Vertical farming has taken the agricultural industry by storm in recent years. With its promise of a more sustainable and efficient way of producing crops, vertical farms have garnered the attention of investors and consumers alike. These farms are not only eco-friendly; they also have the potential to provide fresh and nutrient-rich produce all year round, even in urban areas where land is scarce. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top 10 vertical farming companies worldwide, their successes, and what sets them apart in this emerging industry.

List of Top 10 Vertical Farming Companies Worldwide:

1.AeroFarms LLC -

AeroFarms has been recognized as the world's largest vertical farming company. It operates one of the largest indoor vertical farms in the world. Their facilities can vary in size but typically consist of several vertical tiers for growing crops. AeroFarms boasts high levels of water efficiency compared to traditional agriculture. Their aeroponic system uses up to 95% less water than conventional farming methods. AeroFarms' vertical farming system allows for multiple harvests throughout the year, leading to higher overall crop yields compared to traditional farming methods. They grow plants in a patented aeroponic system without soil or sunlight, using only an LED lighting array and nutrient-rich mist. Their farms, which operate in four locations in the US, have reported an annual yield of 390 times more than traditional field farming.

2. AmHydro -

AmHydro has been operating in the hydroponics industry since 1984, indicating a long-standing presence in the market. The company is a pioneer in hydroponics, a method of growing crops without soil using a nutrient-rich water solution. Today, their hydroponic systems are used not only in vertical farms but also in greenhouses and home gardens. Their team of experts works with farmers to develop custom hydroponic systems tailored to their needs. Their overall customer base represents over 100 nations across the globe, indicating customer’s trust and quality in their products which are designed to meet the needs of small-scale home gardeners as well as large-scale commercial operations.

3. Urban Crop Solutions -

Based in Belgium, Urban Crop Solutions was founded with the vision of revolutionizing food production by enabling sustainable and efficient farming in urban environments. The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and implementing advanced indoor farming systems tailored to the needs of commercial growers, research institutions, educational facilities, and urban developers. Urban Crop Solutions specializes in vertical farming systems suitable for urban areas and high-tech facilities. They use aeroponic, hydroponic, and aquaponic techniques to grow crops such as herbs, veggies, fruits, and flowers. The company received the ‘Indoor Farming Company of the Year’ title (2022) by the AgTech Breakthrough Awards and also received the SDG Award from the EU Tech Chamber (2021) for contribution to making cities and communities more sustainable. They also offer dedicated expertise in vertical farming systems design, automation, climate control, and crop cultivation techniques optimized for indoor environments.

4. Bowery Farming Inc. -

Bowery Farming Inc. based in the US, operates on robotics’ solutions to grow plants more efficiently. Bowery Farming is committed to revolutionizing agriculture by using technology to optimize the way food is grown and distributed. Their mission is to provide consumers with access to high-quality, locally grown produce year-round while reducing the environmental impact of traditional farming. Bowery Farming offers a variety of fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens. Their product lineup includes popular items such as kale, arugula, basil, and butterhead lettuce, all grown without the use of pesticides or GMOs. By controlling and monitoring every aspect of the growing process, the company can produce more food using fewer resources than traditional farming.

5. Freight Farms Inc. -

Freight Farms, based in Boston, has created an IoT-controlled hydroponic farm that can fit inside a shipping container. Freight Farms addresses the challenge of limited land in urban areas while also providing year-round crop production to meet demand. Freight Farms offers the "Leafy Green Machine" (LGM), a fully-contained hydroponic farming system designed to fit within a standard shipping container. This modular setup allows for year-round cultivation of a wide variety of leafy greens and herbs, regardless of external environmental conditions. The Leafy Green Machine (LGM) is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for climate control, irrigation, lighting, and nutrient delivery, creating optimal conditions for plant growth. The company has since, received widespread recognition and awards for its innovative approach to urban agriculture. The company's work has been featured in numerous media outlets and industry publications, highlighting its impact on the future of food production.

6. Crop One Holdings Inc. -

Crop One Holdings Inc. is a leader in the field of vertical farming, utilizing advanced technology to grow fresh produce indoors in controlled environments. Crop One Holdings focuses on increasing the production of nutrient-rich produce through vertical farming technology. The Atlanta-based company partners with supermarkets, restaurants and collaborates with various partners, including food retailers, hospitality companies, and technology providers, to expand its market reach and enhance its capabilities.

7. Altius Farms Inc. -

Altius Farms, located in Denver, Colorado, is a vertical farming company that uses aeroponic systems to grow fresh produce all year round. Altius Farms Inc. is a leader in the field of urban agriculture, utilizing cutting-edge technology to grow fresh, nutritious produce in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments. The company's mission is to create a more sustainable and resilient food system by producing high-quality crops closer to consumers. Their closed-loop efficient systems use less water, electricity and require smaller amounts of land to grow crops. Their indoor farming systems are equipped with automated climate control, LED lighting, nutrient delivery systems, and monitoring sensors, allowing for precise control over factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting. Additionally, Altius Farms provides consulting services, training programs, and ongoing support to help clients maximize their success in indoor farming.

8. Plenty Unlimited Inc. -

San Francisco-based Plenty Unlimited Inc. is a leading agricultural technology company that focuses on indoor vertical farming. By utilizing vertical space efficiently, Plenty maximizes crop yield while minimizing the use of land, water, and energy compared to conventional farming methods. Founded in 2013, the company's mission is to provide fresh, high-quality produce to consumers while minimizing the environmental impact of traditional agriculture. They have been working with chefs, farmers, and scientists to maximize the flavor and nutrient content of their crops. Plenty offers a wide range of fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs, and other specialty crops. Their product lineup includes popular items such as kale, spinach, arugula, basil, and strawberries, all grown in controlled indoor environments using sustainable farming practices.

9. Upward Enterprises Inc. -

Upward Enterprises, based in Wisconsin, offers vertical farming solutions for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. They use hydroponic and aquaponic systems with customized LED lighting to grow crops indoors while making efficient use of resources and increasing output. From compact home gardening kits to large-scale commercial farming installations, the company's product portfolio caters to a wide range of clients, including individual consumers, restaurants, grocery stores, and agricultural enterprises. While headquartered in the United States, Upward Enterprises Inc. has a global reach, with indoor farming projects and partnerships in various regions around the world. The company's international presence allows it to address local food production challenges and adapt its solutions to different climates, market demands, and regulatory environments.

10. Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited -

Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Intelligent Growth Solutions has utilized technology to offer vertical farming solutions for a variety of crops and edible plants. The company works to provide sustainable crop growth for businesses and organizations worldwide. GS was established with the vision of addressing the challenges of traditional agriculture, such as limited arable land, water scarcity, and the environmental impact of food production. Drawing upon their expertise in technology and agriculture, the founders set out to develop innovative solutions that would enable efficient, sustainable, and scalable indoor farming. From compact modular units for home and small-scale farming to fully integrated commercial installations, the company's product portfolio caters to a wide range of clients, including individual growers, commercial farmers, and food producers.

The Benefits of Vertical Farming:

Efficient Use of Space

The most significant advantage of vertical farming is its efficient use of space, making it ideal for urban farming, where there is limited space. Vertical farms use a system of stacked shelves or trays where plants are grown vertically, taking up less space while producing higher yields. A single vertical farm can produce up to 100 times the amount of crops per square foot compared to traditional farms. The use of LED lights and hydroponic systems further enhances the efficiency of vertical farming, using significantly less water and energy compared to traditional farming.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Vertical farming also has a reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional farming as it greatly reduces transportation needs for produce. Vertical farms are usually located in urban centers, reducing the distance food needs to travel, which significantly reduces emissions from transportation. Moreover, vertical farming methods do not require the use of pesticides, which can lead to soil and water pollution.

Year-Round Production

Vertical farming allows for year-round production, enabling farmers to produce crops irrespective of the season. This creates a more consistent food supply, reducing the risks of food shortages and price spikes. Moreover, year-round production allows for the growth of exotic plants and crops that are not typically grown in certain regions.

No Weather Dependency

Traditional farming is weather-dependent, making it prone to crop losses due to natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and storms. Vertical farming eliminates such risks. The indoor setting protects plants from harsh weather conditions, ensuring the optimal temperature, humidity, and light conditions required for plant growth. Furthermore, soil pathogens and pests are minimized, reducing the risk of crop damage.

Job Creation

Vertical farming creates job opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Vertical farms require a range of professionals, from horticulturists to systems engineers, marketing and sales professionals, and many more. Thus, vertical farming can contribute significantly to job creation, particularly in urban areas where many people are unemployed.

According to TechSci Research “Vertical Farming Market- Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028F Segmented By Structure (Building Based, Container-Based), By Growing Mechanism (Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics), By Crop Type (Leafy Green, Pollinated Plants, Nutraceutical Plants), By Component (Lighting, Hydroponic Component, Climate Control, Sensors, Others), By Application (Indoor, Outdoor), By Region” Global Vertical Farming Market is anticipated to grow at a significant rate through 2028, owing to the growing demand for healthy and safe food. The market growth is driven by increasing demand for container-based vertical farming, rising demand for locally grown produce, water and land scarcity, technological advancements, government support and food safety concerns.

Factors Driving the Growth of the Market

Consumers are increasingly interested in locally produced, fresh, and sustainably grown food. Vertical farming allows for year-round production of crops, making it possible to meet the demand for fresh produce even in areas where the climate is not conducive to traditional farming. Additionally, being located closer to cities, vertical farms reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of produce.

Also, advances in technology have played a significant role in the growth of the vertical farming market. From lighting systems that mimic the sun, to state-of-the-art climate control systems, the technology used in vertical farming is continually improving. With advancements in robotics and automation, the cost of production could be reduced, and crop yields increased, making vertical farming more economically viable.

Governments around the world are recognizing the potential benefits of vertical farming and are supporting the industry through funding, incentives, and policies. For example, Singapore has set a goal of producing 30% of the country's food locally by 2030, and the government has launched various initiatives to support the growth of the vertical farming industry. In the US, governments at various levels have provided funding for vertical farming projects and have created policies that support the expansion of the industry.

Food safety concerns have become a major issue in recent years, with outbreaks of foodborne illnesses resulting in serious health risks. Vertical farming, with its well-controlled environment and reduced need for pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, can offer a safer and more reliable source of fresh produce.

Conclusion:

Vertical farming is an innovative solution to sustainable agriculture, offering numerous benefits over traditional farming methods. From efficient use of space to year-round production, reduced carbon footprint, and weather independence, there is no doubt that vertical farming could play a significant role in providing a consistent supply of fresh produce, without any harm to the environment. As the global population continues to grow, it is essential to explore innovative solutions like vertical farming to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Vertical farming is not just a trend; it's the future of agriculture. With technological advancements and innovative ways of growing food, vertical farming companies around the world are addressing the challenges of traditional farming, such as limited land, soil degradation, and adverse weather effects. These top 10 companies are some of the leading voices in the vertical farming industry, pioneering eco-friendly and efficient ways of producing fresh produce while ensuring taste, quality, and nutrition. The future looks bright as these companies continue to push the boundaries of vertical farming, making it an exciting industry to watch.