Vertical Farming Market Surges to $6.92 Billion in 2023 with Strong Growth Projected Through 2030
The global vertical farming market reached a valuation of USD 6.92 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.1% through 2030. This rapid expansion is driven by increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, with vertical farming emerging as a key solution for eco-friendly and resource-efficient food production. As environmental concerns intensify, the sector is witnessing heightened investment and innovation in controlled-environment agriculture.
Vertical Farming Market Size & Trends
The global Vertical Farming Market has experienced significant value, standing at USD 6.92 billion in 2023, with a promising compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1% forecasted from 2023 to 2030. The surge in environmental sustainability efforts is driving the adoption of eco-friendly methods for producing fruits and vegetables, thereby fueling market expansion.
The pursuit of producing food in vertically stacked layers, such as within a repurposed warehouse or shipping container, represents a revolutionary approach known as vertical farming. A similar concept is organic food production, which is viewed favorably by many due to its perceived health benefits, higher nutritional value, enhanced safety, and environmentally friendly nature. The success of organic food depends on the purchasing behaviors of consumers, which plays a crucial role in guiding producers, policymakers, and suppliers in developing effective marketing strategies.
As consumers increasingly prioritize their well-being, obesity and heart diseases have emerged as pressing health concerns affecting a substantial portion of the population. Meanwhile, traditional farming practices are under pressure due to the depleting groundwater reserves and the ever-changing climatic conditions. In response, many growers are turning towards alternative farming methods to mitigate these challenges. The growing awareness among consumers about the importance of healthy living is likely to propel demand for healthier food options, ultimately benefiting the agricultural industry.
Unlike traditional farming methods, indoor farming offers a consistent and reliable means of cultivating crops year-round. This leads to enhanced productivity levels. Additionally, indoor farming provides a shield against extreme weather conditions by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as controlled environment agriculture (CEA), which utilizes artificial environmental control, precise light management, and fertigation to create optimal growing conditions for crops.
The rise of high-quality food and urbanization are driving forces behind market expansion, bolstered by advancements in independent agriculture techniques. As the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2030, demand for nutrient-rich produce will continue to surge, prompting innovative solutions like vertical cultivation. By cultivating crops within warehouses or multi-story buildings, consumers can now grow their own food in a controlled environment, making this cutting-edge technique an attractive option for those seeking fresher, healthier options.
Market Concentration & Characteristics
The vertical farming market is experiencing a substantial growth stage, characterized by significant advancements in technology adoption. Sensors and cameras are being increasingly utilized to optimize resource utilization, boost yields, and address the challenges of limited space and environmental constraints. Furthermore, hydroponics, aeroponics, LED grow lights, and automation systems are commonly employed to enhance efficiency and crop quality, positioning vertical farming as a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.
Vertical farming is increasingly aligning with the trend of urban agriculture, addressing the challenges of limited arable land in urban areas by cultivating food in close proximity to densely populated cities. As governments worldwide focus on sustainable agriculture goals, the vertical farming market is now facing growing regulatory scrutiny. In response, governments are providing financial incentives and grants to encourage the adoption of vertical farming practices, offering support through tax breaks, subsidies, or grants that help reduce the initial capital investment for vertical farming facilities.
The emergence of direct substitutes for vertical farming is a rare occurrence, making this innovative approach to agriculture all the more appealing. Nevertheless, conventional farming methods and robotic farming alternatives can significantly impact the vertical farming market. Some farmers may prefer to stick with traditional, tried-and-tested methods without investing heavily in cutting-edge technologies. This conventional approach often comes at a lower cost, but may hinder the optimization of resource utilization and efficiency. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, farmers will be influenced by factors such as budget constraints, technological readiness, and a growing desire for sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact.
Market Dynamics
The thriving vertical farming industry can be attributed to a combination of factors, including steady population growth, government support, limited land availability, and a growing appetite for high-quality produce. Furthermore, the rising consumer preference for organic food has created a lucrative market, presenting businesses with opportunities to capitalize on this trend. As consumers increasingly prioritize healthy and sustainable options, vertical farming emerges as an attractive solution to meet this demand, offering a viable path forward for entrepreneurs and farmers alike.
As technology continues to evolve, vertical farms are embracing innovative solutions such as LED lights and automated control systems to create optimal growing environments. To meet the increasing demand for local produce, several vertical farm service providers are strategically locating their facilities near urban hubs, capitalizing on this trend. This shift has led to an increase in investment, with venture funding and other sources being utilized to build out their infrastructure.
The labor shortage and supply chain disruption that affected various industries, particularly food & beverage, created significant challenges. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unexpected opportunities for the vertical farming sector. The rise of urban agriculture has become increasingly popular as a result of the pandemic. Notably, East Japan Railway Company partnered with Infarm in February 2020 to supply fresh produce cultivated and sourced from retail outlets. This development signals potential growth opportunities in these countries.
Component Insights
The vertical farming market is composed of three primary segments: hardware, software, and services. In 2022, the hardware segment dominated the market share. A key component of this segment is lighting, which accounts for more than 44.46% of global hardware revenue, primarily due to its reliance on artificial lighting. Artificial lights provide essential light intensities necessary for crop growth.
The climate control segment is poised for significant growth, with a CAGR of 20.6% anticipated over the forecast period. The increasing adoption of hydroponic components by farmers is driving demand, as these systems enable the minimization of weight load and infrastructure required to support equipment. This trend is expected to have a positive impact on the market, fueling growth in the hydroponic component segment.
Climate-controlled agriculture involves cultivating crops within a greenhouse environment where precise parameters are meticulously managed to create an ideal setting for optimal plant growth. By regulating factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide levels, water supply, humidity, pH balance, and nutrient delivery, growers can successfully foster crop development throughout its entire lifecycle. This controlled approach often ensures plants receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, ultimately contributing to improved yields and enhanced product quality.
Harnessing the Power of Lighting Technology in Farming
By integrating lighting technology into farming practices, farmers can optimize plant growth and reduce stress on the root zone, leading to more consistent and healthy crops. LED lighting serves as a supplementary light source to natural sunlight, allowing for increased productivity while minimizing energy consumption. This cutting-edge approach also enables real-time monitoring of the external environment and crop conditions, thanks to advanced sensors that track vital parameters such as nutrient levels, humidity, and light intensity. With this data-driven insight, farmers can receive timely notifications and alerts, ensuring they're always prepared to respond to changes in their crops' needs.
Automation in vertical farming seeks to streamline processes, minimizing the time-to-market for new products, reducing logistical expenses, production costs, and environmental impact. Leveraging the power of IoT has become increasingly mainstream across various sectors, including transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture. This technological shift has profoundly transformed the agriculture industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and efficiency.
The software segment is poised for significant growth, driven by emerging trends in technology and farming practices. This segment is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 23.4% from 2023 to 2030. Software solutions are likely to play a vital role in helping growers, identify key parameters such as crop batch, land or field, and supplier information for fruits and vegetables. By leveraging cloud-based software, farmers can gain real-time insights into millions of data points, which can be analyzed using machine learning techniques to determine how changes in specific environmental parameters impact the yield and flavor of finished products.
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Growing Mechanism Insights
The hydroponics segment dominated the market in 2022 and is poised to maintain its lead through 2030. This popular cultivation technique owes its popularity to its relatively low installation costs and straightforward operations. In contrast to traditional methods, hydroponics grows plants without the need for soil, instead utilizing a mineral solution that's carefully placed around plant roots. Furthermore, this approach eliminates the risk of soil-borne organisms causing diseases, making it an attractive option for growers worldwide.
The rising awareness about the impact of pesticides on human health and the environment is likely to drive consumer interest in hydroponic farming. Hydroponically grown plants not only exhibit higher yields compared to their soil-grown counterparts, but also offer a more controlled nutrient balance. This precision allows farmers to monitor plant root growth and adjust the chemical composition of the nutrient solution as needed, ensuring optimal conditions for healthy development.
As the market continues to evolve, one segment is poised to gain substantial ground: aquaponics. By harmoniously combining hydroponics and aquaculture, aquaponics offers an environmentally friendly approach to cultivation, replacing the use of toxic chemicals with a natural, symbiotic process. This innovative method allows for the growth of diverse crops such as lettuce, chives, peppers, kale, mint, cucumbers, and peas, all within the same closed-loop system. As water is continually cycled through the system, fish waste is converted into nutrient-rich fertilizer, significantly enhancing crop yields and reducing production times. This holistic approach not only reduces chemical reliance but also fosters a sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystem that redefines the way we produce food.
The Aeroponics segment is poised for substantial growth over the forecast period. This innovative system shares similarities with hydroponics, as both methods eschew traditional soil-based cultivation. Notably, aeroponics diverges from its counterpart by eliminating the need for a growing medium, instead suspending plant roots in a controlled, dark environment and periodically spraying them with a nutrient-rich solution to facilitate healthy growth.
Crop Category Insights
The fruits, vegetables, and herbs segment has solidified its position as the largest market share holder since 2022, with no signs of relinquishing its dominance by 2030. This steady growth is attributed to the increasing practice of vertically cultivating commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. By adopting this method, companies can capitalize on higher profit margins without causing land disturbances, thereby preserving biodiversity.
This trend is evident across various regions, where strawberries, lettuce, bell peppers, chili peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens are among the most frequently cultivated crops. Notably, the tomato segment has emerged as a market leader, accounting for over 24.23% of global revenue in 2022.
For companies looking to establish themselves in vertical farming, understanding the economic viability of each crop is crucial. By doing so, they can ensure that their cultivation efforts are financially rewarding and contribute to the overall growth of the industry. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable and profitable agricultural practices, the demand for vertically farmed produce will only continue to grow.
Some of the most sought-after crops in vertical farming include strawberries, lettuce, bell peppers, chili peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens. These crops are not only popular but also offer a promising combination of profitability and
The growth period of crops is another crucial factor in vertical farming, as it can significantly impact production costs and profitability. While certain vegetables like lettuce and mint mature quickly, herbs and fruiting crops often require more time to reach full maturity. However, the latter group can command higher margins due to their increased value. As a farmer, it's essential to consider the demand for specific crops and weigh them against potential risks and rewards before making informed decisions about vertical farming. The consistent global demand for lettuces has indeed made it an attractive crop for cultivation in vertically integrated systems.
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The growth of the flowers and ornamentals sector is expected to be substantial over the forecast period, driven by a significant CAGR. As consumer interest in decorative elements continues to rise, the demand for flowers and ornamentals is likely to increase, fueling market expansion. The trend of vertical farming has also gained traction, particularly for edible flowers like marigolds, matthiol, cloves, and snapdragons. This segment has been subdivided into perennials, annuals, and ornamentals, with ornamental flowers currently holding the largest share due to rising sales figures in 2022.
Structure Insights
The shipping container segment has maintained its market lead with a significant share of around 53.32% in 2022, and it's poised to continue this dominance through 2030. This trend is largely driven by the versatility of containers, which can be used to cultivate crops regardless of their geographical location. One of the key advantages of container-based farming is its portability, allowing farmers to start cultivating without requiring a substantial amount of land or dedicated infrastructure.
Moreover, the price of shipping containers decreases with increased competition due to lower costs associated with acquiring used containers, allowing new entrants to join the market. Nevertheless, this trend is accompanied by several challenges, including reduced comparative output and intense rivalry among light, heat, and layout producers.
The rise of technology and precision farming techniques is poised to propel the shipping container segment forward, driving growth over the forecast period. In Japan, China, and other Asian countries, building-based farming has gained significant acceptance, making it the fastest-growing revenue-generating segment. By adopting this approach, farmers can significantly reduce cultivation costs while expanding their farmland requirements, ultimately contributing to food security in these regions.
Shipping container-based farming offers a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture methods, utilizing up to 95% less water through advanced drip irrigation systems. The versatile nature of shipping containers allows for effortless modification and stacking, ensuring efficient space management. Their durability also makes them ideal for long-term use, while recycling and refurbishment options reduce costs. Furthermore, the abundant supply of unused shipping containers worldwide is expected to drive segment growth in the forecast period, as these structures are readily available and adaptable to diverse farming needs.
Regional Insights
The European market has been leading the vertical farming industry in terms of revenue, holding around 31.7% share as of 2022. This dominance is expected to persist through 2023-2030. The driving force behind this trend is growing awareness about the need for alternative farming methods due to a shortage of arable land and a rapidly increasing population in the region.
Europe is poised for substantial growth in the coming years, driven by the rapid advancement of genetically modified crop technology and the burgeoning application of nanotechnology and robotics in agriculture. This trend is expected to fuel regional market demand as farming practices become increasingly sophisticated. By harnessing the potential of nanotechnology, farmers can enhance food packaging durability and implement more effective disease and pest control measures, ultimately leading to increased yields and improved agricultural productivity.
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has undertaken various projects to establish self-sustaining, indoor farms - vertical farms - with the aim of mitigating the pressures of exponential population growth and addressing food production in environmentally inhospitable conditions. This endeavour has subsequently fueled a surge in market demand within Europe.
The expanding urban populace and increasing commercialization of indoor farming in Africa are projected to fuel demand for this industry. Nonetheless, a scarcity of financial resources required to construct state-of-the-art vertical farms, combined with limited access to water and land, is expected to impede regional market development. To overcome these obstacles, various models being utilized in the region comprise vertically stacked wooden crates and sack gardens.
Key Companies & Market Share Insights
Key players in the market include Agrilution GmbH, Aerofarm, Brightfarms Inc., Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd, Freight Farms, GrowUp Urban Farms Ltd., Green Sense Farms, LLC, and Vertical Farm Systems, each contributing to the diverse landscape of agricultural innovation.
Our cutting-edge technology enables us to develop innovative, fully automated vertical farming systems that minimize environmental impact while maximizing crop yields. By integrating AI-powered monitoring and automation, we optimize growing conditions to ensure maximum efficiency and plant health. Our focus on reusable medium and energy-efficient climate cells ensures a sustainable approach to agriculture.
At Brightfarms Inc., we're passionate about bringing the freshest, locally-grown salads to our community while making a positive impact on the environment. By harnessing the power of controlled indoor environments, we've developed an innovative approach to vertical farming that prioritizes efficiency, sustainability, and resourcefulness. Our mission is to revolutionize the way people experience fresh produce, one delicious salad at a time.
The rise of indoor farming and aeroponics is revolutionizing the way we produce fresh produce, with companies like Bowery Farming and Aerofarm at the forefront. These innovative players are transforming the agricultural landscape by leveraging cutting-edge technology to increase crop yields while reducing environmental impact.
Bowery Farming, for instance, has developed an AI-powered vertical farm that utilizes a unique blend of hydroponics and aeroponics to cultivate a wide range of crops, including leafy greens and berries. The company's vertically stacked growing modules are designed to maximize space efficiency while minimizing waste, making it possible to produce fresh produce in even the most urban environments.
Aerofarm, on the other hand, has pioneered the use of aeroponics, a method that suspends plant roots in mid-air and feeds them with a nutrient-rich mist. This innovative approach allows for increased crop yields while using significantly less water and land than traditional farming methods. Aerofarm's vertically integrated farm uses advanced LED lighting and climate control systems to optimize growing conditions and produce a wide variety of crops, including leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens.
Both Bowery Farming and Aerofarm are pioneering companies that are redefining the future of agriculture.
As a pioneering force in sustainable food production, Bowery Farming brings innovative expertise in vertical farming and digital agriculture to the forefront. Headquartered in New York, this forward-thinking company boasts a network of farms strategically situated in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly practices, Bowery Farming is redefining the future of agriculture, providing fresh produce to communities while minimizing ecological footprints.
Aerofarm is a pioneering US-based indoor vertical farming solutions provider dedicated to revolutionizing the way we grow and access fresh produce. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced plant biology, Aerofarm seeks to repair the existing food system and foster sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize freshness, quality, and nutritional value.
Key Vertical Farming Companies:
AeroFarms (U.S.)
Illumitex, Inc. (U.S.)
American Hydroponics (U.S.)
Agrilution GmbH
Brightfarms Inc.
Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd.
Freight Farms
GrowUp Urban Farms Ltd.
Green Sense Farms, LLC
Vertical Farm Systems.
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Recent Developments
In March 2023, BrightFarms, a pioneer in the indoor farming industry, is growing by establishing four additional regional greenhouse centers that introduce sustainably farmed leafy greens to a broader audience in the Eastern and Central United States. The newly built greenhouse centers are expected to meet the rising demand for organic food and initiate distribution to retailers by 2024. With this expansion, the company is expecting 10x revenue growth by 2024.
In February 2023, AeroFarms and Public Investment Fund (PIF), a wealth funding body of Saudi Arabia, announced a joint venture to establish indoor vertical farms in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia.
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