When Was Vertical Farming Invented? A Complete History of Vertical Agriculture

This article provides a comprehensive, historically accurate overview of how vertical farming evolved—from early concepts to the advanced agricultural systems shaping food security today.

Defining Vertical Farming

Vertical farming is an agricultural method in which crops are grown in vertically stacked layers, often indoors, using controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). These systems typically integrate artificial lighting, climate control, irrigation, and nutrient delivery to optimize plant growth.

Unlike traditional farming, vertical agriculture prioritizes space efficiency, environmental control, and year-round production. It is commonly associated with urban farming, hydroponics, aeroponics, and sustainable food systems.

Early Agricultural Practices That Inspired Vertical Farming

Although the term “vertical farming” is relatively recent, the concept of growing plants upward rather than outward is not new.

Ancient Terraced Agriculture

One of the earliest examples of vertical land use in agriculture can be found in terraced farming systems developed by ancient civilizations. The Incas, for example, built stone terraces on mountain slopes to grow crops efficiently while conserving water and soil.

While not vertical farming in the modern sense, terracing demonstrated how agricultural production could be adapted to limited or challenging land conditions.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Often cited as a symbolic precursor, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—featured plants grown on elevated structures. Although their exact design remains debated, they illustrate early experimentation with vertical plant cultivation.

The Scientific Foundations of Vertical Farming

The transition from ancient inspiration to scientific practice began in the 20th century with research into plant growth without soil.

The Development of Hydroponics

In the 1930s, scientists such as William Frederick Gericke at the University of California popularized hydroponics—the practice of growing plants in nutrient-rich water solutions.

According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, hydroponics demonstrated that crops could be grown efficiently without soil, laying a critical foundation for future vertical systems.

Controlled-Environment Agriculture

Mid-20th-century advances in greenhouse technology allowed farmers to regulate temperature, humidity, and light. These developments proved that plant growth could be optimized through environmental control rather than reliance on outdoor conditions.

When Was Vertical Farming Invented as a Modern Concept?

The question “when was vertical farming invented” is most accurately answered by looking at the moment the concept was formally defined and proposed as a scalable solution.

The 1999 Vertical Farming Proposal

Modern vertical farming is widely credited to Dr. Dickson Despommier, a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University. In 1999, Despommier and his students introduced the idea of skyscraper-based farming systems designed to feed urban populations sustainably.

Despommier later expanded on this concept in his book The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century, outlining how indoor farms could reduce land use, water consumption, and transportation emissions.

This proposal marks the point at which vertical farming became a clearly defined agricultural model rather than a collection of related techniques.

Technological Breakthroughs That Enabled Vertical Farming

While the concept existed by the late 1990s, widespread adoption required several technological advancements.

LED Lighting Innovation

The development of energy-efficient LED grow lights in the early 2000s revolutionized indoor agriculture. LEDs allowed precise control over light spectra while significantly reducing energy consumption.

Automation and Sensors

Modern vertical farms rely on sensors, data analytics, and automation to monitor plant health, nutrient levels, and environmental conditions in real time.

The Commercial Rise of Vertical Farming

During the 2010s, vertical farming transitioned soil from experimental projects to commercial operations.

Urban Agriculture and Food Security

Vertical farms began appearing in major cities, producing leafy greens and herbs close to consumers. This reduced transportation costs and improved food freshness.

Investment and Industry Growth

Significant venture capital investment accelerated innovation in farm design, automation, and crop genetics tailored for indoor environments.

According to the World Economic Forum, vertical farming is considered a key component of resilient urban food systems.

How Vertical Farming Differs From Traditional Agriculture

Vertical farming represents a structural shift rather than a simple improvement on conventional farming methods.

• Minimal land use compared to horizontal farms
• Year-round production independent of climate
• Significant water savings through recirculation
• Reduced pesticide use

These advantages have positioned vertical farming as a complementary solution rather than a replacement for traditional agriculture.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite its promise, vertical farming faces ongoing challenges.

Energy Consumption

Indoor farms require significant electricity for lighting and climate control, making energy efficiency critical.

Crop Limitations

Most vertical farms currently focus on leafy greens and herbs, as staple crops such as wheat and corn remain difficult to grow economically indoors.

Economic Viability

High capital costs and operational expenses continue to test profitability.

The Role of Vertical Farming in the Future

As climate change, urbanization, and supply chain disruptions intensify, vertical farming is expected to play an increasingly important role.

Future advancements in renewable energy integration, automation, and plant science are likely to expand the range of crops and improve economic performance.

So, When Was Vertical Farming Invented?

While elements of vertical growing date back centuries, modern vertical farming as a defined agricultural concept emerged in 1999 with the work of Dr. Dickson Despommier.

Its practical implementation accelerated in the early 21st century, driven by technological innovation and growing concern over food security and sustainability.

Today, vertical farming stands as a clear example of how agriculture evolves by blending historical ideas with modern science.

Final Thoughts

The invention of vertical farming was not a single moment, but a progression of ideas, experiments, and technologies converging over time.

Understanding when vertical farming was invented helps clarify why it matters today—and why it will continue to influence how societies grow food in the future.

As agriculture adapts to a rapidly changing world, vertical farming represents both a continuation of human ingenuity and a bold step forward in sustainable food production.