The central argument of "The Vertical Farm" is that vertical farming, a concept developed by Dr. Dickson Despommier, is a necessary solution to feed a growing global population due to a lack of arable land and unsustainable traditional farming practices. The book proposes repurposing abandoned urban buildings for indoor, year-round crop production. This method offers significant environmental advantages, including the elimination of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, a drastic reduction in water usage (70-95% less), and the cessation of agricultural runoff that allows for ecosystem restoration.
Readers will learn about the construction, utilization, and initial funding models for vertical farms. The book details the benefits of this system, such as year-round production independent of weather, reduced food transportation costs, enhanced food safety and security, and the purification of grey water. Despommier argues that the implementation of vertical farming is not a matter of if, but when, due to the urgent need to address global food security and population growth.
Key concepts
- Vertical farming — Farming crops vertically, typically in urban environments and repurposed buildings, to increase food production.
- Agricultural runoff — Uncontrolled water flow carrying fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm chemicals into natural water bodies.
- Grey water purification — Treating wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines to be reused, potentially as drinking water.
- Postharvest plant material — Remaining plant parts after crops have been harvested, which can be utilized for purposes like animal feed.