長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題88

Urban vertical farming has emerged as a revolutionary solution to address food security challenges in densely populated cities. This innovative agricultural method involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled environments, typically inside buildings or specially designed structures. Unlike traditional farming, vertical farms use LED lighting systems, hydroponic or aeroponic growing methods, and precise climate control to optimize plant growth year-round.
The benefits of vertical farming are substantial. A single vertical farm can produce up to 390 times more crops per square meter than conventional farming while using 95% less water. Additionally, these facilities eliminate the need for pesticides and reduce transportation costs by bringing food production closer to urban consumers. Companies like AeroFarms and Plenty have already established commercial vertical farms that supply fresh vegetables to major cities.
However, vertical farming faces significant challenges. The initial investment costs are extremely high, with some facilities requiring millions of dollars to establish. Energy consumption is also a major concern, as LED lighting systems consume substantial electricity. Critics argue that the technology is currently economically viable only for high-value crops like leafy greens and herbs, limiting its potential to address global food security comprehensively.