A roadmap to support decision making on the implementation of vertical farming in Canada

CAPI recognizes the importance of fostering and mentoring the next generation of thought leaders emerging from Doctoral programs across Canada, who are working in multi-disciplinary fields. Through this program, CAPI offers a small, innovative group of young students the opportunity to apply their new found knowledge and expertise to some of agriculture’s most critical policy issues.
The third cohort of CAPI Doctoral Fellows (2022-2024) was tasked with focusing their research on the intersection of agricultural trade, the environment and food security and this paper is the result. In light of recent trade disruptions, food security concerns and climate change commitments, CAPI is interested in how they are impacting Canadian agriculture and agri-food and the policy implications. This Group paper is the final deliverable in the second year of the two year program, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of the fellows’ research as it relates to a roadmap to support decision makers in addressing the challenges and opportunities in implementing vertical farming and sustainable food systems in Canada.
This Fellowship is supported in part by the RBC Foundation through RBC Tech for Nature as part of CAPI’s larger environmental initiative, Spearheading Sustainable Solutions.
- Vertical farming, which is more generally defined as “an array of production methods for crop production in artificial environments using configurations to elevate crops in a vertical fashion”, has the potential to contribute to a more sustainable food system in Canada.
- This is particularly the case given Canadians’ heavy reliance on imported fruit and vegetables as an important source of nutritious food, for both the general population and those living in Northern communities.
- Vertical farming has the potential to supply domestically grown fruits and vegetables more sustainably to address food security while boosting supply chain resilience in the face of shocks and vulnerabilities from climate change impacts in traditional growing regions and from trade disruptions.
- However, challenges remain for greater expansion of vertical farming in Canada due to its heavy reliance on energy inputs, new technologies, the regulatory and trade policy environment, and consumer and farmer resistance to this high technology form of agricultural production.
- The paper’s proposed roadmap to guide government and industry decision-makers around the implementation of vertical farming in Canada can lead to an adaptive, enabling policy and regulatory environment, that ensures there is engagement among stakeholders, greater education and awareness of the opportunities VF can provide the general public and those in Northern communities, and innovative responses from investments in the sector so it can grow and contribute to a more sustainable food system in Canada.
- Potential solutions include increased public and private investments in research, new technologies, infrastructure and workforce skills, as well as incentives that encourage clean energy use and support locally adaptable configurations for urban and northern communities. Promoting education and awareness of the public as well as more conducive trading rules that support sustainable food systems will also be important.