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5 Questions to Answer Before Entering Indoor Vertical Farming

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Monday, September 28, 2020
Soilless Agriculture
vertical farming.
Summary
These five questions must be answered realistically before engaging in indoor vertical farming.
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Indoor farming is a science, but that doesn't mean you have to be a scientist to get started. Many people from different backgrounds, from finance, business, management to piloting, are entering the world of indoor vertical farming.

Whatever your past experience, if you're considering entering the world of vertical farming, you need to know what to expect. Before considering going into indoor vertical farming, answer these 5 questions.

If you want to get more detailed information about hydroponic plant growing, do not forget to take a look at this article: Plant Breeding Guide in Hydroponic Agriculture .

1. What Crops Should I Consider Growing?

What are you planning to grow? This decision will have an impact on every aspect of your vertical farm, from setup, growing, distribution and lighting. Therefore, it is very important that you make the most suitable choice for you.

You are likely to have an idea of what crops you want to grow. But is this crop suitable for a vertical farm? What is the harvest cycle? Is there sufficient demand for it in your area? How should it be distributed? Before going into the diagrams of your farm, you will need to do an analysis of crops suitable for vertical farming and review your options.

Strawberry growing in vertical farming.
Strawberry growing in vertical farming.

2. How Much Space Do You Have or Need?

One of the advantages of vertical farming is that growing crops on the shelves allows you to use very little space very efficiently. Smart vertical farming can be done in the basements of houses in cities, inside containers or in the middle of a small complex. There is no need for a greenhouse application in a field for this type of production. However, seemingly minor factors (like mounting heights) have the potential to affect the viability of your farm. That's why working with trusted partners in vertical farming is critical to your success.

A plant with vertical farming.
A plant with vertical farming.

3. Do you have a partner?

Do you have a partner? Do you work alone or with a team? Can you reach out to agricultural consultants or researchers who can give an opinion on best practices? Is there an expert who can design your lighting for optimum efficiency? If the lighting you use for growing crops is inefficient, who will you turn to?

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These questions are the first step in any serious venture, because matching with the right partner means you can tackle any challenge that may arise at once. Look for someone in your area who has a good reputation and resources in vertical farming.

Vertical farming aquaculture moment.
Vertical farming aquaculture moment.

4. Who Invests In This Sector?

Few people can finance vertical farming on their own. If you are going to do this cultivation commercially other than as a hobby, you will need investors. You will present to the potential investor you have found or can find; A business plan that is official and approved by industry authorities will be of critical importance to you.

Representative investor.
Representative investor.

5.Which Lighting Should I Use?

You have room for cultivation, you know what you want to grow and you have found your partners. Alright what now? It is time to choose the lighting that your products need in the place where you will do vertical farming. We have previously published a detailed article on this subject. Let's try to summarize here.

The right light is a crucial component to making your operation successful and will give you the efficiency you need to succeed in this new venture. Choosing indoor lighting systems to get you there is a decision that combines price, light spectrum, warranty, ease of maintenance, efficiency and much more. LED lighting is used in today's vertical farming. Although LED lighting seems like a complex world, it is very efficient and successful with the right company consultancy and application. In this regard, we recommend that you choose a company with strong references, consultancy, maintenance and service network.

An illuminated facility for vertical farming production.
An illuminated facility for vertical farming production.
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