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Finnish researchers develop pioneering vertical farming method
Cucumbers and protein-rich beans can be grown cost-effectively in layers.
Titta KotilainenA new breakthrough in the field of vertical farming has been achieved in Finland with the development of "high-wire crops".
Researchers from the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), have discovered that crops like cucumbers, pole beans and hops can be grown horizontally, thereby easing harvesting and allowing for greater efficiency and yields.
“There is no similar solution for high-wire crops yet available on the market,” said Pauli Saarenketo, IPR manager at Luke. “Food production is changing, and Luke is now looking for a partner to launch the highly advanced technology on the crop production market of the future.”
Luke has already patented the technology already in several countries.
The project, funded by Business Finland and Luke, paves the way for more sustainable and eco-friendly farming solutions, particularly in dense urban areas and locations with limited availability of arable land.
With the high demand for fresh produce and a greater emphasis on reducing our carbon footprint, vertical farming and associated projects seek to meet the future needs of society.
“Unfortunately, farming will be ever more challenging in the future as climate change progresses. Conventional and cellular agriculture is not the only solution to guarantee food supply,” commented Lotta Heikkilä, senior customer manager at Luke.
“We need pioneers in food production who are ready to turn vertical farming into new business to combat the challenges presented by the constantly changing production environment.”