# VertiCrop: A Revolution in Urban Agriculture - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/06/verticrop-a-revolution-in-urban-agriculture/ - Published: 2011-06-09T14:10:41-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## VertiCrop™: Revolutionizing Urban Farming with Record Yields and Minimal Resources Hey there, green living enthusiasts! I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you one of the most exciting innovations in sustainable agriculture. VertiCrop™ is literally transforming how we grow food in urban environments, and the results are nothing short of revolutionary!  ### Harvesting 20 Times More with 92% Less Water Let’s get right to the impressive numbers. VertiCrop™ delivers approximately 20 times higher yields than traditional field crops while using only 8% of the water typically required for soil farming. ![VertiCrop vertical farming system with multiple suspended growing trays arranged in stacked configuration, showcasing dense green leafy vegetables growing in a controlled urban environment, demonstrating high-yield sustainable agriculture technology that uses 92% less water than traditional farming methods.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy. com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_0682.png?resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1) AI Just imagine – in a space measuring only 50 feet by 75 feet, this system produces as much food as a 16-acre farm! That’s not just efficient; it’s a complete game- changer for urban food production. These extraordinary efficiencies didn’t go unnoticed. TIME Magazine recognized the breakthrough potential of this technology, selecting VertiCrop™ as one of the World’s Greatest Inventions of 2009. And since then, it’s only continued to prove its worth. ## How This Vertical Farming Marvel Works VertiCrop™ uses a remarkably innovative approach to maximize growing space. Plants grow in a suspended tray configuration attached to an overhead conveyor system that moves them through the growing environment. This dynamic system provides each plant with optimal exposure to natural or artificial light along with precisely measured nutrients. The farming system operates in a fully automated, closed-loop conveyor hydroponic setup. Each rack moves around the greenhouse in a computer-controlled environment that precisely regulates room temperature, lighting, fertilization, and irrigation. Furthermore, the system recaptures water being used, creating a highly efficient water recycling process. ## From Farm to Fork in Urban Settings One of the most compelling benefits of VertiCrop™ is how it dramatically shortens the distance from farm to table. With the average food product currently traveling about 1,500 miles before reaching consumers, [vertical farming](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/vertical-farming-the-future-of-agriculture/) offers a truly local alternative. Environmental pollution and transportation costs are greatly reduced as “farm-to- fork” distances can shrink from hundreds or thousands of miles to just a few kilometers. Additionally, the produce is handpicked at peak freshness without losing vitamins, minerals, or nutrients and can be delivered the same day to local restaurants and grocers. That means you’re not only getting more environmentally friendly food but tastier, more nutritious food as well! ## Green in Every Sense of the Word Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of VertiCrop™ is its comprehensive sustainability profile. The technology eliminates the need for harmful herbicides and pesticides while maximizing food taste and nutritional value. The closed system uses ultraviolet light and filter systems to create a naturally pest-resistant environment. Moreover, the system works on non-arable lands close to major urban centers, meaning we don’t need to clear more natural habitats for agriculture. In fact, vertical farming approaches like VertiCrop™ could potentially allow large tracts of current farmland to revert to natural landscapes, restoring ecosystem functions and services. ## Seeing Success in Real-World Applications The Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon, England, made horticultural history with the installation of a VertiCrop™ system that successfully reduced both operating costs and food miles. The zoo grows a variety of herbs, leaf vegetables, and fruits to feed their animals, significantly reducing their annual feed bill which previously exceeded £200,000 a year. The zoo’s curator of plants and gardens, Kevin Frediani, noted that the system allows them to “grow more plants in less room using less water and energy,” while also reducing food miles and bringing down annual animal feed costs. ## The Future of Urban Food Security With global population expected to double by 2063, and more than 80% of people projected to live in urban areas by 2050, vertical farming offers a viable solution to impending food shortages. VertiCrop™ can be scaled from small to very large food production operations, making it adaptable to various urban settings and needs. As urban dwellers, we’re facing increasing challenges with food security and sustainability. Vertical farming systems like VertiCrop™ aren’t just interesting concepts – they’re practical solutions already proving their worth in real-world applications. By bringing agriculture into our cities, we’re reducing environmental impact while increasing food quality and security. For anyone interested in the future of sustainable [urban living](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/how-sustainability-changed-the-world-living-ethos/), VertiCrop™ represents one of the most promising technologies we have. It’s a perfect example of how innovation can help us live more harmoniously with our planet while meeting our growing needs. I’m excited to see how this technology continues to develop and spread throughout our urban landscapes. After all, the future of farming isn’t just about going organic– it’s about going up! [Sources](https://verticrop.com/): VERTICROP.COM, [WWW.TERRAIN.ORG](https://www.terrain.org/articles/25/bradford.htm). [WWW.URBANGARDENSWEB.COM](https://www.urbangardensweb.com/2010/07/09/vertical-farming-sustainable-solution-for-urban-food-supply/), [CONTENT.TIME.COM](https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1934027_1934003_1933961,00.html), PSCI.PRINCETON.EDU ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)