Category: Agriculture

Budget vertical farming equipment wholesale: Automation Technologies – Indoor farms require a combination of robotics, machine learning, Internet of Things sensors and cloud computing to function as intended. These technologies are central to creating and maintaining an optimized growing environment. Employing these systems can also reduce the need for manual labor and associated costs. Warehouses Are Becoming the New Farmlands – All over the world, farmers are converting wide, spacious buildings into farmlands capable of feeding their surrounding communities. This represents an important step toward ensuring food security and lowering carbon emissions, for which the agriculture industry has received a lot of flak in recent years. See additional info on https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/service.

Vertical farms may make use of soil, aeroponic, or hydroponic growing techniques. Part of the urban farming trend, vertical farming is building on the success of urban greenhouses, such as those found in city centers on top of commercial buildings. Vertical farmers may incorporate growing systems into rooftop settings, onto the sides of commercial high rises, or into what’s referred to as “farmscrapers.” Growing fresh food has traditionally been subject to the elements: location, climate, seasonal conditions, and weather trends are just the start of the challenges that can impact plant health and crop yield.

This groundbreaking farming method saves considerable space and soil, and, as an extra perk, these vertical farms tend to pay higher wages than traditional farming setups, too. This goes hand-in-hand with rising consumer concern for employee working conditions, which are often unsafe and low-paying in agricultural sectors. Combined with extreme weather patterns and land disputes, the situation can lead to a very insecure industry. Further enhancing safety, the chance of acquiring foodborne illnesses is greatly reduced with vertical farming, cutting down on overall liability and the risk of damaged reputations and associated costs.

Our solution consists of a fully automated solar powered vertical indoors farm. Innovative DFT transpiration hydroponics model, Improved flower, root and bulb growth by adjusting the B-R light ratio formula, using vertical farming has already been proven to be a highly efficient method of growing spices due to it’s controlled environment and large yield per square meter of land used. The world’s most expensive spices can be grown on a vertical farm,do you know? Reality,it’s going very well with the help of smart climate technology!

HVAC is very important in vertical farming because it can control and optimize the growing environment of the plants. Resulting in healthy plants and high yields. If done properly. There are six advantages of an HVAC system for vertical farming: HVAC ensures an optimal temperature in the growing environment, which is crucial because plants develop optimally within a certain temperature range. An optimal and constant temperature range ensures optimal plant growth, resulting in maximum yield.

Vertical farming is a promising solution to address the challenges presented by increasing population growth. However, energy-efficient HVAC techniques are critical to the success and sustainability of these operations. By implementing cutting-edge solutions such as smart HVAC controls, heat recovery systems, and advanced insulation, vertical farms can optimize energy usage and reduce their environmental impact. The advantages of energy-efficient HVAC techniques include cost savings, increased crop yield, improved crop quality, and enhanced reliability. Embracing energy efficiency in vertical farming not only ensures continued food production but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.

The most critical differences between a greenhouse and an indoor DFT system, are perhaps that the latter uses active cooling and dehumidification instead of venting and uses only LED lighting instead of mostly sunlight. It is by excluding the effects of seasonal differences in temperature, humidity and light that the optimal growing environment can be created to produce a premium product year-round. HVACD Climate optimization, selecting the right varieties and defining growth recipes. Growing successfully indoors is all about finding the right balance between light, temperature,humidity and yield and planting density. Growing the right varieties can minimize handling and labor costs. This makes them ideal for vertical farmers who may not have a lot of experience in growing a certain variety of tomato and the reduced labor costs will increase the city farm’s profitability. See extra information on opticlimatefarm.com.

OptiClimatefarm, a unique technology, which could provides the best vertical growing systems, vertical farming solutions, and also the best environment for plant growth ,which unites cooling, heating, dehumidification, air circulation, filtration and optical induction in one system. OptiClimate is independently invented by Hicool research team through relentless work over ten years. OptiClimate owns a complete series of energy-saving grow room air conditioner products from OptiClimate Pro 2 to Pro 5, consisting of Air cooled system, Water cooled system , packaged or split units, optional with inverter technology, voltage and current stabilization, even Zero-emission clean refrigerant.

Vertical farming HVAC systems play a vital role in maintaining optimal environmental conditions for crop growth. However, they also consume a significant amount of energy. By implementing energy-efficient solutions, vertical farms can minimize their carbon footprint and achieve sustainable agricultural practices. Let’s explore some key strategies. Precision climate control systems regulate temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in the vertical farm. By integrating smart sensors and automation, these systems can optimize the use of energy resources based on real-time crop requirements.

Best hydroponic rack system factory: Vertical farms may make use of soil, aeroponic, or hydroponic growing techniques. Part of the urban farming trend, vertical farming is building on the success of urban greenhouses, such as those found in city centers on top of commercial buildings. Vertical farmers may incorporate growing systems into rooftop settings, onto the sides of commercial high rises, or into what’s referred to as “farmscrapers.” Growing fresh food has traditionally been subject to the elements: location, climate, seasonal conditions, and weather trends are just the start of the challenges that can impact plant health and crop yield. Discover extra info at cannabis vertical farming

As if the ability to garden anywhere, in any environment, insusceptibility to harsh climate and weather, and almost complete immunity to pests weren’t enough to sway farmers to lean towards this new agricultural method, there are other benefits to vertical farming. These include consistently high-quality produce, no dependency on sunlight, the ability to grow produce closer to the consumer base and utilize renewable energy for power, and enhanced consumer safety as the risk of pathogens is virtually eliminated.

Warehouse Efficiency and Productivity – Just as regular tillable land needs optimization for farming, warehouses must also have the necessary features to operate efficiently and support optimal growing conditions. This includes designing the space ergonomically, installing new equipment and creating a warehouse safety culture, among other things. Setting up a warehouse farm is capital intensive — plus, farmers also need sufficient financing to cover operating costs. For instance, even a small indoor farm can have an electricity bill of over $100,000 yearly. Switching to renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal power plants can help lower monthly expenses, but installing these systems requires substantial spending, too.

OptiClimatefarm lab team has been working on something even more unusual – saffron, aka the world’s most expensive spice. For years, the team has commercialized the growing of vertical leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes & peppers for global growers. 4 tons of saffron seed balls could be grown in only 100m2 OptiClimatefarm with Smart Climate + Artificial Light vertical grow rack technology to optimize planting density in a controlled environment indoors.

The Importance of Energy-efficient HVAC Systems in Vertical Farming: Vertical farms are typically enclosed structures where crops are grown in stacked layers or on vertical surfaces. This controlled environment allows farmers to maximize space utilization and minimize water and pesticide usage. However, maintaining optimal conditions within these structures is crucial for plant growth, yield, and overall farm profitability. Energy-efficient HVAC systems help maintain optimal temperature levels in vertical farms.

In addition, it is necessary to map the environment so that the design of, for example, a chiller/cooling water installation can also take the noise level into account. Higher requirements will be placed in a built environment than in an industrial area. On top of that, lighting is also of great importance in vertical farming. It is important to adjust the lighting to the HVAC system so that an optimal growing environment is created. In addition, controlling lighting can also help reduce energy consumption.

In a few decades, indoor city farms or vertical farms have become popular for producing healthy food year-round in urban environments and harsh climates. We began a long-term series of research studies on DFT tomatoes at our OptiClimatefarm R&D Center. To develop an effective DFT indoor farm, we built on our years of know-how and experience from both greenhouse growers and vertical farms. Over the past decade, tomato production has been optimized with high-tech automation and data management. We can use this tremendous amount of knowledge and adapt and implement the same vision and technology in an indoor farm. Discover additional info at https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/.

OptiClimate Farm brings together technical experts from China, Japan, Korea, United States and Europe, and a professional team composed of marketing experts, growers and technology innovators. Based on the concept of”providing the most suitable growth environment for plants” and “providing the bestcost-effective plant factory to market”, our plant factory facilities and technology have been developed andpatented in 2020, and the international company OptiClimate Farm LTD was established. Environmental control equipment The innovative Optical aircon technology is used to make the growth of plants more suitable. Plant spectrum technology: We have developed ditterent light formulas tor difterent plants, so that plantgrowth can get full photosynthesis.

A good HVAC system can contribute to a sustainable vertical farming operation by reducing energy consumption, water consumption, and operational costs. HVAC systems can improve water quality by regulating the pH and dissolved oxygen in the water, which is important for plant growth. To optimize an HVAC system for vertical farming, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to choose the right HVAC system for your vertical farming operation, considering your specific needs and circumstances: There are different types of HVAC systems available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some systems regulate temperature and humidity, while others regulate CO2.

Best grow room climate controller supplier: There’s no doubt about it: traditional farming methods can be resource-intensive. From land to water to labor, the inputs needed for conventional farming are threatened each day. Depending on where you are in the world, you may face water restrictions, labor shortages, or infertile land. Indoor vertical farms are efficient use of space for crop production. They use less land than conventional farming methods, and a more compact location means the systems use less water. When you need to water crops in a field, you need to water the entire area. Even with irrigation, this amount can remain high. In fact, vertical farm companies have found ways to reduce the amount of water needed to produce the same amount of produce with about 95% less water. Read additional information at https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/products-11254.

These vertical growing systems are gaining popularity in environments where growing fruits and vegetables is more challenging. Desert and mountain-side towns are beginning to see skyscraper-like vertical farming designs, incorporating innovative methods such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Companies, for example, plants its vegetables on hydraulic-powered shelves that rotate throughout the day to ensure plants receive sunlight and water while the farm minimizes water, land, and energy consumption.

Aside from meeting consumer demand for more eco-friendly, socially responsible practices and fresher, local food, these greening initiatives can also benefit food companies by reducing costs and shortening delivery distances while creating better working conditions for employees and protecting the environment. Several companies in the food supply and agriculture industry are implementing vertical farming techniques, pioneering a new way of growing, distributing, purchasing — and thinking about — our food. The ability to supply retailers with locally grown, sustainable products year-round has caught the attention of many investors, too, along with the increased consumer demand for more eco-friendly food purchasing options — for which today’s consumers are willing to pay more money.

As of today almost all saffron being produced is done so on traditional outdoor farms and picked by hand at the end of summer. Our solution consists of a fully automated solar powered vertical indoors farm. Using vertical farming has already been proven to be a highly efficient method of growing spices due to it’s controlled environment and large yield per square meter of land used. A fully automated production cycle allows for fast scalability without an increase of operational personnel. Controlled and predictable yield, Solar power greatly reduces energy costs, Predictable cash flow, Low labor costs, Multiple harvests every year.

Many analysts say the demand is not yet high enough to safely call vertical farming a guaranteed success story, but experts, consumers, and those in the industry are sure to keep an eye on future innovations and advancements as the food supply sector continues to shift and evolve. This makes for high electricity bills as well, and operating costs can be nearly $27 per square foot. The overall carbon footprint of these farms remains high, though proponents say technology is advancing every day to make vertical farming more sustainable and affordable.

As vertical farming gains momentum in revolutionizing agriculture, it is essential to prioritize energy efficiency within HVAC systems. By implementing strategies such as precision climate control, LED lighting technology, and waste heat recovery, vertical farms can enhance their sustainability, minimize energy consumption, and reduce their carbon footprint. The benefits extend beyond environmental advantages, with increased crop yields, reduced water usage, and year-round production ensuring a steady food supply. It’s time we embrace greener agricultural practices and pave the way for a sustainable future.

We’ve often referred to the importance of HVACD systems to every layer of the cultivator’s business, but how do you choose which approach is right for your facility? The truth is, OptiClimatefarm there are a number of technologies that can successfully manage the climate in an indoor facility. One of our most important responsibilities as your design partner is to review with you all options in depth, along with budgets and their respective pros and cons, to assist with the decision-making process. Find more information on opticlimatefarm.com.

OptiClimate Farm brings together technical experts from China, Japan, Korea, United States and Europe, and a professional team composed of marketing experts, growers and technology innovators. Based on the concept of”providing the most suitable growth environment for plants” and “providing the bestcost-effective plant factory to market”, our plant factory facilities and technology have been developed andpatented in 2020, and the international company OptiClimate Farm LTD was established. Environmental control equipment The innovative Optical aircon technology is used to make the growth of plants more suitable. Plant spectrum technology: We have developed ditterent light formulas tor difterent plants, so that plantgrowth can get full photosynthesis.

Using advanced technologies: One HVAC system can help control the growing environment, but it is important to regularly measure and adjust temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels as needed. This can be done, for example, through sensors and monitoring systems. Finally, advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning can be used to optimize HVAC systems for vertical farming. This can use all available data, which we analyze, make a digital twin, perform predictive maintenance and performance management, and apply hyperspectral image recognition. These technologies can help automatically adjust the growing environment to the needs of the plants, which can lead to higher yields and more efficient energy consumption.

One of the standout features of indoor farming is the reduced reliance on soil and water. Revolutionary methods like hydroponics and aquaponics allow vertical farms to use 99% less arable land and up to 98% less water than traditional farming. Some of the most popular crops in warehouse farmlands include leafy greens, herbs and medicinal plants like cannabis. Efficient Use of Space – Conventional farming requires significant land space. Wholesale vegetable farms require at least 40 acres of fertile land on average. Bringing the process indoors allows for more efficient use of available space, maximizing food production per square foot. For instance, stacking crops vertically can accommodate up to 10 times as many plants as a regular horizontal farm with similar space dimensions.

A good HVAC system can contribute to a sustainable vertical farming operation by reducing energy consumption, water consumption, and operational costs. HVAC systems can improve water quality by regulating the pH and dissolved oxygen in the water, which is important for plant growth. To optimize an HVAC system for vertical farming, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to choose the right HVAC system for your vertical farming operation, considering your specific needs and circumstances: There are different types of HVAC systems available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some systems regulate temperature and humidity, while others regulate CO2.

Vertical grow racks suppliers from China: High-efficiency growing facilities hosting plants at ten and twenty deep, growing at double time, and with less of an environmental footprint? It all sounds too good to be true… And it just may be. These brilliant feats of agricultural engineering come with a steep price tag — one large indoor vertical farm costs millions of dollars. Agritecture Consulting estimates the cost of a 30,000-square-foot facility for leafy greens and herbs near New York City at almost $4 million in startup capital – and that’s without labor. Find more information on grow room climate controller.

This convergence of technology with agriculture propels the industry towards a future where innovation plays a pivotal role in food production. There is ongoing exploration of new crops and varieties, coupled with continuous research. It propels the evolution of vertical farming techniques and methods. The commitment to research and development positions vertical farming as a key player in shaping the future of agriculture for the benefit of future generations. The future of food is looking up, literally! And as sustainable foodies, we can all play a role. Support local vertical farms, ask your favorite restaurants about their sourcing, and keep an eye on this exciting innovation. From reduced resources to year-round crop production, environmental controls, and the ability to harvest at peak freshness, vertical farming presents many benefits and untapped potential.

When most consumers consider vertical farms, they think of grocery store lettuce. They’re not wrong — leafy greens are an excellent crop for a controlled, hydroponic growing setup. But how exactly does vertical farming work, and how are today’s companies and startups taking advantage of the shifting landscape to offer a new way to acquire fresh produce? What Is Vertical Farming? Vertical farming, also referred to broadly as indoor farming, is the practice of growing produce in layers, stacked vertically, as opposed to the traditional method of growing in the ground.

While vertical farming is an exciting new development for the food supply sector, this new method is not without its drawbacks. First, the consumer cost of items grown in vertical farms is much higher than the costs of traditionally grown items. This results from the massive amount of funding still needed to build farms large enough to allow for lower prices. Equipment also adds to the price tag; heating and cooling systems, shading technologies, lights, environmental controls, and other equipment all require considerable capital.

As of today almost all saffron being produced is done so on traditional outdoor farms and picked by hand at the end of summer. Our solution consists of a fully automated solar powered vertical indoors farm. Using vertical farming has already been proven to be a highly efficient method of growing spices due to it’s controlled environment and large yield per square meter of land used. A fully automated production cycle allows for fast scalability without an increase of operational personnel. Controlled and predictable yield, Solar power greatly reduces energy costs, Predictable cash flow, Low labor costs, Multiple harvests every year.

Additionally, some HVAC systems may be more energy-efficient than others. When considering energy consumption, some factors to consider are: Can you use waste heat? Can you use free cooling directly or indirectly, allowing you to use other sources and, in some cases, reduce energy consumption by up to 85%? Dehumidification requires energy, so it is important to determine the best technique for the specific situation to save energy. We examine the most favorable dehumidification method. This starts with the initial condition of the crop and the corresponding climate. Then we can focus on the best technology for the specific situation and choose what is best to apply. Energy can be saved by choosing cold recovery methods such as cross-flow heat exchangers, heat pipes, or run-around coils.

Vertical farming is a promising solution to address the challenges presented by increasing population growth. However, energy-efficient HVAC techniques are critical to the success and sustainability of these operations. By implementing cutting-edge solutions such as smart HVAC controls, heat recovery systems, and advanced insulation, vertical farms can optimize energy usage and reduce their environmental impact. The advantages of energy-efficient HVAC techniques include cost savings, increased crop yield, improved crop quality, and enhanced reliability. Embracing energy efficiency in vertical farming not only ensures continued food production but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.

HVACD stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning,D stands for dehumidification. Every developer, designer and dreamer would do well to include climate management as a foremost systems consideration — in line with lighting, racking, irrigation and automation — during the conceptual and facility planning stage. Only then can vertical farming rise to its full potential. Growers can save energy and money by choosing a “premium efficiency”HVACD with dehumidification. Discover extra info at https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/.

OptiClimatefarm, a unique technology, which could provides the best vertical growing systems, vertical farming solutions, and also the best environment for plant growth ,which unites cooling, heating, dehumidification, air circulation, filtration and optical induction in one system. OptiClimate is independently invented by Hicool research team through relentless work over ten years. OptiClimate owns a complete series of energy-saving grow room air conditioner products from OptiClimate Pro 2 to Pro 5, consisting of Air cooled system, Water cooled system , packaged or split units, optional with inverter technology, voltage and current stabilization, even Zero-emission clean refrigerant.

Vertical farming HVAC systems play a vital role in maintaining optimal environmental conditions for crop growth. However, they also consume a significant amount of energy. By implementing energy-efficient solutions, vertical farms can minimize their carbon footprint and achieve sustainable agricultural practices. Let’s explore some key strategies. Precision climate control systems regulate temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in the vertical farm. By integrating smart sensors and automation, these systems can optimize the use of energy resources based on real-time crop requirements.

Warehouse Efficiency and Productivity – Just as regular tillable land needs optimization for farming, warehouses must also have the necessary features to operate efficiently and support optimal growing conditions. This includes designing the space ergonomically, installing new equipment and creating a warehouse safety culture, among other things. Setting up a warehouse farm is capital intensive — plus, farmers also need sufficient financing to cover operating costs. For instance, even a small indoor farm can have an electricity bill of over $100,000 yearly. Switching to renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal power plants can help lower monthly expenses, but installing these systems requires substantial spending, too.

High quality hydroponic air conditioner wholesale: The OptiClimate Farm product series are suitable for indoor vertical farming and shipping container farming, which divided into indoor plant factories and container plant factories. You only need to provide your area and planting needs, and we will professionally design the layout for you and provide supporting combination products, including planting air conditioners, 3-function combined planting tanks, vertical combined planting shelf, hydroponic digital control system, CO2 intelligent control system, automatic humidification system, nutrient solution UV sterilization system, T8 plant light and air shower system, etc. Whatever you make vertical farming at home or outdoor, OptiClimate Farm provides the intelligent growth solutions for our partners. Hope for your cooperations in the future! See even more information at grow room climate controller.

As vertical farming gains momentum in revolutionizing agriculture, it is essential to prioritize energy efficiency within HVAC systems. By implementing strategies such as precision climate control, LED lighting technology, and waste heat recovery, vertical farms can enhance their sustainability, minimize energy consumption, and reduce their carbon footprint. The benefits extend beyond environmental advantages, with increased crop yields, reduced water usage, and year-round production ensuring a steady food supply. It’s time we embrace greener agricultural practices and pave the way for a sustainable future.

The most critical differences between a greenhouse and an indoor DFT system, are perhaps that the latter uses active cooling and dehumidification instead of venting and uses only LED lighting instead of mostly sunlight. It is by excluding the effects of seasonal differences in temperature, humidity and light that the optimal growing environment can be created to produce a premium product year-round. HVACD Climate optimization, selecting the right varieties and defining growth recipes. Growing successfully indoors is all about finding the right balance between light, temperature,humidity and yield and planting density. Growing the right varieties can minimize handling and labor costs. This makes them ideal for vertical farmers who may not have a lot of experience in growing a certain variety of tomato and the reduced labor costs will increase the city farm’s profitability.

Vertical farming has gained immense popularity in recent years as a viable solution to tackle the challenges of traditional agriculture. By utilizing vertical space, these systems allow crops to be cultivated in stacked layers, reducing land usage and dependency on external factors such as weather conditions. With the advent of advanced lighting systems and hydroponic cultivation techniques, vertical farms can produce crops year-round, regardless of the seasonal limitations. Precise temperature regulation ensures accelerated plant growth, improved crop quality, and reduced crop cycle times.

Artificial light vertical multi-layer growth racks are used to colonize saffron seed balls and provide a dedicated spectral formula for lighting. Temperature, humidity, airflow, light and CO2 can be precisely controlled using OptiClimat smart climate growing ACs and PLC integrated control system. OptiClimate’s smart climate growing system works with the parameters of the climatic conditions of the saffron origin in Jammu or Kashmir. Saffron grows everything freely by its timeline in OptiClimatefarm. That means a 100m2 indoor growroom could plant as the same number of saffron seed balls as in a 15-acre outdoor field . Our vertical farming technology using smart climate plant factories to grow specialty products will inspire a great business model! Indoor saffron – growing specialty products using vertical farming technology.

HVAC is very important in vertical farming because it can control and optimize the growing environment of the plants. Resulting in healthy plants and high yields. If done properly. There are six advantages of an HVAC system for vertical farming: HVAC ensures an optimal temperature in the growing environment, which is crucial because plants develop optimally within a certain temperature range. An optimal and constant temperature range ensures optimal plant growth, resulting in maximum yield. Read even more info at https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/.

How Plantations International’s Sustainable Agricultural Practices Benefit the Environment: We recognize that climate change is a serious issue that demands attention and action from the business community. Plantations International has set performance targets, and will continue to take actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from both direct and indirect business operations. We are committed to conducting our operations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and to engaging with industry and public stakeholders to develop responsible standards and voluntary initiatives that support this policy.

​There will be 9.6 billion people in the world by 2050, that will require more than 70% more crops than we have today. This combined with a reduction in arable land and the effects of climate change will result in sector over-performance. Agriculture has outperformed most asset classes throughout history, particularly on a risk basis when considering volatility. The NCREIF Index which is the world’s agriculture benchmark has yielded an annual return of 13.69% since 2000 with a standard deviation of only 7.58%. This far outperforms equities, real estate, bond and other asset classes. Performance is expected to improve further over the next decade due to strong demand supply fundamentals.

Food along with water and air is essential for human life. High levels of food security are necessary for human existence but is also imperative to global and country specific economic growth, stability and prosperity. For example, countries with poor level of food security often face chronic malnutrition which provides limitations in human capital development, which is required to achieve economic growth. Food security ought to be a priority for all countries, whether developing or developed. Although low levels of food security are commonly associated with poverty stricken countries they are also found in affluent developed countries as well. Food security rankings despite providing a decent gauge of performance are not without limitations. For example, some of wealthiest countries logically fare well in overall rankings as they have the capability and infrastructure to provide accessible, healthy food to their populations. Yet these high rankings dangerously mask their poor natural resources and resilience rank which measures food import dependency to a small degree. This raises the question, how can a country be food secure when they can be highly dependent on others for their food supply?

With offices, plantations, and representatives across Asia, Europe, and Africa, Plantations International is a multinational plantation and farm management company that specializes in providing sustainable agricultural and forestry or “agroforestry” management services for its clients. Plantations International has clients ranging from private individuals to large landholders and corporate investors. We put teamwork, innovation, and our passion for creating “Ethical & Sustainable Capital” at the heart of everything we do.

Population Growth: Today, about 2/3 of the world’s population lives in Asia, a figure dominated by India and China. Regionally by 2100, Africa and Asia will be home to 4.4 and 4.9 billion people respectively, and together will account for 83% of the world’s population. More than half of global population growth between now and 2050 will occur in Africa, which will add 1.3 billion people. The United States is expected to be the fastest growing developed country, ranking 6th in total population growth. The U.S should have an additional 67 million people by 2050. Rising population will place significant stress on existing resources raising the need for not only increased production but more efficient productivity based on existing resources. Food wastage’s carbon footprint is estimated at 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2. Developing countries suffer more food losses during agricultural production, while in middle- and high-income regions, food waste at the retail and consumer level tends to be higher.

Different greenhouse gases have very different heat-trapping abilities. Some of them can even trap more heat than CO2. A molecule of methane produces more than 20 times the warming of a molecule of CO2. Nitrous oxide is 300 times more powerful than CO2. Other gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (which have been banned in much of the world because they also degrade the ozone layer), have heat-trapping potential thousands of times greater than CO2. But because their concentrations are much lower than CO2, none of these gases adds as much warmth to the atmosphere as CO2 does. In order to understand the effects of all the gases together, Plantations International scientists tend to talk about all greenhouse gases in terms of the equivalent amount of CO2. Since 1990, yearly emissions have gone up by about 6 billion metric tons of “carbon dioxide equivalent” worldwide, more than a 20% increase. Plantations International is already seeing some of these changes occurring more quickly than they had expected. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, eleven of the twelve hottest years since thermometer readings became available occurred between 1995 and 2006.