Urban farm and land management are integral components of climate tech for several compelling reasons. Firstly, these practices contribute significantly to carbon capture and storage. Urban farms, especially those employing sustainable and regenerative agriculture methods, enhance soil health, turning it into a valuable carbon sink. This process helps in offsetting carbon dioxide emissions and actively mitigating the impacts of climate change. Secondly, urban farming plays a crucial role in localised food production. By cultivating crops within or in close proximity to urban centres, the carbon footprint associated with food transportation is minimised. This shift toward local food systems aligns with climate goals and promotes environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thirdly, effective urban land management supports biodiversity conservation. Green spaces, including urban farms, can provide habitats for various plant and animal species, fostering ecological diversity within cities. Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience and adaptation to climate change, making urban farm and land management vital components of comprehensive climate resilience efforts. In essence, these practices contribute to carbon capture, reduce food-related emissions, and enhance biodiversity, collectively shaping more sustainable and resilient urban environments.
Following 4 startups are offering innovative urban farm and land management energy solutions.
1.80 Acres Farms
Based in Hamilton, Ohio, 80 Acres Farms is a highly innovative and sustainable indoor farming facility that operates without reliance on traditional factors such as sun, soil, or favourable weather. Pesticides are eliminated from the equation as the entire farming process occurs indoors and is meticulously monitored and controlled around the clock. Automation, facilitated by robots, handles labour-intensive tasks, allowing human attention to be dedicated to cultivating the freshest and most nutritious food. This cutting-edge farm boasts an impressive production capacity, generating over 300 times more food than a conventional farm, all while operating on 100% renewable energy and using 97% less water.
2.Plenty
Based in San Francisco, Plenty is an innovative farming company with a mission to provide healthy, pesticide-free, and non-GMO leafy greens while prioritising environmental sustainability. Their indoor farms, currently operating in South San Francisco, CA, and Laramie, WY, utilise advanced technology to grow and deliver fresh produce locally, minimising transportation miles and reducing emissions. The upcoming Compton, CA site, set to open in 2021, aims to be the world’s first high-capacity indoor vertical farm. Emphasising the link between food justice and social justice, Plenty builds farms in communities lacking access to nutritious food and jobs, offering living-wage, year-round employment. Automation and robotics handle labour-intensive tasks, allowing people to engage in skilled agricultural, scientific, and high-tech jobs.
3.AgroScout
AgroScout is an Israeli company founded in 2017 that specialises in cutting-edge agricultural technology. Their innovative system employs data analytics based on autonomous scouting using air, ground, and satellite platforms. Utilising deep learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, AgroScout enables quick and efficient detection, identification, and continuous monitoring of crops throughout entire fields. The cloud-based information is accessible anytime, anywhere. AgroScout is dedicated to early-stage crop disease detection, aiming to enhance crop yields, minimise pesticide usage, and boost overall profits for farmers. The company is located in Kibbutz Yiron, Israel.
4.Gotham Greens
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Gotham Greens is a sustainable fresh food company dedicated to revolutionising the food system with a focus on people and the planet. As a Certified B Corporation™, they specialise in producing and delivering year-round, high-quality leafy greens, herbs, salad dressings, dips, and cooking sauces to retail, restaurant, and foodservice customers. Employing climate-controlled, high-tech greenhouses located across America, including in New York, Illinois, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, and California, the company is committed to environmentally conscious farming. By 2023, Gotham Greens aims to own and operate 13 hydroponic greenhouses, spanning over 40 acres across nine states.
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