長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題59

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 advantages of vertical farming are numerous and significant. First, it requires 95% less water than traditional farming through precise nutrient delivery systems. Second, crops can be grown year-round regardless of weather conditions, potentially producing up to 365 harvests annually compared to just 2-3 in conventional agriculture. Additionally, vertical farms eliminate the need for pesticides and reduce transportation costs by bringing production closer to urban consumers.
However, vertical farming also faces considerable challenges. The initial investment costs are extremely high, often reaching millions of dollars for a single facility. Energy consumption is another major concern, as LED lighting systems require substantial electricity to replace natural sunlight. Despite these obstacles, experts predict that technological advances and economies of scale will make vertical farming more economically viable in the coming decades.
Currently, several major cities including Singapore, Tokyo, and New York have successfully implemented vertical farming projects, demonstrating the potential for this technology to transform urban food production and contribute to sustainable development goals.