AIDG Blog [Appropriate Technology, Development, Environment]

3 Responses to “Video: Dickson Despommier & Vertical Farms [Colbert Report]”

1. Alex Steed [of Make Something Happen] Says:
   July 28th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

   This is great - I am going to send it over to the vertical farm NYC campaign we highlighted on the blog.

2. Grant Says:
   August 14th, 2008 at 8:22 pm

   It seems like there may be some additional numbers that need to be calculated into your comparison between Georgia farmland and highrise farmland.

   Besides the $100 per square foot cost there is the annual tax base (much higher than farmland) plus utility costs of controlling the environment the crops are grown in (another $12 - 14 per square foot)

   I would assume there would be less pest control costs with the high rise model than with traditional farming.

   I would assume you be able to get multiple crop rotations in the high rise model that you would not be able to acheive with traditional farming due to soil degradation, seasonal climates etc..

   I would assume the maintenance of a building and the more intensive monitoring of a crop in inside an enclosed space would significantly increase your labor cost per bushel in the high rise model.

   Because the high rise model requires employees who work inside an enclosed building and who must have a higher education/knowledge base than typical farm labor, the associated costs per hour for that labor and the additional infastructure required to be in place for safety etc. drives the cost per hour for labor up significantly.

   There is a base cost for the technology required for a multi-level farming structure (over and above the base building) which is significant compared to the nominal infastructure costs of a typical farm (exclusive of the harvesting equipment required for both).

3. Jessica Brock Says:
   January 12th, 2009 at 6:26 pm

   Valcent is where you can see further progress on this concept. We are vertically growing today! Our vertical farms are up and operating in our commercially sized unit based out of El Paso Texas. Please feel free to come visit the company’s blog to learn more, and contribute your thoughts if you wish.
   Skyscarper agriculture has yet to be proved successful in an full size model. Vertical farming is successfully being produced realistically in large greenhouses. These are the steps toward locally grown produce which will help our economies stay self sufficient, economically stable, as well as healthy!

   Look forward to seeing you on the blog!
   http://blog.valcent.net
   Jessica Brock
   Valcent

Leave a Comment

Comments on the AIDG blog are moderated.

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website