Profit From Your Commercial Grow Room Through Indoor Vertical Farming

commercial grow room under led lights on vertical racks

The Tested Way to Cultivate Cannabis Profits Using Indoor Vertical Farming

Here’s everything you need to know about how vertical farming can elevate your indoor cannabis commercial grow room.

As the world’s population grows, the supply of fruits and vegetables is falling 22% short of global nutritional needs. The expanding population outpaces the ability to feed itself, necessitating further innovation such as controlled environment agriculture (CEA) or vertical farming.

Modern cultivation problems include water shortage, land scarcity, and an ageing farming population. CEA is a solution working to address all of these issues and more.

Indoor commercial vertical growth has been found to boost crop yields by increasing arable space vertically per square foot and circumventing the land area limitation. 

Humans have improved agricultural practices over time, and vertical farming is redefining urban agriculture to secure adequate, high-quality food for everybody.

What Is Indoor Vertical Farming In A Commercial Grow Room?Cannabis plants growing in a commercial grow room using vertical farming technology and vertical grow racks.

Vertical farming is growing crops vertically in stacked layers in a closed and controlled environment. 

CEA controlled environment agriculture is a technology-based approach to food production that incorporates indoor agriculture and vertical farming. CEA protects crops from harsh external factors and ensures that they grow under ideal conditions throughout their life cycle.

Everything plants require at various phases of development is artificially provided in CEA or vertical farming. Your commercial grow room will need water, temperature, humidity levels, ventilation, lights, and CO2 available to your plants.

Indoor commercial cannabis cultivation necessitates purchasing LED grow lights, irrigation pumps and hydroponic systems to provide nutrients and water. Moreover, you’ll need fans, an exhaust system, dehumidifiers, and CO2 burners for your ventilation system and proper airflow.  

Using vertical farming in your professional grow room eliminates the heavy use of herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides which can be pricey and impair the quality of cannabis crops. Moreover, you can produce crops with 70 – 95 less water than in conventional cultivation, depending on the growing system. Vertical farming also proves superior to greenhouses in the yield produced per litre of water for a square metre of land.

Indoor vertical growing systems include;Cannabis plants growing in a commercial grow room on vertical grow racks.

  • Hydroponics – Hydroponics is a vertical growing technology widely employed in vertical farms that involve growing plants in a nutrient solution.
  • Aeroponics – Aeroponics is a vertical growing technique in which plants are grown in an air/ mist environment.
  • Aquaponics – It’s a type of farming that involves a symbiotic relationship between fish and plants. Fish create nutrient-rich excrement for crops, and the crops purify the fish’s water.
  • Soil – Even though vertical farming removes the need for soil, it remains a suitable medium for growing crops. Moreover, you can sterilize soil using hydrogen peroxide for indoor commercial cultivation, and there are natural alternatives to soil like coconut husks.

As cannabis legalization spreads, vertical farming proves as the preferable method for growing cannabis. CEA equips your commercial grow room with the technology it needs to achieve cannabis growing regulations such as seed-to-sale tracking. 

This means that vertical farming allows for greater control (by automation) over the practicality and profitability of cannabis production.

Pros and Cons of Vertical Farming for Your Commercial Grow Room

Vertical farming technology has much to offer for a cannabis commercial grow room operation. Then again, some setbacks come with the technology. Here are a few things to consider when deciding to grow up.

Advantages of Vertical Farming for Your Commercial Grow Room

1. CustomizationPlanning a vertical farming grow room for cannabis and hemp plants.

Vertical farming helps create a professional grow room as the systems can be configured to fit the available grow space. A vertical system can be easily adapted for your commercial grow space, whether in a shipping container, warehouse or skyscraper. 

Most vertical systems providers bring in designers and advisors to assist in developing the ideal custom industrial size solution for your cannabis operation.

2. Automation

Vertical farming allows growers to automate cultivation equipment, resulting in higher-quality yields. Whether you need partial or complete automation, there are a variety of solutions to help control the irrigation, lighting, humidity, ventilation and fertigation for your crops. 

This helps save on labor costs and time by eliminating repetitive processes and allowing your employees to focus on the critical tasks.

3. Maximizing Energy UtilizationLED lights over cannabis plants in a commercial grow greenhouse.

Where you’ve previously invested in quality growing equipment but employed horizontal racks,  switching to vertical grow racks will allow you to get more out of your equipment. 

Vertical growing systems allow for good airflow while increasing output per square foot, resulting in healthier, more nutritious plants with better yields.

4. Plant Year-Round

Since you are planting indoors and in a controlled environment, whether it’s summer or winter outside, the inside environment is ideal for plant growth. Severe weather conditions can’t affect your plants, allowing consistent harvests throughout the year, improving profitability.

5. High-Quality Crops and More Yieldscannabis plants growing indoors

With the elimination of soil as the only grow medium, the plants are cleaner and easier to process. Crops are also kept free from pesticides, herbicides and most other chemicals, helping meet cannabis cultivation standards. 

On the other hand, the stacked layers allow for space utilization both vertically and horizontally. This means you can have 4-6 acres in a single indoor acre and increase yield by over 200% for a particular space.

6. Sustainable and Environment-Friendly

Indoor vertical farming is primarily done in urban setups. The proximity to the consumer eliminates the cost of transportation of produce. Moreover, the products are within easy reach of consumers, increasing product freshness and allowing growers to make more money from their products.

Disadvantages of Vertical Farming for Your Commercial Grow Room

1. Not Sustainable for Small-Scale Farming

Vertical farming systems are great for all operation sizes; however commercial grow rooms benefit the most from this innovation. All the same, there is vertical growing equipment like tabletop caster units that can comfortably accommodate vertical growing for a household grow. 

A professional grow room entails massive spaces that can support multiple tiers resulting in increased yields associated with vertical grow systems.

2. High Initial Cost

The purchase of vertical growing and environment control equipment can prove expensive. However, vertical farming has a good return on investment, making it beneficial in the long run.

3. It’s an Emerging Technology

There’s a demand to improve various aspects of vertical farming. For example, the multiple tiers can make it cumbersome to reach the plants; therefore, solutions like the mezzanine walkway are needed. 

Notably, many other problems may arise, affecting the effective use of the cultivation method. Fortunately, companies like MMI Agriculture are investing in the field and developing solutions to streamline the industry.

What are the various solutions/ equipment available for commercial vertical farming?

Indoor Vertical Farming Equipment for Sale for Your Indoor Commercial Grow Room

Not all vertical farming equipment is the same. You need to source yours from the best providers. Some of the vertical equipment you can use to equip your room include;

1. Vertical Grow Racks For Your Indoor Commercial Grow Room

These are stacked shelving ideal for a commercial grow room. They are made of 16 gauge steel braced with steel cross and diagonal beams, making them among the strongest uprights in the market.

2. Mobile Carriagesmobile carriages vertical farming technology indoor cannabis grow. buy vertical farming racks, vertical grow rack systems, and high density vertical farming equipment.

These are vertical farming solutions that help maximize space by removing static aisles, and increasing productivity and available grow space.

3. Elevated Decking

This vertical farming solution specific to MMI Agriculture allows for easier access to plants located on higher elevations.

4. ABS Grow Trays

These are hydroponic trays made with strong and durable ABS plastic that allow you to plant crops on your vertical shelving with ease. These trays have a drainage grid that keeps water and nutrients flowing.

5. Tabletop Caster Unitscannabis hemp mobile grow rack with casters for sale. vertical farming technology and vertical grow rack systems for sale.

These tables help take advantage of and utilize space that would be too small for a mobile system. They are customizable and mobile, making them perfect for a medium-sized operation.

Partner With the Right Installer for a Money-Saving Vertical System for Your Commercial Grow Room

Vertical farming systems are the best fit for a commercial grow room. It may be a developing technology, but it has proved effective in increasing yield for a particular grow space.

MMI Agriculture is a seasoned vertical system installer with a reputation for innovation and unmatched customer service. 

We have the industry’s most sought-after vertical equipment, which comes with a 10-year warranty. We take pleasure in providing excellent service and vertical system installation knowledge.

Request a quote and enjoy a smooth transition into vertical farming.

3 Killer Ways You Can Invest in Vertical Farming

cannabis in flowering stage

Vertical Farming Investment: 3 High-Return Ways to Invest

As the world’s agricultural sector evolves, it brings up new investment opportunities. One worthy green investment making some major noise is vertical farming. 

Vertical farming is a good green investment that is making a lot of noise lately. It’s a new type of cultivation that huge corporations like Softbank are investing in heavily. 

One current agricultural trend is the loss of fertile land, which is expanding due to increased industrialization. Furthermore, the world’s population is increasing, posing a global food security problem.

Vertical farming is not only a profitable venture but also a social solution with the potential to impact the world. Vertical farming is a technological approach that aims to address all the above problems and more that plague the agricultural sector.

Therefore, investment in vertical farming is an opportunity to ensure food security for future generations while also making a profit.

All said and done, what is vertical farming?

What Is Vertical Farming?

Vertical farming, also known as CEA, is the growing of produce on stacked shelves within a controlled environment. 

Vertical farming is a type of agriculture that may be carried out anywhere, regardless of land availability or weather conditions.

Vertical farming helps grow more crops like cannabis canopies on the same surface area. 

In other words, vertical farming has been shown to increase yields on acreage by over 200 percent. For example, you can get 4-6 acres of produce from a single acre thanks to this technology.

Moreover, vertical farming doesn’t need to be done on arable land. In fact, it’s being done in urban centers. By utilizing Controlled Environment Agriculture technology (CEA), you can farm in warehouses, skyscrapers and even grow tents at home.

CEA technology uses LED lights, ventilation systems, vertical grow racks, and hydroponic systems to produce the ideal climate for growing crops indoors. You can grow your cannabis plants yearly with vertical farming, regardless of harsh weather.

As for vertical farming market share, venture capitalists have pumped over 900 million into vertical farming startups as of 2020. Moreover, there are over 2300 hydroponic farms in the US and several more companies like MMI Agriculture in the industry involved in vertical farming equipment solutions.

Why Invest in Vertical Farming?Workers working in a vertical farming greenhouse.

Although vertical farming may appear to be a novel concept, it has been in existence behind closed doors, pun intended. It has only recently gained traction as a viable method of growing crops and reducing the threat of food insecurity.

Vertical farming investment is both a social and profitable venture. This reality has piqued the interest of various major companies, for example

  • Softbank invested $200 million in Plenty
  • Google ventures in 2018 invested $90 million in Bowery farming 
  • IKEA partnered to invest $40 million in Aerofarms.

These are vertical farming companies that grow crops and provide vertical farming systems solutions. 

On the other hand, Companies are investing in vertical farming because:

  • Vertical Farming Uses Less Water with up to 90% less than conventional cultivation methods.
  • It Improves the Yield Quality – Vertical farming involves using fewer fertilizers and pesticides, resulting in high-quality foods.
  • There Are Reduced Transportation Costs – Vertical farms are common in urban centers bringing food closer to consumers hence lowering carbon emissions.
  • Reduces Food Waste – The food is near the consumer, fresh and better-tasting due to the controlled environment hence lowering the chances of food waste.
  • Cultivation Is Year-Round – Growing in vertical farming systems indoors means you aren’t affected by weather conditions; hence can grow all year, anytime, regardless of the season.

Moreover, the vertical farming market is expected to grow by 25% year over year through 2027 to reach $31.6 billion by 2030.

How to Invest in Vertical Farming plants growing in a vertical farming grow room.

There aren’t many ways to invest in vertical farming as it’s still a relatively new industry. 

However, individuals, investors, and big corporations are investing in existing farms, starting farms, and purchasing stocks and equity.

Big pharma, cannabis companies, and corporations are all interested in capitalizing on vertical farming as it becomes more popular.

The key to knowing the best vertical farming company to invest in is assessing; 

  • Who is already investing in the company
  • What is their business model
  • And what technology they are using 

It’s important to note that vertical farming investment is a capital-intensive endeavor. However, as the market matures, there may be better investment opportunities.

 

So, what are your options for vertical farming investment?

1. Start a Vertical Farmvertically grown cannabis plants on vertical farming racks, grow trays, and mobile carriages. buy mobile vertical grow racks online.

If you got a warehouse with access to amenities like water and electricity, what you need is vertical growing equipment like vertical grow racks or mobile carriages, lighting and a ventilation system. With this in place, you can get your vertical farming investment started.

The initial capital in vertical farming investment is high; hence you’ll need to get your calculations right. 

Partnering with the right vertical systems installation company should be high on your priority list. Such companies can provide you with blueprints or sketches for your grow room, allowing you to maximize your grow space and avoid costly alterations in the future.

Installation companies also provide various vertical farming solutions like the mezzanine walkway that help improve ergonomics and worker efficiency.

Despite the high initial expenses, the system becomes more cost-effective over time, making it a worthwhile investment.

Alternatively, you can start a homemade vertical farm with tabletop caster units to get a feel for the business before going big.

2. Purchase Vertical Farming StocksMan writing on a note pad analyzing vertical farming stocks.

A majority of vertical farming businesses have yet to go public to be listed on the stock exchange market.

However, there are some noteworthy vertical farming companies to look out for. Examples include:

  • Aerofarms – The farm runs on aeroponics which reduces water usage by over 95%.
  • Bowery Farming – It’s an Agritech company established in 2015 already selling its products in supermarkets like Foragers and Whole Foods.
  • AppHarvest –  It’s a developer and operator of vertical farms that has gone public and is listed on NASDAQ. It’s your best bet at investing in vertical farming stocks.
  • Plenty –  It’s a SanFrancisco based vertical farming company with the highest valuation yet of $226 million. It’s been backed by big names like Softbank and Bezos Expeditions.

Although many vertical farming businesses have yet to be listed on the stock exchange, a few registered vertical farming equipment and supplies manufacturers have. Vertical farming stock to consider include: 

  • GrowGeneration Corp
  • Hydrofarm Holdings
  • Agrify Corp
  • Urban-gro Inc
  • Village Farms International

Vertical farming has yet to show considerable promise in the stock market. Yes, the companies may have high valuations due to the high-level investors backing the vertical farming companies. However, it would be advisable to keep an eye on the trends before investing in vertical farming companies’ stocks.

Remember, it’s a budding industry; therefore, every year may bring new surprises, so be on the lookout.

3. Acquire Equity From Vertical Farming CompaniesCalculator and coins equity concept. vertical farming investment.

Even in the vertical farming field, startups are cropping up now and then. You can leverage this opportunity by purchasing equity.

Companies are coming up with novel solutions that could reshape the market not only in the United States but also in Europe.

Manufacturers and suppliers of vertical agricultural equipment and supplies have also shown potential. Investing in such businesses could pay off in the long run.

The best way to acquire equity is to be on the lookout for a fundraising round on crowdfunding platforms. 

Notably, a vertical farming investment in equity demands a lot of cash, and hence you should weigh out your options

Is Vertical Farming Investment Lucrative?

What’s for sure is that most vertical farming companies have high valuations as a result of heavy investments from large corporations. 

Whether this is a bubble or something noteworthy, time will tell. However, the technology is being adopted globally as a food security solution which gives confidence in the industry’s longevity. 

At MMI Agriculture, we are invested in providing vertical farming solutions through the supply of vertical farming equipment and installation services. 

We are an experienced installation provider equipping companies with high-quality uprights, providing efficiency and service. 

Contact us for a quote today.