Consumers are facing the impacts of climate change on agriculture, with more extreme weather events disrupting crop yields and food availability. One solution to these challenges is vertical farming, which utilizes technology, robotics, and AI to grow crops indoors. Irving Fain, the Founder and CEO of Bowery, the largest vertical farming company in the USA, shares insights into Bowery’s mission, the benefits of vertical farming, and the future of agriculture.
Fain’s inspiration for founding Bowery stemmed from his background in entrepreneurship and his belief in addressing complex societal challenges. As he delved into the world of agriculture, he saw the urgency in transforming the food system to adapt to climate realities and the increasing urban population. Vertical farming, along with controlled environmental agriculture (CEA), offers a promising solution to these challenges by revolutionizing the production of fresh, perishable foods.
Vertical farming offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture by allowing control over variables such as climate, water use, and energy efficiency. Bowery’s farms are 140+ times more productive than traditional agriculture, use 95% less water, and operate with 100% renewable energy. While technology has advanced in both vertical farming and traditional agriculture, there is a need for these approaches to coexist and be integrated into the current food system to ensure food security and sustainability.
Vertical farming also ensures higher product quality and flavor compared to traditional agriculture, as crops can be harvested at peak freshness and delivered to stores within days. Bowery selects seeds for quality and taste, without compromising on flavor or nutrition during transportation. By leveraging technology to monitor and optimize crop conditions, Bowery ensures a consistent and superior product for consumers.
Innovation is key in navigating market challenges and driving growth in the food and tech industries. Fain emphasizes the importance of agility, continuous evaluation, and adaptation to ensure success in a constantly evolving market. Bowery focuses on reimagining the fresh food supply chain to be simpler, shorter, and more efficient, collapsing a complex supply chain into a single building to deliver fresh produce faster and with less waste. With a commitment to sustainability and resilience, Bowery is pioneering a new way of growing food in response to the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization.
