The Global Vertical Farming Market size is expected to reach $27.10 billion by 2031, rising at a market growth of 19.6% CAGR during the forecast period.
Aeroponics is an advanced soilless cultivation technique that involves misting plant roots with nutrient-rich solutions, providing optimal oxygenation and nutrient absorption. This method is gaining traction due to its ability to enhance crop yield using minimal water and resources. The increasing adoption of aeroponic systems in urban farming projects and commercial vertical farms has contributed to the segment’s growth. Thus, the aeroponics segment recorded 21% revenue share in the market in 2023. Additionally, advancements in automation and smart farming technologies have improved the efficiency of aeroponics, making it an attractive solution for high-value crops.
The need for sustainable agricultural practices has intensified due to rapid population growth, environmental degradation, and the depletion of natural resources. Traditional farming methods contribute to deforestation, excessive water consumption, and soil degradation, making them less sustainable in the long run. This shift is not only driving market expansion but also encouraging technological advancements in the sector, making vertical farming a critical component of the future of agriculture.
Moreover, Rapid urbanization is leading to an increased demand for fresh, locally sourced food. With over half of the world’s population residing in urban areas, traditional farming struggles to meet the nutritional needs of growing city populations. The transportation of food from rural farms to urban centers contributes to high logistical costs, food spoilage, and significant carbon emissions. Retailers and food businesses are capitalizing on this trend by investing in vertical farming solutions, further fuelling the market’s expansion.
However, one of the primary barriers to the widespread adoption of vertical farming is the significant capital investment required for setting up infrastructure. Unlike traditional farming, which relies on open fields and natural sunlight, vertical farms require climate-controlled environments, artificial lighting, automated irrigation systems, and advanced monitoring technologies. The cost of constructing and maintaining these facilities is often prohibitively high, making it difficult for small-scale farmers and startups to enter the market. However, widespread affordability remains a key challenge that must be addressed for the market to achieve mass adoption.
Aeroponics is an advanced soilless cultivation technique that involves misting plant roots with nutrient-rich solutions, providing optimal oxygenation and nutrient absorption. This method is gaining traction due to its ability to enhance crop yield using minimal water and resources. The increasing adoption of aeroponic systems in urban farming projects and commercial vertical farms has contributed to the segment’s growth. Thus, the aeroponics segment recorded 21% revenue share in the market in 2023. Additionally, advancements in automation and smart farming technologies have improved the efficiency of aeroponics, making it an attractive solution for high-value crops.
The need for sustainable agricultural practices has intensified due to rapid population growth, environmental degradation, and the depletion of natural resources. Traditional farming methods contribute to deforestation, excessive water consumption, and soil degradation, making them less sustainable in the long run. This shift is not only driving market expansion but also encouraging technological advancements in the sector, making vertical farming a critical component of the future of agriculture.
Moreover, Rapid urbanization is leading to an increased demand for fresh, locally sourced food. With over half of the world’s population residing in urban areas, traditional farming struggles to meet the nutritional needs of growing city populations. The transportation of food from rural farms to urban centers contributes to high logistical costs, food spoilage, and significant carbon emissions. Retailers and food businesses are capitalizing on this trend by investing in vertical farming solutions, further fuelling the market’s expansion.
However, one of the primary barriers to the widespread adoption of vertical farming is the significant capital investment required for setting up infrastructure. Unlike traditional farming, which relies on open fields and natural sunlight, vertical farms require climate-controlled environments, artificial lighting, automated irrigation systems, and advanced monitoring technologies. The cost of constructing and maintaining these facilities is often prohibitively high, making it difficult for small-scale farmers and startups to enter the market. However, widespread affordability remains a key challenge that must be addressed for the market to achieve mass adoption.
Driving and Restraining Factors
Drivers
- Increasing Global Demand for Sustainable Agriculture
- Growing Urbanization and Demand for Locally Grown Food
- Expansion of Smart Farming and Internet of Things (IoT) Integration
Restraints
- High Initial Capital Investment and Operational Costs
- Limited Crop Variety Suitable for Vertical Farming
Opportunities
- Rising Investment in Agri-Tech and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
- Increasing Need for Water Conservation and Resource Efficiency
Challenges
- Dependence on Artificial Lighting and High Energy Consumption
- Risk of System Failures and Crop Losses
Category Outlook
Based on category, the market is segmented into fruits vegetables, & herbs, flowers & ornamentals, and others. The fruits vegetables, & herbs segment procured 69% revenue share in the market in 2023. This is driven by the increasing consumer preference for fresh, pesticide-free, and locally grown produce. The adoption of vertical farming for crops such as leafy greens, tomatoes, strawberries, and herbs has surged due to its ability to provide year-round cultivation, maximize space efficiency, and reduce water usage.
Offering Outlook
Based on offering, the market is characterized into hardware, software, and services. The software segment held 24% revenue share in the market in 2023. This is driven by the increasing adoption of digital solutions for farm monitoring, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Advanced software platforms integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) have enhanced efficiency by optimizing resource usage, monitoring environmental conditions, and predicting crop yields.Hardware Outlook
The hardware segment is further subdivided into lighting, hydroponic components, and sensors. The lighting segment procured 42% revenue share in the market in 2023. Artificial lighting, particularly LED grow lights, is critical in vertical farming as it facilitates photosynthesis and ensures optimal plant growth in indoor settings.Mechanism Outlook
On the basis of mechanism, the market is classified into hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. The hydroponics segment acquired 65% revenue share in the market in 2023. Hydroponics is a widely adopted growth mechanism that allows plants to thrive in a nutrient-rich water solution without needing soil. The popularity of hydroponics in vertical farming is driven by its efficiency in resource utilization, particularly water and space.Structure Outlook
By structure, the market is divided into building-based and shipping container-based. The shipping container-based segment garnered 54% revenue share in the market in 2023. This structure has gained popularity due to its modular and scalable nature, making it ideal for urban settings and remote locations where traditional farming is not feasible. Shipping container farms utilize hydroponic or aeroponic systems within climate-controlled containers, allowing year-round cultivation with minimal water and energy usage.Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. The North America segment recorded 32% revenue share in the market in 2023. The region’s dominance can be attributed to the rapid adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, increasing urbanization, and a strong focus on sustainability. The United States and Canada have witnessed significant investments in vertical farming infrastructure, with major companies and startups pioneering innovative solutions to enhance crop yield and resource efficiency.List of Key Companies Profiled
- AeroFarms, LLC
- American Hydroponics
- BrightFarms, Inc. (Cox Enterprises Inc.)
- Plenty Foods Pty Ltd. (Josh Gadischke)
- Bowery Farming, Inc.
- Eden Green Technology
- Lindsay Corporation
- Hunter Industries, Inc.
- The Toro Company
- Valmont Industries, Inc.
Market Report Segmentation
By Component
- Hardware
- Lighting
- Hydroponic Components
- Climate Control & Sensors
- Software
- Services
By Category
- Fruits Vegetables, & Herbs
- Flowers & Ornamentals
- Other Category
By Mechanism
- Hydroponics
- Aeroponics
- Aquaponics
By Structure
- Shipping Container
- Building-based
By Geography
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Russia
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- LAMEA
- Brazil
- Argentina
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Rest of LAMEA
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Market Scope & Methodology
Chapter 2. Market at a Glance
Chapter 3. Market Overview
Chapter 4. Global Vertical Farming Market by Component
Chapter 5. Global Vertical Farming Market by Category
Chapter 6. Global Vertical Farming Market by Mechanism
Chapter 7. Global Vertical Farming Market by Structure
Chapter 8. Global Vertical Farming Market by Region
Chapter 9. Company Profiles
Companies Mentioned
- AeroFarms, LLC
- American Hydroponics
- BrightFarms, Inc. (Cox Enterprises Inc.)
- Plenty Foods Pty Ltd. (Josh Gadischke)
- Bowery Farming, Inc.
- Eden Green Technology
- Lindsay Corporation
- Hunter Industries, Inc.
- The Toro Company
- Valmont Industries, Inc.
Methodology
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