--- title: 5 Key Elements Of Vertical Farming Design description: Food safety is critical in vertical farming, and effective drainage design plays a crucial role. Discover the key elements of successful vertical farming design for drains to ensure food safety with our drainage expert tips image: https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_404638952_web.jpg --- [![fsd_secondary_logo](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/fsd_secondary_logo.svg "fsd_secondary_logo")](https://foodsafedrains.com) - [PRODUCTS](https://foodsafedrains.com/products) - [SLOT DRAIN SYSTEMS](https://foodsafedrains.com/slot-drain-systems/) - [TRENCH DRAIN SYSTEMS](https://foodsafedrains.com/trench-drain-systems/) - [AREA & HUB DRAINS](https://foodsafedrains.com/product-category/foodsafe-drains/area-hub-drains-2/) - [CATCH BASINS / STRAINERS](https://foodsafedrains.com/product-category/foodsafe-drains/catch-basins-strainers/) - [PIPES / TRAPS](https://foodsafedrains.com/product-category/foodsafe-drains/pipes-traps/) - [ALL PRODUCTS](https://foodsafedrains.com/products) - [APPLICATIONS](https://foodsafedrains.com/application) - [BAKERY](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/bakery) - [BEVERAGE](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/beverage) - [BREWERY & WINERY](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/brewery-winery) - [DAIRY PRODUCTION](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/dairy-production) - [MEAT PROCESSING & PACKAGING](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/meat) - [SEAFOOD](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/seafood) - [PET FOOD](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/petfood) - [PRODUCE](https://foodsafedrains.com/produce/) - [SPECIALTY FOOD](https://foodsafedrains.com/specialty-food/) - [RESOURCES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/) - [INSTALLATION RESOURCES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/resources/) - [ENGINEERING FILES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/engineering-files/) - [CARE & MAINTENANCE TIPS](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/care-maintenance-tips/) - [BLOG & INSIGHTS](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/?_gl=1*10n0rd2*_gcl_au*MTcxMDAyODY3OS4xNzE2ODI2Nzkz) - [SHIPPING INFORMATION](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/shipping-information/) - [DRAINAGE 101 (GLOSSARY)](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/drainage-101-glossary/) - [FAQ'S](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/faqs/) - [NEWS AND EVENTS](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/news-and-events/) - [LOAD CLASS RATINGS](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/load-class-ratings/) - [FLOW RATE](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/slot-drain-flow-rate/) - [ALL RESOURCES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/) - [ABOUT](https://foodsafedrains.com/about/) - [CONTACT US](https://foodsafedrains.com/contact-us) [Download Product Guide](https://foodsafedrains.com/download-product-guide) [![fsd_secondary_logo](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/fsd_secondary_logo.svg "fsd_secondary_logo")](https://foodsafedrains.com) [Download Product Guide](https://foodsafedrains.com/download-product-guide) [![fsd_secondary_logo](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/fsd_secondary_logo.svg "fsd_secondary_logo")](https://foodsafedrains.com) - [PRODUCTS](https://foodsafedrains.com/products) - [SLOT DRAIN SYSTEMS](https://foodsafedrains.com/slot-drain-systems/) - [TRENCH DRAIN SYSTEMS](https://foodsafedrains.com/trench-drain-systems/) - [AREA & HUB DRAINS](https://foodsafedrains.com/product-category/foodsafe-drains/area-hub-drains-2/) - [CATCH BASINS / STRAINERS](https://foodsafedrains.com/product-category/foodsafe-drains/catch-basins-strainers/) - [PIPES / TRAPS](https://foodsafedrains.com/product-category/foodsafe-drains/pipes-traps/) - [ALL PRODUCTS](https://foodsafedrains.com/products) - [APPLICATIONS](https://foodsafedrains.com/application) - [BAKERY](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/bakery) - [BEVERAGE](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/beverage) - [BREWERY & WINERY](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/brewery-winery) - [DAIRY PRODUCTION](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/dairy-production) - [MEAT PROCESSING & PACKAGING](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/meat) - [SEAFOOD](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/seafood) - [PET FOOD](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/petfood) - [PRODUCE](https://foodsafedrains.com/produce/) - [SPECIALTY FOOD](https://foodsafedrains.com/specialty-food/) - [RESOURCES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/) - [INSTALLATION RESOURCES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/resources/) - [ENGINEERING FILES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/engineering-files/) - [CARE & MAINTENANCE TIPS](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/care-maintenance-tips/) - [BLOG & INSIGHTS](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/?_gl=1*10n0rd2*_gcl_au*MTcxMDAyODY3OS4xNzE2ODI2Nzkz) - [SHIPPING INFORMATION](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/shipping-information/) - [DRAINAGE 101 (GLOSSARY)](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/drainage-101-glossary/) - [FAQ'S](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/faqs/) - [NEWS AND EVENTS](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/news-and-events/) - [LOAD CLASS RATINGS](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/load-class-ratings/) - [FLOW RATE](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/slot-drain-flow-rate/) - [ALL RESOURCES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/) - [ABOUT](https://foodsafedrains.com/about/) - [CONTACT US](https://foodsafedrains.com/contact-us) [Download Product Guide](https://foodsafedrains.com/download-product-guide) [![fsd_secondary_logo](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/fsd_secondary_logo.svg "fsd_secondary_logo")](https://foodsafedrains.com) [Download Product Guide](https://foodsafedrains.com/download-product-guide) - [PRODUCTS](https://foodsafedrains.com/products) - [SLOT DRAIN SYSTEMS](https://foodsafedrains.com/slot-drain-systems/) - [TRENCH DRAIN SYSTEMS](https://foodsafedrains.com/trench-drain-systems/) - [AREA & HUB DRAINS](https://foodsafedrains.com/product-category/foodsafe-drains/area-hub-drains-2/) - [CATCH BASINS / STRAINERS](https://foodsafedrains.com/product-category/foodsafe-drains/catch-basins-strainers/) - [PIPES / TRAPS](https://foodsafedrains.com/product-category/foodsafe-drains/pipes-traps/) - [ALL PRODUCTS](https://foodsafedrains.com/products) - [APPLICATIONS](https://foodsafedrains.com/application) - [BAKERY](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/bakery) - [BEVERAGE](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/beverage) - [BREWERY & WINERY](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/brewery-winery) - [DAIRY PRODUCTION](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/dairy-production) - [MEAT PROCESSING & PACKAGING](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/meat) - [SEAFOOD](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/seafood) - [PET FOOD](https://foodsafedrains.com/application/petfood) - [PRODUCE](https://foodsafedrains.com/produce/) - [SPECIALTY FOOD](https://foodsafedrains.com/specialty-food/) - [RESOURCES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/) - [INSTALLATION RESOURCES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/resources/) - [ENGINEERING FILES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/engineering-files/) - [CARE & MAINTENANCE TIPS](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/care-maintenance-tips/) - [BLOG & INSIGHTS](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/?_gl=1*10n0rd2*_gcl_au*MTcxMDAyODY3OS4xNzE2ODI2Nzkz) - [SHIPPING INFORMATION](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/shipping-information/) - [DRAINAGE 101 (GLOSSARY)](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/drainage-101-glossary/) - [FAQ'S](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/faqs/) - [NEWS AND EVENTS](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/news-and-events/) - [LOAD CLASS RATINGS](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/load-class-ratings/) - [FLOW RATE](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/slot-drain-flow-rate/) - [ALL RESOURCES](https://foodsafedrains.com/knowledge-centre/) - [ABOUT](https://foodsafedrains.com/about/) - [CONTACT US](https://foodsafedrains.com/contact-us) # 5 Key Elements Of Vertical Farming Design By [FoodSafe Drains](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/author/foodsafe-drains) Mar 7, 2023 3:27:50 PM 3 Minutes Read Farming has existed since ancient times, with civilizations growing much of the food needed to survive. Over time, population growth has taken land away from farming, and climate change has negatively impacted other arable land. Traditional agricultural practices cannot meet the higher demand for goods, which has led to a search for a solution. The solution has come in the form of vertical farming, now considered the future of agriculture. ## WHAT IS VERTICAL FARMING? Vertical farming is a growing approach to farming in response to growing cities and populations, food shortages, and lack of resources. With this farming technique, crops are grown vertically in indoor spaces in order to allow farmers to grow more year-round. Unlike traditional farming, vertical farming doesn't produce carbon dioxide, doesn't require pesticides, and uses significantly less water, which adds to the numerous benefits. These farms use a method called controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to achieve their results, with farms set up in existing warehouses or shipping containers. A vertical farming design requires some key elements to create the optimal growing environment. These key elements include: ### **1. MULTI-LAYER PRODUCTION SHELVES** The goal of a vertical farm is to maximize the available space. Vertical farms use tall, multi-layer shelving to grow the plants. Shelves need to offer durability and can withstand the warehouse climate without rusting, eroding, or suffering any other damage. There are many kinds of vertical racks for agriculture; some are stationary, while others are mobile, and can have built-in LED lights on each tier. It is important to consider what is best for your farm. ### **2. GROWING SYSTEMS** Three growing systems are associated with vertical farming: hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic. #### **HYDROPONIC** With a hydroponic system, the crops grow in nutrient-rich water that gets recirculated regularly. This format for growing is highly efficient and uses a lower water consumption. Types of hydroponic systems include drip irrigation, deep water culture, ebb and flow (flood and drain), and others. #### **AEROPONICS** Aeroponics vertical farming involves spraying crops with a nutrient-filled mist frequently, using a timer. Nutrients are delivered directly to the roots to minimize water usage and labor. #### **AQUAPONICS** Aquaponics combines the cultivation of fish and plants. With this form of vertical farming, plant roots are submerged in water that houses fish. These fish provide the plants with necessary nutrients and healthy bacteria, and the plants, in turn, filter the water for the fish. Aquaponics creates a balanced, highly productive ecosystem that has many benefits. ### **3. SINGLE-SOURCE LIGHTING** One critical feature for a successful vertical farm design is proper lighting. There are three types of lights that vertical farms can use–fluorescent, HPS, and LED, LED grows lights are the most common choice for many reasons. One significant reason is that, while the initial cost for installed LED lighting is high, they are a more energy-efficient option that will save money over time. LED lighting also produces virtually no heat, which is safer for plants. Finally, LED lights are ideal for virtually all types of produce, meaning you won't need different forms of lighting for different plants. ### **4. DRAINAGE** Drainage is another essential element of vertical farming design not to overlook. Having a high-quality, efficient, and sanitary drainage solution is critical to the safety of a vertical farm. FoodSafe Drains makes systems designed with food safety in mind. The FoodSafe [Trench Drain](https://foodsafedrains.com/categories/trench-drain-systems-product-category) and [Slot Drain](https://foodsafedrains.com/categories/slot-drain-systems-product-category) use T304 and T316 stainless steel in order to create a ridge-free, sanitary, NSF-certified design. [![10000 Series Slot Drain-3](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hs-fs/hubfs/10000%20Series%20Slot%20Drain-3.png?width=872&height=491&name=10000%20Series%20Slot%20Drain-3.png)](https://foodsafedrains.com/categories/slot-drain-systems-product-category) The FoodSafe Trench Drain is equipped with a tamper-proof drain cover, while the Slot Drain is designed with a slimmer opening, which eliminates the need for a cover. Both systems are compatible with a [catch basin](https://foodsafedrains.com/products/catch-basin-slot-drain), which can help catch small debris before it continues through the system, and clean-in-place technology, which allows for automated cleaning and sanitation. ### **4. A RELIABLE HVAC SYSTEM** Another vital feature of vertical farm design is a reliable HVAC system. HVAC systems are vital to regulating the warehouse's temperature, humidity levels, and air quality. The better the system, the better that everything will be maintained to ensure the crops' health and safety. It is also vital to keep energy efficiency in mind, as you don't want an HVAC system to cause your operating costs to become too high. ## MAKING THE CHANGE TO VERTICAL FARMING ![AdobeStock_112684755_web](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_112684755_web.jpg?width=872&height=582&name=AdobeStock_112684755_web.jpg) Agriculture will always be an essential part of life. As times change, agricultural methods need to grow and change with them. Vertical farming is one of many new forms of agriculture, and it can significantly impact the world's food supply when set up and managed correctly. This article covers just a few key elements necessary for a good vertical farming design, but there are many other things to consider. Every feature mentioned is critical to the design, particularly the drainage, for maintaining a safe, sanitary facility. Take the time to understand these elements, and [contact FoodSafe Drains today](https://foodsafedrains.com/) to learn more about how their drainage solutions are excellent options for a vertical farm. [![Picture of FoodSafe Drains](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/Logo-FSD-Logomark.jpg)](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/author/foodsafe-drains) #### FoodSafe Drains FoodSafe Drains creates high-quality sanitary drainage systems for the food and beverage industry; Serving facilities such as: meat, poultry, seafood, pet food, brewery, and winery operations. Author ## Recommended For You [![](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_722307672_web1.jpg)](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/vertical-farming) 4 Min Read ### [Vertical Farming: Everything You Need to Know](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/vertical-farming) [![Picture of FoodSafe Drains](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/Logo-FSD-Logomark.jpg) FoodSafe Drains Apr 4, 2024 10:54:49 AM](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/author/foodsafe-drains) [![](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_328226910_web.jpg)](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/indoor-fish-farming) 3 Min Read ### [Indoor Fish Farming: What It Is and How FoodSafe Drains Can Help](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/indoor-fish-farming) [![Picture of FoodSafe Drains](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/Logo-FSD-Logomark.jpg) FoodSafe Drains May 23, 2024 10:09:46 AM](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/author/foodsafe-drains) [![](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_57586889_web.jpg)](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/the-most-hygienic-drainage-solutions-for-food-beverage-companies) 2 Min Read ### [The Most Hygienic Drainage Solutions For Food & Beverage Companies](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/the-most-hygienic-drainage-solutions-for-food-beverage-companies) [![Picture of FoodSafe Drains](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/Logo-FSD-Logomark.jpg) FoodSafe Drains Jan 29, 2021 10:28:00 AM](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/author/foodsafe-drains) WORLDWIDE SHIPPING > NEED YOUR SYSTEM INSTALLED? > HOW TO BUY > [![fsd_secondary_logo_KO](https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fsd_secondary_logo_KO.png?width=219&height=40&name=fsd_secondary_logo_KO.png "fsd_secondary_logo_KO")](http://www.globaldraintech.com)   FoodSafe Drains Phone: 855.497.7508 Email: [mailto:info@foodsafedrains.com](mailto:info@foodsafedrains.com)[info@foodsafedrains.com](mailto:info@foodsafedrains.com)   FOLLOW US [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/foodsafedrains) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/foodsafedrains/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodsafedrains/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/FoodSafeDrains) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzPskm72jnHSPArBew_i-6w) #### INFORMATION [Home](https://foodsafedrains.com/) [Applications](https://foodsafedrains.com/application) [Blog](https://foodsafedrains.com/blog) [About Us](https://foodsafedrains.com/about-company) #### PRODUCTS [All Products](https://foodsafedrains.com/products) [Slot Drain Systems](https://foodsafedrains.com/categories/slot-drain-systems-product-category) [Trench Drain Systems](https://foodsafedrains.com/categories/trench-drain-systems-product-category) [Area Drains & Hub Drains](https://foodsafedrains.com/categories/area-and-hub-drains-product-category) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "FoodSafe Drains", "url" : "https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/author/foodsafe-drains" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-10T20:09:22.066Z", "datePublished" : "2023-03-07T21:27:50.000Z", "headline" : "5 Key Elements Of Vertical Farming Design", "image" : [ "https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_404638952_web.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/vertical-farming-design", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.foodsafedrains.com/hubfs/fsd_secondary_logo.svg" }, "name" : "Global Drain Technologies" } } ```