FARMING:A VERTICAL farming technology company has developed an ultra- efficient system for growing food and plant crops that dramatically cuts the amount of water, land and energy required.

Although scientists, architects and futurologists have in the past envisaged skyscraper-size vertical farm concepts, so far they have not been practical or cost-effective.

Now Valcent Products, the UK research division of a Canadian company has developed a smaller version that is suited to warehouses or large greenhouses. A pilot version has been installed at Paignton Zoo in Devon.

Using the company’s growing rig technology, eight times more produce can be grown than in a conventional greenhouse, while energy use can be reduced by 40 per cent. Its automated watering system requires about five per cent of the water that field-grown crops would need.

It’s a compelling case with which to attract investors, according to business development manager Tom Bentley. The company is currently looking to raise money to fund its first 10,000sq ft warehouse demonstration facility. It is also working on smaller-scale systems for domestic greenhouses.