Honoring Dr. Dickson Despommier: The Visionary Who Planted the Seeds for Vertical Farming’s Future

The world has lost a true pioneer. Dr. Dickson Despommier—scientist, professor, and relentless advocate for vertical farming—passed away this month, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. His work shaped the way we think about urban agriculture, and for many, including myself, he was an inspiring mentor and friend.

Dickson didn’t just dream of a better future—he challenged us to build it. His groundbreaking book, The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century, ignited a movement. Published in 2010, it painted a bold vision of self-sustaining cities with towering farms, integrating food production into the very fabric of urban life. The book wasn’t just theory—it was a call to action. From 2010 to 2015, I met countless vertical farm founders who shared the same story: they read Dickson’s book and felt compelled to start something. His ideas spread like wildfire, setting the stage for the industry as we know it today.

But Dickson was more than just the “father of vertical farming.” He was an exceptional teacher, a rigorous scientist, and a man filled with boundless curiosity and infectious joy. I had the privilege of knowing him personally, and our relationship was built on laughter, hard work, and healthy debate.

A Mentor Who Pushed Me to Think Bigger

I first met Dickson as a master’s student at Columbia University in 2012. I was studying Sustainability Management, but I felt something was missing—there was no coursework on agriculture. I wanted to learn more about urban agriculture, particularly vertical farming, and I knew Dickson was the person who could guide me.

I approached him with an idea: to create an independent study course called Challenges in Vertical Farming. My goal was to take the utopian visions of vertical farming—something he had so passionately written about—and turn them into practical, real-world solutions. I wanted to design a vertical farm that wasn’t just a futuristic concept but an economically viable model that fit within zoning laws and could make a tangible impact.

Every week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dickson to discuss the latest news, technologies, and challenges in vertical farming. Those conversations shaped my thinking, pushing me to explore the intersection of vision and practicality. He encouraged me to think big—sometimes bigger than I was comfortable with. One phrase he would often repeat in our sessions I’ll never forget: “Make it taller.”

Dickson always believed that vertical farms should be towering structures, true urban ecosystems providing food, clean air, and other environmental benefits. He saw the warehouse-style vertical farms being developed as merely the first step—version 1.0—of a much grander vision. He was especially drawn to architecturally integrated farms like Vertical Harvest, believing they were more aligned with his dream of sustainable, food-producing cities.

With his guidance, I completed my project—a brief that eventually became the foundation for Agritecture. You can see the result here: BXVF AGRITECTURE Brief.

A Legacy Beyond the Farm

Dickson’s influence extended far beyond just me. He shaped the vertical farming industry in countless ways.

• He introduced me to Maximilian Loessl and encouraged us to establish the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) in 2013 and provided mentorship and connections for us. AVF became a crucial platform for knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and collaboration in the early days of the industry.
• He hosted a podcast that featured many of us in the vertical farming world, amplifying voices and ideas long before the industry gained mainstream attention. In 2020, I had the honor of being a guest on Urban Agriculture, his podcast. Our conversation on Urban Agriculture 14 (listen here: Microbe TV – Urban Ag) was a testament to his enduring passion for the field. Even after years of pioneering work, he remained as excited and curious as ever.
• He traveled the world, sharing his vision at conferences, inspiring scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike. His energy and enthusiasm were unmatched.

The Man Behind the Vision

Beyond his intellect and ambition, Dickson was kind, funny, and deeply committed to science. He was a storyteller, an optimist, and someone who truly believed in the power of human ingenuity to solve big problems. He was a hobby photographer of nature and flowers. His work on parasitology and microbiology—often overshadowed by his vertical farming fame—was equally remarkable, reflecting a lifelong dedication to understanding and improving the world.

His legacy isn’t just in the farms that have been built because of his ideas. It’s in the people he inspired, the conversations he sparked, and the movement he helped create.

There is no single person who has had a greater influence on vertical farming than Dr. Dickson Despommier. His book launched a global frenzy, and his visionary thinking propelled the industry forward.

As we mourn his passing, let’s also celebrate his life by continuing his work. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Let’s build upon his vision for cities that can feed themselves—sustainably, efficiently, and beautifully.

Rest in peace, Dickson. Your ideas will continue to grow.

Below, I wanted to share screenshots of others who are celebrating his life & work on LinkedIn - his work touched so many lives and businesses.