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Despite these benefits, vertical farming is still in its infancy economically, primarily because it currently costs 3 to 5 times more than traditional farming methods. The key question confronting the industry is whether this technology can become cost-competitive enough to replace or supplement conventional agriculture.
Challenges and Opportunities in Vertical Farming
The CEO and founder of Jones Food Company, James Lloyd Jones, operates the largest vertical farm in Europe, spanning the equivalent of 26 tennis courts with 7.5 miles of LED lighting, producing fresh produce year-round. His journey highlights a crucial lesson: vertical farming is a long-term investment requiring patience and perseverance, with 14 years of experimentation and learning behind its current success.