長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題9

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, utilizing advanced technologies such as LED lighting, hydroponic systems, and automated climate control.
The benefits of vertical farming are substantial. It can produce yields up to 390 times higher per square meter compared to traditional farming while using 95% less water. Additionally, crops can be grown year-round without pesticides, and the proximity to urban consumers significantly reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions.
However, vertical farming faces significant challenges. The initial setup costs are extremely high, often requiring millions of dollars in investment. Energy consumption for LED lighting and climate control systems is also considerable, raising questions about long-term sustainability. Currently, most vertical farms focus on leafy greens and herbs due to their quick growth cycles and high market value.
Despite these limitations, major cities worldwide are embracing vertical farming as part of their urban planning strategies. Singapore has integrated vertical farms into its national food security plan, while New York and London are seeing rapid growth in commercial vertical farming facilities.