During the recent Indoor AgTech Summit, India Langley from LettUs Grow provided an insightful perspective on the current landscape and future direction of the Vertical Farming (VF) industry. Her insights shed light on the evolving focus in areas like aeroponics and software and LettUs Grow’s expansion into the greenhouse sector.
Aeroponics and Sustainability
LettUs Grow began with aeroponic containers and has since introduced aeroponic rolling benches in late 2022, which has garnered significant interest. Langley highlighted the challenges in the VF sector that led LettUs Grow to explore more sustainable solutions. As part of their commitment to sustainability, they are conducting trials with six pilot projects for aeroponic rolling benches, covering up to 6 hectares.
“This trial is significant for us as only months after we launched our innovative solutions, we already have traction and interest amongst stakeholders,” Langley stated.
Energy Efficiency and Certification
One of LettUs Grow’s notable achievements is an award for energy efficiency. Langley emphasized the importance of proposing sustainable solutions, leading the company to invest in B corporation certification and release a Life Cycle Assessment of their containerized solution.
Much of Langley’s discussion centered on the energy dilemma, focusing on the origin of energy. Through studies on the sustainable impact of their solution, LettUs Grow found that using renewable energies could reduce up to 80% of carbon emissions in indoor vertical farming.
However, Langley also pointed out the crucial role of governments in providing a stable energy grid and integrating renewable energy sources across countries which would create Vertical Farming’s sustainable future. “The energy issue does not affect only vertical farming or indoor farming but all industries. Governments need to provide reliable and greener energy sources because it would benefit the entire economy, not just CEA,” she said.
Vertical Farming’s Sustainable Future & Concerns About Greenwashing
Langley expressed concerns about indoor farming operations that claim sustainability without a genuine commitment to renewable energy or sustainable practices. She believes that vertical farming must fully adopt renewables to be genuinely sustainable, a principle that LettUs Grow aims to uphold.
She also addressed the challenges of carbon calculation in the VF sector, criticizing current practices that often overlook factors like land use and water consumption. With global water crises, the VF sector must consider water usage in its sustainability assessments.
The Role of Governments
Langley called on governments to set standards to avoid greenwashing issues across industries. She emphasized that consumers shouldn’t be responsible for verifying the sustainability claims of businesses. Governments should ensure that businesses meet stringent environmental standards.
Changing Narratives on Vertical Farming’s Future
Langley concluded by expressing concerns about the prevailing negative narratives around VF, often associated with inefficiency and high energy consumption. She believes these narratives need to be revised, and innovative companies must shape a new narrative.
Conclusion
India Langley’s candid conversation highlights the potential for growth and the necessity for sustainability in the VF sector. As companies like LettUs Grow continue to innovate, vertical farming’s sustainable future appears promising. However, the path forward will require further collaboration, innovation, and regulatory support to incorporate vertical farming into the broader agricultural landscape. Her insights serve as a call to action for industry leaders and governments to work together to foster a more sustainable and responsible future for vertical farming.
Image provided by LettUs Grow
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