SKY HIGH (AMS Institute)

Alexander Laarman

The growing world population results in an ever-increasing demand for food. At the same time, climate change calls for a reduction of climate-impact in the food industry. We need to find a sustainable way to increase food production.

The SKY HIGH project is a collaboration between researchers, lighting specialists, breeding companies, growers, horticulture technology companies, architects and food suppliers to research the potential of vertical farming. Within vertical farming, plants are produced in sealed boxes while conditions such as light and temperature are carefully supervised. Vertical farms are water efficient, nutrient efficient, highly productive, and do not require herbicides or pesticides. They can also be constructed much closer to cities where demands are highest, which can greatly reduce food miles. However, vertical farms require a massive amount of energy compared to other production systems.

The Sky High – Project C2 is part of the NWO Sky High research programme, aimed at improving the productivity, predictability, and replicability of vertical farming.

Click 'more information' for a list of partners.