Prepared for the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) in May 2024, this report by Maria Carolina Romero Pereira, Kushank Bajaj, Luter Atagher, and Melat Adde presents a detailed roadmap to aid in the decision-making process for implementing vertical farming (VF) in Canada. The report highlights VF’s potential to contribute to a more sustainable food system by addressing Canada’s reliance on imported fruits and vegetables and enhancing supply chain resilience. It discusses the environmental, socio-economic, and trade policy considerations necessary for expanding VF in Canada. Supported by the RBC Foundation through RBC Tech for Nature, the report also underscores VF’s relevance to smart cities and smart buildings, as it leverages advanced technologies and promotes sustainability within urban environments.
Keywords: Vertical Farming, Food Security, Sustainability, Supply Chain Resilience, Environmental Impact