New Jersey Will Soon Be Home To World's Largest Indoor Vertical Farm

Indoor farming is taking off, and the benefits of it are becoming increasingly apparent. The ability to grow all year rather than being limited to growing seasons is one big reason, and the other is efficiency. Indoor farms use less electricity and water and produce more crops without as much plant wastes. Soon New Jersey will be home to the world's largest indoor vertical farm. Estimates say it will produce 2 million pounds of herbs and leafy greens every year.

The indoor farm will be built in Newark, particularly in a neighborhood known as ironbound, which is an industrial section of the city. The farm will be located in a retired steel factory, and the resulting veggies and herbs will be sold locally. The project will cost $30 million.

Funds are coming from tax credits, grants, and private investors. This is yet another example of cities and individuals moving toward a more sustainable future. As the world's population grows, concerns about how adequate amounts of food will be produced grow as well. Indoor vertical farms offer a solution, and placing them within a city means residents will have access to fresh food that does not need to be transported long distances.

Philips recently announced that it will be helping the indoor farming industry by creating "light growth recipes" — that is, LED light arrangements that are tailored to specific plants, optimizing their growth and resulting in more productive farms. The company recently opened a new research center for developing these recipes.

SOURCE: NBC New York

Note: image shows Philips' new light growth recipes research center.