Since the birth of the agricultural revolution, traditional farming has catapulted the human race into the future. Bringing with it increased food production, the growth of settlements and paving the way for the industrial revolution, it’s hard to imagine a life where this catalyst for change was never realised. 

But what with the rapidly expanding population, traditional farming now poses a serious environmental threat. According to the International Panel of Climate Change, agriculture is responsible for 25% of our global greenhouse emissions, through methane and nitrous oxide production. This nitrous oxide, in the form of fertilisers, goes even further by contaminating water supplies for animals and humans alike that causes serious health risks. It’s a testament to how problematic and inefficient growing in soil really is.

Its time agriculture went through its own revolution. Rather than rest on its laurels, it’s vital farming adopts more efficient, sustainable solutions to protect our future. Enter LettUs Grow.

Offering an innovative answer to the concerns raised by traditional farming, LettUs Grow is a vertical farm technology provider, seeking to bring sustainable resilience to food networks worldwide. Based in Bristol, the company presents the next evolution of agriculture; aeroponics. Ditching inefficient soil as a method of growing, aeroponic farming cultivates plants with their roots suspended in nutrient rich water vapour that allows greater oxygen access to roots and faster growth rates. So breakthrough is the technology that plant growth via this method is twice as fast as the relatively new hydroponics, without running the same risks of waterlogging.

But increased efficiency isn’t the only benefit LettUs Grow brings to the table. “We’re seeing rising demand from around the world for new technologies to help farmers grow crops in ways that mitigate the effects of climate change and ever-increasing extreme weather events”, says LettUs Grow Co-found and managing director, Charlie Guy. Using fewer food miles and no fertilisers that runoff into waterways, aeroponic farming offers long-term sustainability alongside its higher crop yields. 

Struggling communities will also reap the benefits. Providing perfect growing conditions year-round means LettUs Grow offers a stable food source regardless of climate or season. Particularly in areas of water scarcity where crop growth is difficult, aeroponics’ requirement of 95% less water than traditional farming means communities anywhere can provide for themselves in a sustainable manner. Farms are no longer confined to typical limitations; hot, cold, claustrophobic and even urban spaces can now serve as ideal growing locations.

LettUs Grow is working to provide its innovative solution to an even wider audience. Following the release of its Drop & Grow: 24 containers, those new to vertical farming can find their footing with this smaller, more affordable option. Whether it’s to serve a smaller area of people or conduct a research project, the 24m2 addition allows less financially capable consumers to start producing sustainable veg, with the typical larger models available should they choose to scale up.

With a push being felt across industries towards more sustainable practices, agriculture is no exception. As a lifegiving industry, it makes sense that it avoids creating other potentially dangerous complications whilst it substantiates the human race. So, LettUs Grow, sustainably.

By Harry Coombes