In a future world where most people live in cities, could we produce fresh fruits and vegetables on demand and on their doorsteps?

By 2050, around two-thirds of the population will live in urban areas. They will want year-round supply of delicious fresh produce delivered to their doors with minimal environmental impact.

One solution is to start growing produce closer to where the majority of the population lives, across the city landscape. City dwellers already grow herbs, salads and microgreens on their windowsills, balconies and rooftops. The next step is to have inner-city orchards and farms selling produce directly to their neighbours or where people could pick their own fruits, berries and vegetables throughout the year, no matter the season.

Creating a city farm requires a shift in technology. We’re looking at how to grow crops in compact, covered environments with plants that produce fruits and berries continuously. We’re also looking at what technologies these plants would need to make sure they have the right light, nutrients, water and climate to stay healthy and productive.

Along the way, we’ll be finding out exactly what different plants need to grow and developing new plants that are tailored to different environments. Where access to land isn’t an issue, this knowledge could help us grow plants in glasshouses or covered cropping systems where they’re protected from the weather.