As the world’s population continues to grow, the demand for food increases substantially and feeding residents can become a challenge over time. While some agricultural practices have shown to be harmful to the planet, many believe that vertical farming is the future of agriculture, and can help to overcome these difficulties.
Vertical farming is the innovative practice of growing crops on vertically stacked surfaces, as opposed to horizontal farming. This sustainable and low carbon farming method uses 95% less water, less fertiliser and no pesticides when compared to growing the same quantity of plants on a piece of land.
Using Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology, this modern idea utilises indoor farming techniques and is similar to greenhouses where metal reflectors and artificial lighting augment natural sunlight. The primary goal is maximising crops output in a limited space, Eden Green Technology explains.
And now, this wonderful initiative will be launched in South Africa at the CAN-Agri Pretoria facility. PnP will have a smaller installation in-store .
In partnership with CAN-Agri – a vertical, hydroponic, greenhouse farm in Pretoria – a smaller vertical farm has been constructed in Constantia and On Nicol as a way to showcase and educate customers about this modern approach to delivering delicious, safe and sustainable produce.
Pick n Pay and CAN-Agri will be launching the in-store vertical farm this month. More to follow.
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Picture: Pixabay