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TED Talks Daily

The sweet future of vertical farming | Hiroki Koga

Sep 25, 2024
Hiroki Koga, a visionary farming entrepreneur, discusses the future of agriculture with his innovative vertical farming techniques. He explores the idea of growing sweeter strawberries indoors using solar power, AI, and robotics. Koga emphasizes the environmental benefits, such as tackling land scarcity and promoting sustainable farming practices. He shares personal stories that fuel his passion for flavorful produce and highlights the role of indoor bee colonies in pollination. This approach promises a delicious and sustainable food future.
11:28

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Vertical farming combines AI, robotics, and controlled environments to produce strawberries sustainably, outperforming traditional agriculture amid climate challenges.
  • The economic viability of vertical farming is highlighted by reduced costs and increased revenue per plant, promising a scalable food solution.

Deep dives

The Promise of Vertical Farming

Vertical farming presents a promising solution to the pressing issues faced by traditional agriculture, such as extreme weather and land scarcity. The technology allows for the cultivation of crops like strawberries, which previously required specific climate conditions, in a controlled environment that can be replicated worldwide. This method not only eliminates the need for pesticides but also allows for significant water recycling, making it an environmentally sustainable choice. Over five years, the costs of vertically farmed strawberries have dropped significantly, indicating the potential for these innovations to become mainstream and affordable in the near future.

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