What is Vertical Farming?
Skyfarm is revolutionizing urban agriculture through vertical farming, cultivating food within skyscraper greenhouses or on vertically inclined surfaces. This innovative approach maximizes crop yield by growing upwards, making it ideal for space-constrained urban environments. Multiple layers of crops can be grown in a fraction of the land area required for traditional farming.
Our method incorporates advanced techniques similar to glasshouse agriculture, where natural sunlight is augmented with artificial lighting and metal reflectors. Using hydroponics and aeroponics, we achieve 3 to 10 times the farming efficiency of conventional methods. These soil-free systems deliver nutrients through water or mist, promoting faster growth and higher yields.
Skyfarm collaborates with leading experts and innovators in the vertical farming industry. With the sector still emerging, technological advancements are accelerating growth, and numerous new vertical farms are being established worldwide. In 2016 alone, over a dozen new farms were set up, highlighting the increasing investment and interest.
Advantages of Vertical Farming
- Limited Agricultural Runoff
- Year round crop production
- Resilient to climate change
- Uses up to 98 % less water compared to open field agriculture
- Less food miles due to local production
- Creates new green jobs
- Promotes restoration of damaged ecosystems
- Ideal for vacant urban spaces
- Higher yields and faster growth rates
- Delivers consistent, fresh and local produce
- Better quality nutrition
SkyFarm: An Economically Viable Business Model
SkyFarm offers a robust business model with 25,000 square meters (2.5 hectares) of arable space. Operating year-round, it can produce up to 900 crops per square meter annually, translating into 7-14 kg per plant per year. By optimizing plant density, crop variety, CO2 levels, lighting, temperature, and water, SkyFarm can yield up to 100 times more than traditional farming.
The integrated aquaponic system enhances sustainability through efficient water usage. Renewable energy sources, including gas, a biomass digester, and PV solar power, will optimize power usage and ease the existing power grid, improving ROI for investors.
SkyFarm will create multiple permanent jobs and offer flexible crop production to suit market demands. It also serves as an educational hub, raising awareness among residents, school children, and students about urban agriculture. This educational aspect will inspire further innovation in healthy inner-city food production, making SkyFarm a scalable and adaptable solution for urban food security.
A Visual Guide to Efficient Urban Agriculture
