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AeroFarms
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"AeroFarms is on a mission to transform agriculture by leveraging our patented technology and farming locally. We do this by building, owning and operating indoor vertical farms that grow safe, nutritious food in a way that is respectful to the planet and the communities in which we grow."
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The iPhone isn't the only thing getting an upgrade nowadays. Farmers have been experimenting with new technologies for decades to produce more food using less land, fewer pesticides, less water and will a smaller impact on the environment. The idea of vertical farming is relatively new and refers to a method of growing crops without soil or natural light, in beds stacked vertically in a controlled-environment building.
AeroFarms is a new indoor agricultural company that started in 2015. AeroFarms purchased an old steel supply warehouse in Newark, New Jersey. The seventy thousand square foot floor was then filled up with kale, bok choi, watercress, arugula, lettuce and other salad greens nearly thirty-six feet tall.
AeroFarms utilizes aeroponics, which provides water and nutrients to the plants by spraying a mist. There is no dirt involved. Aeroponics use about 70% less water than hydroponic farming, which grows plants in water. Hydroponic farming uses 70% less water than traditional farming. Without dirt or water weighing the plants down, it makes for transport of plants much easier. One of the problems with aeroponics was the nozzle which sprays nutrients and water, would clog. Ed Harwood, the farms inventor, created a nozzle that does not clog, but will not give out his design secrets.
The controlled environment of a vertical farm means that crops can be grown out of season and without worry about the climate outside. Their compact space would allow them to fit into highly populated areas with minimum negative impact on the environment. Everything from the humidity of the air, to the shape, size and complexion of the plant leaves is monitored and watched. Any change in the plants growth or environment alerts the plant biologists and scientists on their computers or even their phones. Some even have apps that allow them to adjust the functioning of the farm remotely.
These farms have also been a great learning resource for children. Young students in city areas might never have seen certain vegetables grown and this method of farming shows students how roots grow, how to monitor their plants' needs and even better, they get to eat the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor! AreoFarms currently supplies some school cafeterias with farms so they can grow their own greens.
Although a new method of farming, AeroFarms hopes to become widespread, changing the way densely populated areas grow their food.
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