Vertical Agriculture: Achieving 30 by 30
New Hampshire is at a critical crossroads, facing two pressing challenges: housing and agriculture. As our population continues to grow, we must find accessible shelter and a reliable food supply. Unfortunately, our limited land and unique geography limit our options. To address this, the NH Food Alliance proposes an innovative solution: Vertical Agriculture (VRAG).
This cutting-edge practice involves cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled environments to maximize space efficiency and yield.
By integrating VRAG into housing designs, we can create high-density living spaces while providing residents with fresh food right at their doorstep. This approach not only addresses housing shortages but also promotes food security, making both housing and nutrition more sustainable for our communities.
However, while VRAG shows great promise, challenges remain. Traditionally, the types of crops that can be grown are limited, and the initial investment in necessary technology and energy can be high. Fortunately, we can leverage existing federal incentives, such as the technology adoption incentives in the Farm Bill and the 30% federal clean energy tax credit for solar energy, to significantly reduce these costs.
Recent innovations in agricultural technology now permit a wider range of crops, including strawberries and tomatoes, to be grown year-round, minimizing the harshness of a New England winter.