For over a decade, vertical farming has been hailed as a transformative force in agriculture, promising year-round production, local supply chains, pesticide-free crops, and efficient

land and water use. Early pioneers proved that leafy greens could thrive in controlled environments, attracting significant investment and global attention.

But recent years have revealed structural challenges. High capital costs, complex operations, and rising energy expenses have squeezed margins. Combined with a narrow crop focus on lettuce and herbs, many operators entered saturated premium markets with limited differentiation—leading to consolidation, bankruptcies, and a necessary industry reset.

Vertical farming works, but only under the right technical, economic, and crop conditions.