Jonathan Reding Anderson Indiana | Can Vertical Farming Replace the Traditional Farm?

Jonathan Reding Anderson Indiana

According to Jonathan Reding of Anderson, Indiana, vertical farming is one of the most talked-about innovations in agriculture today. With the promise of growing crops in climate-controlled buildings using stacked layers and hydroponic systems, it offers a futuristic image of food production. But the question remains: is it a replacement for conventional farming—or just a niche solution?

Advocates highlight vertical farming’s efficient use of resources. With minimal land and water usage, no pesticides, and shorter supply chains, these systems are tailored for densely populated cities. They’re especially useful for producing greens, herbs, and microgreens—crops with short cycles and high market demand.

Yet the limitations of vertical farming are significant. Energy use is high due to artificial lighting and climate control. Infrastructure costs are substantial, and the range of viable crops is narrow. Farmers growing grains, legumes, or root vegetables still rely on open fields and natural ecosystems to produce at scale.

Rather than replacing farms, vertical farming appears to fill specific gaps. It’s ideal for supplementing local food production, improving access in urban areas, and providing resilience during supply chain disruptions. But large-scale agriculture remains irreplaceable for feeding global populations.

Jonathan Reding views vertical farming as an important innovation, but not a substitute for the traditional farm. When used in tandem, both models can create a more balanced, flexible agricultural system suited to the demands of the 21st century.