Section 1.1: Affordable Housing Meets Vertical Farming

The United Nations predicts that by 2050, the global population will reach 9.7 billion, an increase of 2 billion people in just three decades. This surge means a significant rise in the need for food and housing, while available arable land continues to diminish.

What’s the solution?

Vertical farming has emerged as a compelling option. Vertical Harvest, a purpose-driven vertical farming enterprise, is pioneering a solution to meet these challenges.

Set to commence construction in 2021, a new facility that integrates affordable housing with vertical farming will be established in Westbrook, Maine. This project marks the beginning of a series of initiatives by Vertical Harvest, with plans for further developments in Chicago and Philadelphia.

Nona Yehia, the company’s CEO, states, “In our country, we face overlapping economic, climate, and health crises stemming from access to nutritious food, sustainable jobs, and affordable housing. We view this as an urban redevelopment strategy that can address all three issues.”

Each structure will feature a communal space, potentially including a kitchen, on the ground floor, while the vertical farm will occupy the upper levels. The aim is to produce one million pounds of fresh produce annually, which will be distributed to residents, supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals, and local food banks.

As we progress as a society, it's vital to embrace the innovations provided by companies like Vertical Harvest that challenge conventional living and eating practices, offering holistic solutions that redefine our daily routines. I eagerly anticipate witnessing this project unfold and expand nationwide. After all, who wouldn’t appreciate living in a place where fresh salads are just a short walk away?

Learn about agricultural innovations that support family farmers, enhancing food production sustainably.

Section 1.2: Regenerative Farming Practices

August and Katelyn Horstmann manage a 1,000-acre regenerative farm near St. Louis, MO. Regenerative farming involves techniques that restore healthy soil, promoting carbon capture and reduction.

On their farm, the Horstmanns keep their livestock—260 cows, 11 hogs, and 160 chickens—grazing in open fields rather than confined pens. They rotate the animals to new grazing areas every 12 to 24 hours, allowing manure to naturally fertilize and rejuvenate the grass.

“It’s just mimicking nature. We keep it straightforward,” August remarks.

He first learned about regenerative farming through YouTube in 2017, and since then, they have noticed a significant drop in labor requirements alongside increased profit margins.

With the United Nations estimating that a third of the world's topsoil has been eroded, and the rest at risk in the next 60 years, it’s crucial for farmers to consider regenerative practices for sustainable crop production.

Though some farmers remain skeptical about the sustainability of these methods, it's imperative that regenerative farming becomes standard across the nation if we wish to maintain our capacity to grow crops in the future. Our soil is a vital resource, and narratives like the Horstmanns’ can encourage conventional farmers to transition to more environmentally friendly practices.

I advocate for government policies that recognize the importance of regenerative farming and provide incentives for its adoption.

I hope these stories of agricultural innovation inspire you to view the future of our climate with optimism. We need more individuals willing to rethink harmful systems and accept that change may be uncomfortable for many.

I challenge you to discuss these narratives with friends, family, and colleagues and explore where the conversation leads.

Unsung Heroes in the Climate Fight

Why they deserve recognition.

As a graduate student at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, I am pursuing a Master’s in Media and Communication with a focus on Strategic Communication. My goal is to contribute to the planet through sustainability and advocacy communications. Let’s connect!