Vertical farms can potentially achieve higher yields for the surface area dedicated to production by controlling the light, temperature, humidity, water and nutrients the plants receive. They also reduce “food miles,” the distance food items travel from the point of production to the table, and can reduce CO2 emission from transport while delivering fresher and better tasting products.

Right now, there are more than 7 billion people living on earth. That number continues to climb and it is projected to be between 8 and 11 billion people by the year 2050. If you’re in the food sector, you’re probably already aware of the growing food needs of earth’s population. The question then becomes, how do you do so? How can farmers and food scientists increase the world’s food supply in a way that feeds people but also protects the planet?

If you’re a farmer, however, you’re probably already aware of the growing need to produce food. The question then becomes, how do you do so? How can farmers increase the world’s food supply in a way that feeds people and protects the planet?

Most farmers realize that while enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet, the issue is one of distribution and access. Many people can’t afford to purchase food or may not have access to land to grow the food they need. It’s clear that food production must increase to keep up with the demand, and at a higher rate than might be expected. The amount of food produced isn’t the same as the amount of food that reaches people. Some crops fail. Some crops may be lost in the field. Some could spoil while being transported.

Sustainable farming techniques vary: Organic farming uses natural pest control methods to help improve yields and overall soil health. Agroecology, another sustainable method, takes a holistic approach to growing crops — studying soil health, air quality and weather patterns to help make farming decisions.

Vertical farming — or using indoor space to grow crops — is another way to produce more food, more efficiently. The accompanying resource describes the benefits of vertical farming and how to make the process more effective.