Vertical farming is the cultivation of plants on vertically stacked growing areas. Compared to conventional agriculture, this enables a much higher yield per square meter. When this takes place in closed growing rooms under fully controlled conditions, it is referred to as Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA). By individually adjusting the sourrounding climate and light spectrum, such high-tech facilities can be operated year-round and offer optimal growing conditions regardless of location, climate, and season.

So-called hydroponic systems remove the need of soil and enable a more efficient nutrient supply for the plants. The roots are are provided with everything they need through a carefully crafted nutrient solution. Thanks to a resource-saving cycle only a fraction of the water is needed compared to conventional outdoor cultivation (up to 95% water savings). 

Thanks to full control over all growth parameters, produce grown in CEAs contain a controllable and reproducible concentration of active ingredients. In addition, plants can be grown completely without pesticides without dirt and pollutants.