Can Vertical Farms Grow the Future of Nutrition?

At its Danville facility, AeroFarms grows microgreens with up to 40x more nutrients using 90% less water and 230x less land.

27 Jan 2025

AeroFarms has introduced a patented system at its Danville, Virginia facility that produces microgreens with nutrient levels reported to be many times higher than those of mature plants, while using a fraction of the resources required in conventional farming.

The New Jersey-based company said its proprietary platform controls conditions at both root and canopy level, allowing it to optimise nutrient density, flavour and colour. Controlled studies by the company show phytonutrient levels between five and 40 times greater than those in fully grown plants.

The Danville site, one of the largest vertical farms in the US, uses artificial intelligence to monitor variables including light spectrum, airflow and humidity, adjusting them automatically to maintain consistent yields. The company said the approach is aimed at supplying markets focused on health, food service and functional nutrition.

AeroFarms emphasised the system's environmental benefits. According to the company, it requires 90 per cent less water and 230 times less land than field agriculture, without the use of pesticides or herbicides. The closed-loop design is intended for urban locations, reducing transport distances between farms and consumers.

The launch comes as agriculture faces increasing pressure to deliver higher yields with fewer natural resources. Rising concerns over food security and climate change have encouraged investment in vertical farming technologies, though high capital and energy costs have slowed wider adoption.

AeroFarms said its Danville facility would serve as a flagship for its model of urban farming, combining plant science with engineered systems. The company described its method as a way to meet rising demand for nutritious food while limiting environmental impact.