Vertical Farming Austin, Texas

Wise Green Resources is an agricultural services and CEA technology firm focused on production-smart agriculture, localized in urban, indoor, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA).

I failed at vertical farming in CEA in North Texas. I was ahead of my time, not ready to be a leader, I didn't build community support, and too "green" to understand the production variables that went into creating a successful vertical farm with controlled environment agriculture. It was a challenging and humbling experience that I learned a great deal from. I now understand the importance of having a detailed understanding of the production systems and being able to truly understand the environment, the challenges that arise often, and the solutions to achieve success. Through some strategizing, investing, and trial and error I eventually figured out the skillset and strategy needed to become a successful vertical farmer. Additionally, I learned a lot about the challenges specific to farming in the North Texas area with the sprawling distances to be covered to be profitable in Texas.

The climate is a major factor in any CEA approach, and in North Texas, the hot, dry summer weather poses unique challenges to the successful operation of a vertical farm. Further, the lack of access to high-quality, affordable, and reliable inputs like light, water, and CO2 emphasized the importance of being conservative with energy inputs and resource consumption. With the knowledge gained from my experience, I was able to run a successful and fruitful CEA farm with vertical inputs and distribution across Texas.

With this knowledge and a renewed passion for vertical food farming, I was able to put together what information I gathered to reflect on my successes and failures.

My experience with vertical farming in North Texas has been a great learning experience and a reminder of the importance of having the knowledge and ability to adapt quickly to challenging situations. I now have a greater appreciation for the science and technology behind farming, and I feel much more confident in my skillset to become an effective vertical farm operator. Now I am looking to approach the same problem I was attempting to solve in North Texas but in the Capital City.

Texas can be one of the biggest indoor vertical farm states in the United States. With its ideal climate and natural resources, Texas can become a hub for the development of the latest technology in the field of indoor vertical farming. Developments in indoor vertical farming technology have the potential to create a more reliable and sustainable food system in Texas, allowing efficient production of food with minimal land and water use. Additionally, the implementation of innovative indoor vertical farming techniques in Texas could help create jobs and promote economic development, while also reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.

Austin, Texas can be the tech and vertical food farming hub of the world due to its innovative atmosphere. Austin’s pre-existing infrastructure, resources, and supportive culture make it a perfect location for the development of vertically farmed food technology. Entrepreneurs and startups from the area can take advantage of the abundance of local resources and mentorships to find success in building and growing their food-based businesses. Additionally, Austin is a highly ranked city for millennials to live in, and creating a vertical farming startup here can encourage a new generation of food entrepreneurs and local jobs for the area. Finally, universities in Texas can become regional research and development centers for the advancement of indoor vertical farming. By creating networks between universities and local businesses, Texas can lead the nation in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, universities can provide an educated and trained workforce to fill the labor needs of the upcoming vertical farming industry. Overall, Texas has the potential to become a leader in the increasingly popular indoor vertical farming industry, and with the right resources, infrastructure, and partnerships, the state of Texas can be a pioneer in vertical farming technology.

Austin has a high-density urban population that welcomes locality and indoor food farming promotes that ideal. Creating and developing indoor vertical farms provides accessibility for fresh produce to the densely populated urban areas in Texas. These vertical farms can save water, reduce waste, and provide nutritional meals to those in need with a decrease in carbon footprints. Austin has the perfect climate for year-round growing and it is home to several universities and research centers which makes it the perfect place to develop indoor vertical farming technology and practices. The city also has access to renewable energy sources and other important infrastructures, lending itself t be a leader and- a model for indoor vertical farming projects across the state. Capital investment firms looking to purchase carbon credits may increase the demand for moving capital into these systems.

Indigo AG introduced its first tranche of farm soil carbon credits just a few weeks ago, with its program producing 20 thousand tonnes in credits, or emissions offsets. Buyers so far include JPMorgan Chase, The North Face, and Barclays. Farmers are encouraged to plant cover crops and reduce tillage to improve soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. This can help make crops more resilient to global warming. Farming is not just one of the worst climate offenders, it is also at high risk from climate change. Indoor vertical farms in Austin can facilitate the storage of carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, providing the city with associated financial credits or benefits. Government or NGO grants can also help finance the investments necessary to develop the infrastructure and equipment associated with indoor vertical farming.

Not only do indoor vertical farms in Austin provide essential fresh produce, but they also offer innovative economic opportunities in research, job creation, and local economic development. Such systems can bridge the gap between rural and urban communities, offering access to nutrition and economic opportunity in areas not previously available. Austin is uniquely suited to become a major regional center for indoor vertical farming and has the potential to revolutionize food production in the state of Texas. With more tech coming into the capital city, what does a large group like Apple or Google have to lose in a vertical farming startup?

For Apple, investing in a vertical farming project in Texas could open up more opportunities for their AI operations team. By utilizing the power of AI, Apple could create predictive analytics models to optimize the production and quality of its products. In addition, Apple could leverage its user base by incorporating certifications and traceability into its products to ensure customers are receiving locally-sourced, high-quality produce. For Google, investing in a vertical farming project in Texas could further its commitment to sustainability. The company could develop initiatives dedicated to upcycling waste and water recycling to achieve zero-waste goals.

Additionally, Google can invest in initiatives to promote energy efficiency, so that powering vertical farms does not become a significant burden to the climate. As a leading tech company, Google has the resources to become a leader in sustainable farming techniques and make a positive environmental impact.

I am surprised that Elon Musk and Tesla have not invested more in vertical farming because the technology would allow for a footprint for food production on mars and other off-earth locations. With the help of solar energy and other renewable energy sources, vertical farms can provide food to astronauts on extended space flights. The technology could also be useful to create closed-loop ecosystems on Mars and other planets, where astronauts can grow crops in a sustainable manner and create a self-sustaining loop. In addition to the potential off-earth applications, the technology could also be used to minimize food waste, provide fresh produce to areas with limited access, and feed the world’s growing population. Elon Musk and Tesla could invest in these projects, to help promote sustainable sources of food production, and provide disruptive technology to the agricultural industry.

Austin, Texas will be the tech and vertical food farming capital of the world. I do expect to see vertical farming in Austin sooner rather than later. With the combination of an ideal climate and access to resources, Austin has the potential to become one of the leading cities for indoor vertical farming. Additionally, the city has a supportive culture for startups, offering resources and mentorships to entrepreneurs in the area. This support can make it easier for established businesses and new startups to find success in the growing vertical farming market. With the growing demand for year-round agriculture, I believe Austin will play a major role in the future of vertical farming. Austin, Texas due to its budding infrastructure, location in Texas, and huge population growth will have to adopt vertical farming to increase local production and reduce the carbon footprint.

Austin’s Universities are also capable of helping in the development of indoor vertical farming. Universities have access to leading research and development centers which could provide the basis for working with businesses and organizations. By connecting the world of academia with businesses, universities can provide access to the latest technologies and practices necessary for implementing indoor vertical farming. Additionally, universities can provide an educated and trained workforce for the upcoming industry and help with the further development of sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, I believe Austin will be a major center for the growth and innovation of vertical farming. With its ideal climate and abundance of resources, Austin can make a significant contribution to the development of the vertical farming industry. The supportive environment and entrepreneurial spirit will help Austin move into the future of indoor vertical farming and make a positive impact on the city, state, and planet.

In closing, Austin hosts SXSW and attracting is attracting urban dwellers and vertical farming can support the influx of population and provide better access to healthy food options. Vertical farming is the practice of producing food in vertically stacked layers such as rooftops, in urban and other areas. This type of farming is beneficial for SXSW because it can provide access to fresh produce for those attending the festival, reduce the amount of land needed for production and transportation costs associated with food from outside the region, and can reduce the environmental impact of traditional farming. Additionally, vertical farming can create jobs in the local economy and increase the overall sustainability of the event. The ability to enjoy nutritious, locally grown produce can also create a unique and memorable experience for attendees and offer a unique marketing opportunity for SXSW. As eyes begin to look at the festival to reduce its footprint partnering with vertical farms, indoor farms, and other urban food producers can position SXSW to become an even greater success.

The population of Austin, Texas is growing quickly and was estimated to be 981,960 people in 2020. This is an increase of 6.97% from the previous year. Austin is the 11th largest city in the United States and the 4th largest in Texas. The city's population is expected to keep growing in 2021 and beyond. It is estimated to reach 1.025 million people by 2023 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Vertical farming has to be a solution to this population increase since it does not require or utilize arable land. This type of farming has many benefits including conservation of land, water, energy, and resources. Additionally, it makes the production of food more efficient and can increase crop yield. This could help ease some of the strain from the rapid population increase in Austin.

Thanks for reading! Tell me what you think? Can Austin, Texas become the next vertical farming capital of the world?