while theres so much potential in vertical farming/ indoor farming such as conservation of resources and controlled conditions, it really leaves out global small farmers. over 90% of all farms are family-run (out of about 570 mil total)

these indoor farms would also likely be highly automated with AI and not require a ton of workers. in America, yes we can invest in job training programs. but worldwide, i really fear for the impact it could have.

while not all crops are super compatible with indoor/ vertical farming, MANY of the most common crops are!!

the most significant crop that isnt compatible is rice even though it actually is one of the highest in resource waste and greenhouse gas emissions. it is usually grown in flooded paddy fields which wastes a ton of water and creates up to 12% of methane emissions.

sustainable agriculture policy is incredibly difficult to navigate because it represents not only people’s livelihoods, but an essential resource. as our global population increases and our climate crisis worsens, we must make sure that we are able to feed our population using...

as little resources as possible. at the same time, we must recognize that as Americans, we are privileged. in other nations, job training is not available. people get left behind as we progress and we need to make sure we don’t forget them.