Most Americans take food for granted. Even the poorest fifth of households in the United States spend only 16 percent of their budget on food. In many other countries, it is less of a given. Nigerian families spend 73 percent of their budgets to eat, Vietnamese 65 percent, Indonesians half. They are in trouble.
Last year, the food import bill of developing countries rose by 25 percent as food prices rose to levels not seen in a generation. Corn doubled in price over the last two years. Wheat reached its highest price in 28 years. The increases are already sparking unrest from Haiti to Egypt. Many countries have imposed price controls on food or taxes on agricultural exports.
Last week, the president of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick, warned that 33 nations are at risk of social unrest because of the rising prices of food. “For countries where food comprises from half to three-quarters of consumption, there is no margin for survival,” he said.
By the year 2050, nearly 80% of the earth's population will reside in urban centers. Applying the most conservative estimates to current demographic trends, the human population will increase by about 3 billion people during the interim. An estimated 109 hectares of new land (about 20% more land than is represented by the country of Brazil) will be needed to grow enough food to feed them, if traditional farming practices continue as they are practiced today. At present, throughout the world, over 80% of the land that is suitable for raising crops is in use (sources: FAO and NASA). Historically, some 15% of that has been laid waste by poor management practices.
What can be done to avoid this impending disaster?
We believe the answer lies in a revised growing method. A method that does not require tractors, shovels, inorganic chemicals or massive amounts of water, energy and labor. We believe that better systems can provide more with less and produce an abundance of food that is healthier, safer and more secure. Our Vertical Growing System is revolutionary. Our Vertical Growing System has been designed to provide for individual growing needs and the needs of cities. Little if any, experience is needed and the profit potential is far superior to other growing methods. We did not build our vertical growing system to be operated in just one way - it can accommodate any media, any light source, any nutrient, work indoor or out and provide an abundance of the freshest most delicious produce found anywhere. Whether you are connected to the utilities or not - our system works anywhere - no outside water or energy is required.