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3296546 
Journal Article 
Skyfarming an ecological innovation to enhance global food security 
Germer, J; Sauerborn, J; Asch, F; de Boer, Jan; Schreiber, J; Weber, G; Mueller, J 
2011 
1 
Journal für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit
ISSN: 1661-5751
EISSN: 1661-5867 
SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG 
CHAM 
6 
2 
237-251 
WOS:000290573900011 
Population growth increases the demand for food and thus
leads to expansion of cultivated land and intensification of agricultural production. There is a
definite limit to both of these options for food security and their multiple negative effects on
the environment undermine the aim for sustainability. Presently the impact of the Green
Revolution on crop production is levelling off at high yields attained and even the potential of
large scale irrigation programmes and transgenic crops seem to be limited in view of the expected
increase in demand for food. Moreover, climate change threatens to affect agricultural production
across the globe. Skyfarming represents a promising approach for food production that is largely
environment independent and therefore immune to climate change. Optimal growing conditions,
shielded from weather extremes and pests are aimed at raising plant production towards the
physiological potential. Selecting rice as a pioneer crop for Skyfarming will not only provide a
staple for a large part of the global population, but also significantly reduce the greenhouse
gas emission caused by paddy cultivation. Multiplication of the benefits could be achieved by
stacking production floors vertically. In Skyfarming the crop, with its requirements for optimal
growth, development and production, determines the system's design. Accordingly, the initial
development must focus on the growing environment, lighting, temperature, humidity regulation and
plant protection strategies as well as on the overall energy supply. For each of these areas
potentially suitable technologies are presented and discussed. 
Food security; Population growth; Climate change; Crop production; Vertical farming; Aeroponics; Staple food; Rice