical part of the city-state’s food plan.