Vertical farming containers: A solution for urban food production
Vertical farming containers are emerging as an innovative solution to produce fresh, local, and pesticide-free food in cities. But what exactly are they, and how do they work?
Vertical farming containers are emerging as an innovative solution to produce fresh, local, and pesticide-free food in cities. But what exactly are they, and how do they work?
As urban populations grow, the demand for sustainable food production is increasing (World Economic Forum, 2023).
Imagine a shipping container but instead of shipping products across oceans, it's growing fresh, nutrient-packed greens just outside your apartment building, hotel, restaurant, or office.
Vertical farming containers are self-contained, climate-controlled farms that use hydroponic or aeroponic systems to grow crops with minimal water and no soil. They're compact, efficient, and perfect for urban settings where space is limited.
Fits in tight urban spaces, from rooftops to parking lots.
Uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming.
Reduces fertilizer use by up to 50%.
No pesticides or herbicides needed.
Optimized LED lighting and automated climate control with efficient energy use.
Grow fresh produce in any season, anywhere.
Vertical farming containers can be transported and set up in a wide variety of urban spaces enabling them to become a food oasis and a community green space.
They harness cutting-edge agricultural technology to create the ideal environment for plant growth, no matter the season. Here's how:
With a soil-less cultivation + nutrient-rich water solution that circulates every half an hour.
Most vertical farming containers rely mostly on LED Lights to grow plants, which is one of the industry main challenges for sustainability and economic viability.
At Raiz, we are maximizing the amount of natural sunlight to grow plants, and only supplementing a few hours a day with LEDs to ensure that plants receive the perfect amount of light at every stage of growth.
Automated systems regulate temperature, humidity, and sometimes even CO2 levels to create the ideal growing conditions (Carrasco et al., 2024).
By tracking plant health, optimize resources, and minimize waste.
Reduces carbon footprint by eliminating long transportation routes.
Uses less water, fertilizers and land, making it resource-efficient.
Grown in the heart of the city, reducing the need for preservatives.
Supports local economies by creating jobs in the city.
Provides food security during extreme weather or supply chain disruptions.
Adapts to urban environments, making farming possible in unconventional spaces.
Easily transported by road in a truck!
Imagine staying at a hotel where your breakfast salad is made with greens picked just moments ago, or shopping at a grocery store where herbs grow right next to the supermarket. These aren't futuristic ideas, they're real examples of how vertical farming containers are making fresh, local food more accessible in everyday places.
No system is without its trade-offs. The biggest challenges facing vertical farming containers include:
Despite these challenges, advancements in renewable energy, automation, and AI-driven farming are making container farms more efficient and affordable. As cities continue to grow and demand for fresh, local food rises, vertical farming containers could play a larger role in urban food ecosystems.
Across Europe, vertical farming is already transforming how cities produce food.
In Copenhagen, hotels grow their own herbs and greens, enhancing their menus while cutting down on food waste.
In Berlin, grocery stores feature in-store container farms, offering customers freshly harvested produce daily.
Closer to home, Raiz has installed the Concept Farm at FCUL (Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa), showcasing how we can integrate innovative food production into education and research. Our farm not only supplies fresh greens to local restaurants, but also serves as a model for how urban institutions can embrace vertical farming as a practical and scalable solution.
These futuristic concepts are happening right now. As technology evolves and cities rethink food production, vertical farming is proving to be a valuable complement to traditional agriculture. It's about making fresh food more accessible, strengthening local food systems, and creating a smarter way to grow!
Want to see the future of urban farming in action? Discover our Eden Farm today.
Or schedule a visit if you are in Lisbon!
