Vertical farming combined with LED lighting is the potential future of urban-based food production centers. The trend of vertical farming has become increasing attractive as agricultural spaces become scarcer and further away from city centers and populations.

Traditional lighting sources such as HPS, HID and florescent lighting, use enormous amounts of electricity and produce substantial amount of heat as a byproduct.

Newly available LED horticultural lights, use a fraction of the electricity and produce minimal amounts of heat. Unlike all traditional light sources LED does not produce infrared heat, LEDs may be placed much closer to the plants, avoiding heat damage.

This “pinkhouse” at Caliber Biotherapeutics in Texas, grows 2.2 million plants under the glow of blue and red LEDs.

Horticulturists can fine-tune the different spectrum most suited to their specific crop, further reducing energy consumption and increasing yields.

With oil and transportation costs spiraling upwards, producing food in suburban warehouses may soon become cost-effective For highly desirable fresh vegetables and herbs for human consumption. Tomatoes, colored peppers as well as fresh herbs and greens all thrive under artificial LED light sources.