Jobhop Jobhop's blog : Vertical Farmers Will Be The Answer
Think farming, now think farming indoors and upwards! Now you've got vertical farming!
That’s exactly what it is and as we head into the future, farmers will be required with these farming skills to feed the masses who live on the planet. It is estimated that by 2050, the human population will grow by 3billion and nearly 80% of the earth’s population will all live in urban centres! How are we going to feed them all and where are we going to grow all the produce to feed them all? What’s the solution? Right now it looks like vertical farms in urban areas will be the answer and with that a new breed of farmers required, this is already a reality in Pennsylvania USA Advocates of this new way of farming are saying that it solves many problems that farming today presents. Problems like space, extreme weather, herbicides and insecticides could be all solved with vertical farming.
Having our own vertical farms on our doorsteps in our urban zones would completely reduce the miles between farm and plate, increase the nutrient density in our food, and increase flavours.
What will be required from a vertical farmer?
- An understanding of indoor farming and producing crops all year round
- Controlled environment agriculture
- Vertical growing architect
- Phytoremediation
- Aeroponics
- Hydroponics
- Aquaponics
- Energy
- Grow lighting
- Economics
- Pollution control
- Hydrobiology
- Engineering
- Industrial microbiology
- Physics
- Waste management
These are just some requirements but as vertical farming evolves then more of an idea of what is involved will come to light. It is anticipated that vertical farming will be more labour intensive than traditional farming so that means probably more jobs available with this type of farming. If you also consider that it’s anticipated that every urban area will have a vertical farm, not just out in the countryside anymore, so as a farmer you’ll have peace of mind that wherever you are there’s a potential job.
Technology will drive this type of farming, as technology advances and lighting, heating, rotation, recycling of water and nutrients becomes easier to manage then vertical farms will start gaining momentum.
Technology will also aid farmers to control their farms remotely form their devices, think "internet of things" think “smart home” now think “smart farm” . As a vertical farmer you’d be able to check your nutrient levels and switch off a water pump all from your mobile.
Farming doesn’t have to be about shearing sheep ...Vertical Farming is the new cool!
JOIN Jobhop and spread the word.
Julie Bishop Jobhop.co.uk
Pic credit Jessica "the hun" Reeder
In:
- Career