Plant factories, also known as vertical farms or indoor farms, are advanced agricultural systems designed to produce crops in controlled environments using cutting-edge technology. These facilities utilize artificial lighting, climate control, and hydroponics or aeroponics to optimize plant growth, offering an innovative solution to the challenges faced by traditional agriculture.

The global plant factory market size was valued at US$ 129 million in 2022 and is poised to grow from US$ 138 million in 2023 to US$ 196 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% in the forecast period (2023-2028).

Plant Factory Market Growth Drivers

To meet the rising demand for food and address the challenges posed by shrinking cropland and declining soil fertility, alternative farming techniques like vertical farming have gained prominence. These technologies are crucial for achieving food self-sufficiency, especially in countries that have historically struggled with domestic production and supply due to limited natural resources and unfavorable climatic conditions. The scarcity of arable land, poor soil quality, and increased food demand have spurred the development of innovative methods like vertical farming, which is gradually gaining traction worldwide. Vertical farming optimizes space by growing food in stacked layers or towers, offering advantages such as more efficient land use, consistent year-round crop production unaffected by weather conditions, and reduced water and pesticide usage.

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Hydroponic farming, a key component of vertical farming, uses significantly less water than traditional agriculture due to its efficient water use system. Plants consume only 0.1% of the water supplied, with the rest being returned to the environment through evapotranspiration. In contrast, conventional farming often wastes water due to inefficient irrigation, evaporation, and poor water management. Vertical farming allows for efficient water use, using up to 95% less water than traditional methods. According to the Columbia University Earth Institute, vertical farmers use 70% to 95% less water compared to conventional farmers for plant cultivation.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the adoption of plant factories by restaurants and grocery stores?

The adoption of indoor farming by restaurants and grocery stores is gaining momentum, driven initially by retailer acceptance and gradually by public acceptance. Major grocery chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons have established agreements with indoor growers to source produce. Publix, based in Lakeland, Florida, has also embraced this trend by introducing an on-site trailer farm from a nearby hydroponic grower. According to a 2021 survey by FMI, The Food Industry Association, 43% of consumers expressed a preference for produce grown outdoors over that grown indoors. However, members of Generation Z, who are rapidly becoming America’s most influential demographic, showed a stronger preference for produce from indoor sources.

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In recent years, many restaurants have embraced the concept of local food, advancing it further with the acceptance of hyperlocal food. This approach involves restaurants either growing their own produce or sourcing it from nearby farms, promoting sustainability and supporting the local economy while ensuring high-quality ingredients. Hyperlocal restaurants, which source almost all their food locally, have become more common. Some restaurants even have their own gardens to grow the vegetables used in their dishes.

Top Plant Factory Companies

AeroFarms (US), Gotham Greens (US), Oishii (US), Plenty Unlimited Inc. (US), MIRAI (Japan), Agricool (France), AppHarvest (US), CropOne (UAE) and BrightFarms (US).

Greenhouses Dominate Plant Factory Industry Share

Greenhouse farming offers several advantages over traditional farming methods, such as greater control over environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and lighting, which can result in higher crop yields and quality. As growers see the benefits of greenhouse farming, they may also become interested in incorporating plant factory technology into their operations, which can further increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve crop quality. This can drive further demand for plant factory systems and technologies, leading to further growth in the plant factory industry.

Europe Dominates Global Plant Factory Market Share

The plant factory industry has been studied in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America and Rest of the World. The growth of the plant factory market in Europe is driven by a combination of factors, including increased demand for locally grown produce, government support and funding, technological advancements, environmental concerns, and growing consumer interest in sustainable and locally grown produce. Many European countries have implemented policies and initiatives that encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, including plant factories. For example, the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program has allocated significant funding for research and innovation in sustainable agriculture, including plant factory technology. Additionally, some countries offer tax incentives and other benefits to growers who adopt these practices.