Vertical farming refers to the growing of greens in vertically stacked rows in a highly controlled environment. This kind of Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) presents numerous advantages like soaring yield, year-round production and resilience against adverse weather conditions. To house vertical farming systems, a wide variety of structures can be used, including containers, buildings, mine-shafts and underground tunnels. 

 

Several techniques of vertical farming can be identified:

• Hydroponics
• Aquaponics
• Aeroponics.

 

This report includes several types of businesses operating in the vertical farming industry and market in California such as: Vertical-farm companies in the U.S, Vertical-farm companies active in California, major partners and equipment suppliers.

 

California is an agriculture powerhouse and the leading U.S state in terms of cash farm receipts. The most common commodities include almonds, grapes berries, pistachios, lettuce, walnuts and tomatoes; the diversity and abundance of California agriculture is significant as the Golden State yields more than 400 crops and commodities.

 

The vertical farming industry has been receiving a lot of attention, attracting high-profile investors like Jeff Bezos and Eric Schmidt. Japanese tech investment behemoth SoftBank and Google Ventures also invested in vertical farm operations though ventures in the U.S in recent years.

 

Several companies operate in California: Revol Greens extended its operation to the State in 2020 while Plenty, a local vertical farming company based in South San Francisco reached an agreement with Albertsons in 2020 to provide 430 of its California stores.

 

Innovation is thriving and the vertical farming industry is growing roots in California, long-term contracts with retail and food service distributors are on their way as vertical farms ramp up production.