Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) Head of Operations North America, Steve Gereb, has outlined a sustainable vision for the future of vertical farming (VF). We had the chance to catch up with Steve ahead of the Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit, to be held in New York June 29-30th, where he will give a keynote presentation on ‘Working with Farmers to apply vertical farming to field agriculture.’ He spoke in depth about the imperative need for vertical farming to synchronize effectively with traditional agricultural methods.
According to Gereb, a sustainable future of food production requires a blend of VF techniques and conventional farming systems. He stressed that vertical farming is not a silver bullet for agricultural challenges but could provide significant advantages when incorporated into a broader ecosystem. Gereb envisions a world where vertical farms act as nurseries for crops that can be transplanted into traditional farming systems.
Gereb also discussed IGS’s exciting venture with Forestry & Land Scotland. The project aims to leverage IGS’s innovative VF techniques to grow tree seedlings. He said the initiative holds particular promise for the conservation of indigenous species, potentially offering a solution to help mitigate the damage caused by forest fires and climate change.
VF, Gereb suggests, can bring substantial benefits to Agroforestry. Given the current environmental challenges, like rising temperatures, wildfires, and pests, forest preservation, and expansion are critical. The ability of vertical farming to foster faster and more cost-effective growth of tree seedlings, with higher survival rates, positions it as a powerful tool in this arena. Additionally, vertical farming can ensure that seedlings are pest-free and more resilient against external threats while using less water than traditional farming methods.
Looking ahead to the upcoming summit, Gereb emphasized that the vertical farming industry needs to foster greater collaboration, more education and training, extensive research into its benefits, and heightened government support. These factors, he believes, will be crucial to unlocking the industry’s long-term success.
In summary, Gereb’s vision for the future of VF paints a picture of a more sustainable and efficient agricultural industry. By merging vertical farming with traditional practices and adopting a collaborative and supportive approach, he believes the industry can navigate future challenges and deliver enduring success.
Image provided by IGS
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