長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題30

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 cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments, typically using soilless farming techniques such as hydroponics or aeroponics.
The technology offers numerous advantages over traditional farming methods. Vertical farms can produce crops year-round, independent of weather conditions, and use up to 95% less water than conventional agriculture. Additionally, these facilities can yield up to 390 times more crops per square foot compared to traditional farming, making them highly efficient for urban areas where land is scarce.
Despite these benefits, vertical farming faces significant economic challenges. The initial investment costs are substantial, with some facilities requiring millions of dollars to establish. Energy consumption for LED lighting and climate control systems also remains high, making the technology economically viable primarily for high-value crops like leafy greens and herbs.
However, as technology advances and costs decrease, experts predict that vertical farming will play an increasingly important role in feeding the world's growing urban population, which is expected to reach 68% of the global population by 2050.