Tag

Indoor Farming

All articles tagged with #indoor farming

agriculture2 years ago

"Retail Giants Walmart and Kroger Place Risky Bets on Struggling Indoor Farming Industry"

Walmart and Kroger are investing in the indoor farming industry, despite concerns about its sustainability. Indoor farming companies like Eden Green Technology are aiming to produce fresh produce year-round while using less water and land. However, some indoor farming companies have faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy. Skeptics question the profitability of indoor farming due to high energy costs associated with artificial lighting. Critics argue that investment should be directed towards practical solutions for outdoor farmers. Indoor farming can also create new pest problems that require aggressive management. Despite the challenges, some companies believe they are on the right track and emphasize their use of natural light and soil-based growing methods. However, experts remain skeptical about the profitability of indoor farming operations.

agriculture2 years ago

The Paradox of Indoor Farms: Shutdowns Amidst Rising Construction

Despite the struggles and failures of some indoor farming companies, the industry continues to grow as more players invest in green factories that aim to produce fresh produce year-round while using less water and land. Indoor farming methods include vertical farming, industrial-scale greenhouses, and soil beds in warehouses, with some companies utilizing robots for automation. Advocates argue that indoor farming saves water, land, and transportation costs, while protecting crops from extreme weather caused by climate change. However, skeptics question the sustainability and profitability of energy-intensive operations reliant on artificial light. Pest management is also a challenge in indoor farming, as pests can thrive without natural predators. Some experts suggest investing in practical solutions for outdoor farming instead.

agriculture2 years ago

Growing Fruit Without Plants: My Mission.

Lucas van der Zee, a horticulture and product physiologist at Wageningen University, is researching the possibility of growing fruit without the plant. His PhD research involves collecting immature fruit or flowers from tomato plants and growing the stems into healthy, high-quality tomatoes in the lab. Ultimately, the aim is to produce fruit from tomato meristem cells and skip using a plant entirely. This could be done indoors, which might help return some agricultural land to nature. The sustainability of this method will be assessed as part of the PhD programme.