Key Takeaways

• Technology drives efficiency and control: Aeroponics, multisensor monitoring, and AI enable precise control of light, water, and CO₂ while reducing resource consumption. Fully automated farms are already in operation, especially in Europe, to reduce labor costs.
• Energy remains a critical bottleneck: Target values such as 50 kWh/kg are considered benchmarks. Heat recovery and dynamic energy adaptation are essential for economic viability. First farms powered entirely by renewable energy, such as Phytoniq, are already on the market.
• Crop selection directly affects profitability: Berries are economically attractive but input intensive. Leafy greens offer high efficiency but low market value. Staple crops like wheat require genetic adaptation and regional strategies.
• Lack of market adaptation in crop choice: Many farms are built technologically before crops are introduced—often without tailoring to local consumer preferences. This limits demand and hinders market penetration.
• Infrastructure as a scaling lever: Repurposing vacant buildings, as proposed in Bavaria, offers a cost-effective path to urban farm expansion. However, knowledge transfer and labor shortages remain barriers, with a lack of experienced growers requiring targeted training and support platforms.
• Market access requires strategic partnerships: Successful models rely on direct sales and collaborations with retailers and catering services. Regional differences in consumer behavior must be considered when selecting crops.