Apr 12, 2023
Associate professor of Horticulture, Neil Mattson, teaches a student in one of Cornell’s on-campus greenhouses. Credit: Cornell Chronicle.
Editor’s Note: Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is one of the various solutions available to deal with the harmful effects of climate change and ensure food security for future generations. By educating students in CEA, universities can be part of the change needed to handle global issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth. Agritecture Designer’s urban and vertical farming courses can be a great help to universities looking to incorporate CEA into their curricula without the expense of added staff. Contact david@agritecture.com for more information on how you can get a hold of our farm-planning software for your students.
Written by: Niko Simos
April 12, 2023
As the world continues to face complex challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth, universities have a crucial role to play in promoting technological advancements and innovations that can address these issues. One such innovation is vertical farming, which offers a sustainable and scalable ways to produce fresh food in urban areas. By incorporating this technology into their programs, universities can help to train the next generation of agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs, who will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to create a more sustainable and resilient food system.
There are various sectors of education that universities need to focus on to incorporate vertical farming into their programs effectively. Let’s explore some strategies that universities can use to integrate this technology into their curricula.
Credit: Greenhouse Product News.
Vertical farming has the potential to transform the way we produce food in cities. With the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, there is an urgent need for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. Vertical farming offers a solution by allowing crops to be grown in vertically stacked layers, using LED lights and hydroponic systems to provide the perfect growing conditions in controlled environmental conditions in urban areas. This innovative approach to farming has a significant social impact, as it can help to reduce food insecurity, provide more nutritious food to local communities, decrease the carbon footprint of agriculture, and create new jobs in urban areas.
To incorporate vertical farming into their programs, universities must provide knowledge and education on the specialized skills required for these roles. For example, a degree program in agricultural engineering can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of plant growth, irrigation systems, and climate control. Similarly, programs in electrical engineering can provide students with a strong foundation in lighting and HVAC systems, both critical skills for vertical farming.
A student applies skills learned in a campus greenhouse at Stockton University. Credit: Stockton University.
In addition to offering theoretical knowledge on vertical farming, universities should consider building vertical farming units in their facilities to provide students with hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Having a vertical farming unit on campus allows students to apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom and develop practical skills in plant cultivation, technology, and sustainability. Furthermore, having a vertical farming unit on campus can facilitate research and development (R&D) on innovative techniques and technologies related to vertical farming and crop production. This practical experience and R&D can not only benefit the university but can also contribute to the growth of the vertical farming industry as a whole.
To provide comprehensive education in vertical farming, universities should focus on these areas:
Breeding and genetics: Crucial for developing plant varieties that can thrive in the unique conditions of vertical farms and achieve maximum yields.
Plant cultivation and nutrition management: Ensuring plants receive the right nutrients and care to grow and produce the best yields.
LED light management: Essential for providing the right spectrum and intensity of light for plant growth and optimizing energy use.
HVAC system management for climate control: Controlling temperature, humidity, and air flow to create ideal growing conditions for every plant.
Irrigation and water management: Ensuring plants receive the right amount of water at the right time to promote healthy growth and prevent water waste.
Pest and disease management: Preventing and managing pests and diseases that can harm plants and reduce yields.
Harvesting and packing: Ensuring that crops are harvested at the right time and packed properly to maintain freshness and quality.
Design and construction of the vertical farming system: Developing a functional and efficient system that maximizes space, minimizes resource use, and meets the needs of the crops being grown.
Data analysis and monitoring for optimal plant growth: Collecting and analyzing data to optimize plant growth, detect problems early, and improve overall efficiency.
Supply chain, market research and logistics management: Managing the movement of crops from the farm to customers, ensuring that they arrive fresh and in good condition.
By offering specialized education in these areas, universities can help prepare students for careers in the vertical farming industry and promote innovation and growth in this field.
Agritecture’s Director of Operations, Yara Nagi, discusses farm finances in the second lesson of our Commercial Urban Farming course, available now on Agritecture Designer.
Universities can capitalize on Agritecture Designer's online courses on urban and vertical farming which offer a comprehensive and in-depth education on the various aspects of this rapidly growing industry. The Commercial Urban Farming Masterclass and Advanced Lessons provide over 4 hours of educational videos covering breeding and genetics, plant cultivation, nutrition management, LED lighting, HVAC system management, irrigation and water management, pest and disease management, economics, design and construction of vertical farming systems, energy considerations, climate control strategies, HVAC, yield predictions, and genetics.
Furthermore, Agritecture Designer offers a powerful modeling tool for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities, enabling users to understand the economics behind setting up their operation by estimating capital expenditures (CapEx), operational expenditures (OpEx), return on investment (ROI), and overall business plan and business model. By providing this comprehensive tool, Agritecture Designer can help students, entrepreneurs, and investors build more CEA farms all over the world, promoting sustainable and profitable agriculture practices.
Agritecture Designer’s Farm Modeling Tool can help you work out the financials of any CEA project.
Universities looking to incorporate vertical farming into their programs can greatly benefit from Agritecture Designer. By offering access to Agritecture Designer's courses and modeling tool, universities can provide students with an immersive and hands-on learning experience that will prepare them for a career in this emerging field without the expense of adding teaching staff. Agritecture offers special package deals to universities, making it easy and affordable to integrate this valuable education into their curriculums. By engaging with these courses, universities can ensure that their students have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the exciting and innovative world of vertical farming.
For more information on incorporating Agritecture Designer into your curriculum, please reach out to david@agritecture.com.