長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題27

Urban vertical farming represents a revolutionary approach to agriculture that addresses the growing challenges of food security in densely populated cities. This innovative method involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments, utilizing advanced technologies such as LED lighting, hydroponic systems, and climate control.
The benefits of vertical farming are substantial. It uses up to 95% less water than traditional farming through precise nutrient delivery systems, eliminates the need for pesticides due to controlled environments, and can produce crops year-round regardless of weather conditions. A single vertical farm facility can yield the equivalent of 10-15 acres of traditional farmland while occupying only a fraction of the space.
Singapore has emerged as a global leader in this field, with the government investing heavily in vertical farming research and implementation. The city-state aims to produce 30% of its food locally by 2030, up from less than 10% currently. Several vertical farms in Singapore are already producing leafy greens, herbs, and even strawberries for local consumption.
Despite its promise, vertical farming faces significant challenges, including high initial investment costs and substantial energy consumption for LED lighting systems. However, as technology advances and costs decrease, vertical farming is expected to play an increasingly important role in sustainable urban food production.