In recent months, we’ve had many discussions with clients about executing very targeted business development strategies aimed at a single industry that’s been validated as a solid community fit. One such industry that keeps sprouting to the top of the list is controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) also known as vertical agriculture.
Vertical agriculture is emerging as a promising target cluster for economic development. Growing crops in stacked layers, often in urban and suburban settings, offers a sustainable solution to food production challenges. While this concept enables communities to think differently about sourcing valuable produce, how do you know if your community is a good fit? This quick blog installment looks at some of the key factors that make vertical agriculture possible and have a few pros and cons to consider.
Popularity & Fit
Part of the appeal of vertical farming operations is that they can provide a source of fresh produce year-round. After the woes of uncertain supply chains during the pandemic, the ability to consistently boost local food supply may be one of the most attractive factors. Moreover, vertical farms are ideal for all geographies including dense urban footprints with land constraints. If saddled with old and unused warehousing or industrial space, vertical farms offer a relatively accessible retrofitting option, bringing life back to vacant buildings. Greenfield sites also make great options. In addition to providing a reliable resource for food supply, vertical farms appeal to communities with sustainability goals since they use less water than traditional farming and have a smaller carbon footprint since transportation to market is typically closer and the process releases less emissions.
Location Requirements
Aside from the ability to repurpose existing buildings with vertical farming operations, other factors must be considered for success. This modern twist on agriculture requires the use of power and technology. Like data centers, these operations are “always humming” and require a constant power supply. This could constrain communities already concerned about high power demand and supply and growing demand due to other high-power-using industries or general community growth. Growing produce vertically year-round requires many automated systems, sensors, and the ability to analyze crop conditions and yield data. This means communities must have a technology infrastructure with reliable internet and the tech-savvy workforce required to operate those systems. Vertical farming also requires a knowledge of agriculture. Even though it differs from traditional farming, plant science and horticultural knowledge are still required for efficient operations. Finally, zoning regulations need to allow for controlled environmental agriculture.
A Project Win?
Like so many other project types, vertical farming operations create skilled jobs paying attractive wages, enhance food security on a local level, and lend themselves to a sustainability story, something many communities are keen to tell. In addition to lending themselves to a food ecosystem, they can grow entrepreneur and innovation ecosystems, earning additional points. If the conditions are right, this burgeoning industry offers a unique opportunity to cultivate economic growth while enhancing food security and sustainability.
Let us know if you’re interested in discussing whether vertical farming makes sense for your community as a targeted business development focus. We’ve got lots of good insights to share about identifying where to direct strategic attraction focus, regardless of the industry, that we’d love to share. Connect with us today!
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