The 2024 Global CEA Census, a collaborative effort from Agritecture Consulting and CEAg World, offers insights from 450 industry professionals across 75 countries. The questions in this year’s census survey focused on technology, and the majority of responses came from the vertical farming sector.
1 of 8
Seeding/Planting
2 of 8
Pest and Disease Management
3 of 8
Packaging and Post-Harvest
4 of 8
Irrigation
5 of 8
Harvesting
6 of 8
Fertilization
7 of 8
Crop Monitoring
8 of 8
Climate Control
We’ve isolated the vertical farming segment of the census data to provide a more targeted look at this sector’s current thoughts and plans regarding CEA technology adoption. See the accompanying graphics for more details on the responses; what follows is a synopsis of the findings.
The Opportunities
According to the CEA Census, technology usage is heavily concentrated in a few key areas:
- Climate Control: Ensures consistent temperature and humidity for optimal plant growth.
- Lighting: Mimics sunlight to provide plants with the necessary light spectrum for photosynthesis.
- Irrigation and Fertigation: Hydroponic systems maintain a steady flow of water enriched with nutrients, ensuring plants receive everything they need for healthy development.
However, the census responses revealed that several areas within vertical farming remain underutilized regarding technological advancements, presenting significant opportunities for improvement. These areas include:
Pest and Disease Management
Although vertical farming significantly reduces the risk of pests and diseases compared to traditional agriculture, it is not immune to pathogens or viruses. There have been instances of vertical farms shutting down due to outbreaks. Introducing advanced monitoring and detection systems to identify potential threats early can prevent costly disruptions.
Crop Monitoring
Technology for crop monitoring remains an area ripe for innovation. Advanced sensors and analytics can help farmers better understand plant conditions, optimize growing environments, and fine-tune photoperiods for enhanced growth. These tools enable the creation of precise “recipes” for different crops, improving yield and quality.
Harvesting
Currently, harvesting in vertical farms often involves significant manual labor. This is a major area where automation can be introduced to reduce labor costs, improve efficiency, and create a more seamless workflow. Robotic harvesting systems could handle delicate crops with precision while minimizing waste.
Packaging and Post-Harvesting
Similarly, packaging and post-harvest handling are areas where technology is underutilized. Automation in sorting, packing, and quality control can greatly enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and maintain the freshness of produce. With the right tools, these processes can also become more sustainable and cost-effective.
The Upshot
While vertical farming has made remarkable strides in climate control, lighting, and irrigation, there is ample room to integrate technology in the areas described above. By automating labor-intensive processes like planting and harvesting, vertical farms can unlock greater efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve crop yields. These upgrades will be vital for scaling vertical farming operations sustainably.
As the sector matures, embracing emerging technologies such as AI-powered monitoring and robotic harvesting will not only enhance productivity but also ensure the long-term resilience of vertical farming against global challenges.
For additional insights, and to download the full 2024 Global CEA Census report for free, go to www.ceagworld.com/agritecture-census/.
This article is a part of CEAg World’s Industry Report: Vertical Farming. Download the full report here: www.ceagworld.com/industry-reports/.