Samantha Zeitz

Vertical farming is part of a growing agricultural movement and just might be the next step in feeding the world more efficiently.

Many environmental experts have been arguing that food production is one of the biggest carbon footprint contributors.

Vertical farming is essentially producing food in vertically stacked layers, on vertically inclined surfaces or integrated into other structures.

Some vertical farms stand at three stories covering over 13,000 square feet with hydro greenhouses and are creating a more efficient way to provide the world with produce.

This innovative farming process is thought of as a way to deal with the impacts of extreme weather on food growth. Ultimately, it is a way of preventing global warming from ruining our food supply. Vertical farming is also another way society can cut back on their water intake. Being able to grow crops using up to 95 percent less water could be a breakthrough in drought heavy regions such as Mexico and California’s Central Valley.

Not only will these farms combat how food is effected by global warming, but help fight against it too. Vertical farm supporters claim that there is potential for these farms to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

FarmedHere is one of the biggest indoor vertical farms in North America. The Bedford Illinois farm grows crops without soil and sunlight. Special farming techniques that include energy efficient lighting to promote plant growth are utilized. FarmedHere wants to deliver herbs and leafy greens to people living 200 miles away.

According to Tech Insider, in order to get into communities, FarmedHere is planning to expand their farms all across the country.

Vertical green hubs have also been introduced into the pharmaceutical world. While you can grow fresh produce for consumption, plant growth for medicines is possible too. There is already a vertical farm in Texas being used to grow 2.2 million special plants that will be used in the making of drugs and vaccines.