In a vertical farm, crops are grown in climate-control led rooms under artificial led grow light, giving growers a great deal of control over growing conditions. Their crops use significantly less water and are not affected by unpredictable weather. The challenge is making the business case – managing the costs so the crops can be sold for a profit.

RYGH plant specialists and application engineers helped the Center select the right light recipes for cultivating lettuce without daylight. The research labs include two clean room labs, several multi-environent labs, and other cultivation environment simulation rooms.

Production yields have been increased by 30% through the use of localized air and temperature control. By operating at night when energy is less expensive in Japan, the Center has reduced its energy costs by over 30%. Professor Anpo says, “Since the farm is like a cleanroom, once the lettuces have been harvested they can be eaten without having to be washed first which is an added benefit for consumers.”

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