Ever since the vertical farming and CEA revolution hit the world, it has taken the agriculture industry, especially the agri-technology sector, by storm. Moreover, the wave has been so strong that countries, including the KSA, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and many others, are embracing it passionately.
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Today, we will learn about 3 amazing facts that have kept vertical farming and the CEA industry continuously growing.
What is Vertical Farming?
Vertical Farming is a part of contemporary farming (modern farming) where plants are grown in vertically stacked layers, unlike conventional farming. This method not only utilizes space efficiently but also manages resources aptly because it employs techniques like hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics that grow plants without soil, providing them with nutrients through specialized systems.
Vertical farming is a part of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) where the growth of the plants happens in a closed environment.
Vertical farming is indeed an innovation for a prosperous tomorrow.
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
CEA, on the other hand, as discussed above, is a broader term that consists of Vertical Farming as one of its techniques. CEA comes from indoor farming, where a plant is grown in such a way that factors influencing growth, such as temperature, humidity, light, and nutrient delivery, are managed either manually or robotically.
Today, we will see the 3 amazing facts on Vertical Farming and CEA
1- Vertical Farming and CEA were considered once a High-tech Approach - Any new addition in any field is often not recognized and considered appropriate. The same was the case with Vertical Farming and CEA approaches when they were in their infancy stage.
Also, the vertical farming and CEA challenges include climate change and resource scarcity. Along with offering solutions to maximize space utilization, reduce resource consumption, and enable year-round production, vertical farming and CEA are seen as an approach that is mandatory in regions like the Middle East and Asia.
2- Vertical Farming is Often Misunderstood as Organic Farming - Vertical farming is often misunderstood with organic farming, and the reason is its relation with sustainability. Moreover, Vertical farming is closely associated with artificiality and high cost in the long term. Additionally, there is limited awareness about the fact that organic farming and vertical farming are different.
Organic farming is related to nature, where it eliminates man-made chemicals and pesticides, but unlike vertical farming, it requires a lot of space. Vertical farming, on the other hand, grows plants in a vertical setting using artificial lighting - the LED lights, grow racks and water-based system. And all of these, without using soil, which makes it eco-friendly and capable of producing food year-round.
3- Vertical Farming and CEA are resource-efficient, but Organic Farming is not completely - As discussed above, vertical farming and organic farming are completely different practices, but often are talked about together. Vertical farming is based on the concept that, as much as resources, it can save,; hence stacks plants one after the other, saving space. Whereas organic farming is a climate-friendly approach, but requires land just the way conventional farming does.
Another distinct fact is that Vertical farming and CEA use hydroponics, aeroponics and aquaponics that save up to 90% of the water, but organic farming still depends upon the rainfall. Last but not least, vertical farming uses controlled environment agriculture, where it can have full control over the environment, whereas organic farming still relies on weather conditions and requires soil to be healthy.
As we've seen, there are still many misconceptions surrounding vertical farming and CEA. But the future of sustainable agriculture is here—and it's growing fast!
Don't miss your chance to be part of the Middle East's biggest and only exclusive event dedicated to vertical farming and CEA—the *6th Global Vertical Farming Show 2025*, happening on September 10th & 11th at Festival Arena Dubai.
If you're in the vertical farming, CEA, or related industries, this is your ultimate opportunity for:
✅ Unmatched brand exposure
✅ Expanding into the booming Middle East market
✅ High-value networking with industry leaders
Secure your spot now and take your business to new heights!
Hurry and book your booths today - REGISTER HERE
Also, you can register as a DELEGATE
