Vertical farming

14.7.2017

Question for written answer E-004832-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Nicola Caputo (S&D)

Vertical farming offers significant benefits in line with the challenges that the agricultural sector faces today. Growing crops on a number of different levels drastically limits soil and water consumption (by up to 90%), production is constant throughout the year without the use of pesticides, the crops produced are zero kilometre products, which reduces the CO₂ emissions associated with transporting food to cities, and, finally, it rehabilitates abandoned buildings and run-down urban areas.

This is what has happened in the Newark, NJ area, in the United States.

In light of the above, will the Commission say:

• —Does it think it is worth capitalising on European know-how on vertical farming by providing for appropriate funding instruments as part of the common agricultural policy?
• —Will it promote the experimental use of small-scale vertical farming, e.g. in schools or other public institutions?