space, water, and energy, and are more efficient than
conventional methods.
Despommier says vertical farming is entirely
realistic, even profitable, assuming the structures are
inexpensive to build, durable, safe, and “independent of
economic subsidies and outside support.” The lack of
subsidies is a huge benefit here, as conventional farmers
cannot control the price of what they sell. “This year,”
explained Purdy, “there is a big surplus, so the price is
way, way, way down from pre ٥