In the heart of Seattle’s industrial district, a new kind of farm is taking root—one that grows up instead of out. Vertical farming startups are using hydroponics and LED technology to grow leafy greens year-round, regardless of the Pacific Northwest’s gloomy winters. These facilities use 90% less water than traditional agriculture and eliminate the need for long-haul transportation. While the energy costs remain a hurdle, investors believe that urban indoor farming is the key to food security in a climate-unstable world. We tour a 50,000-square-foot facility to see if the flavor lives up to the hype.
The Rise of Vertical Farming in Urban Seattle: A Solution to Food Deserts?
