Global Urban Farming Market - 2025-2032

Global Urban Farming Market reached US$ 172.62 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 311.24 billion by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

Increasing urbanization, rising demand for high-quality food and autonomous agriculture techniques are among the primary factors driving the urban farming business. The factors have contributed to an increase in food demand. With an expanding population, food demand is expected to rise dramatically. Urban gardening can be done at any time of year, eliminating commercial worries for farmers and enhancing community access to local food.

According to the FAO, the role of urban farmers is growing more important as the world's cities grow. The percentage of urban households engaged in agriculture ranges from 10% in some large North American towns to up to 80% in certain smaller Siberian and Asian settlements, favorably impacting urban farming statistics.

North America is a prominent player in the global market, owing to its modern farming methods and strong infrastructure. The region's success is fueled by significant investments in R&D, which have resulted in technologies that are now global norms. The extensive adoption of hydroponic systems and vertical farming methods in countries such as US and Canada demonstrate the region's commitment to increasing food production efficiency. BrightFarms' latest indoor farm, located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, will open in 2021. The 6-acre greenhouse is intended to produce 2 million pounds of lettuce annually.

Dynamics

Scarcity of Land

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Population Council, cities are home to around 80% of the world's population. The paucity of land in urban areas has prompted the use of creative technologies such as hydroponics. This technology allows growers to maximize various locations for raising crops, whether they are indoors using layered systems, in multi-story structures, on stacked racks or within warehouses.

The utilization of urban farming techniques is predicted to allow indoor farm owners to grow crops in layers piled on racks, in a multi-story building or in a warehouse. It is projected that this would become a big market trend by 2032. Indoor farms increase total crop production per unit area by stacking layers of potted seeds, which drives the market. Indoor farming is the technique of cultivating plants or crops indoors, both on a small and large scale. Indoor farming uses systems like aquaponics and hydroponics, as well as artificial lighting, to ensure proper light levels and nutrients.

Rising Population and Demand for Food

The growing worldwide population creates increased demand for food, which is predicted to drive market expansion. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), the world's population is expected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, necessitating an increase in food production of 25% to 70%. The spike is likely to drive the demand for alternative farming technology capable of generating large yields in shorter timeframes.

Particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe, where arable land and water resources are becoming scarcer, there has been a noteworthy increase in the adoption of alternative high-yield agricultural technologies, which is expected to contribute to market growth. The European Environment Agency has launched a variety of projects to build vertical farms to solve the challenges of population growth and climate change, as well as to produce food in an environmentally friendly manner. As a result, the regional market has the potential to flourish.

Source- USDA

High Initial Investment & Operational Costs

One of the significant constraints in the worldwide urban farming market is the high initial capital investment and operational costs associated with establishing and sustaining urban farms, particularly in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) systems. Urban farming necessitates sophisticated infrastructure, land acquisition, climate control systems, LED lighting, irrigation systems and automation technology. Vertical farms, for example, need high-tech setups with artificial lighting, temperature control and fertilizer delivery systems, which dramatically raise capital expenditure.

LED lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems and automated monitoring all consume a lot of electricity, making operational expenses difficult to manage. High urban electricity rates have an even greater influence on the profitability of urban farms. Acquiring land in urban regions is costly due to high real estate costs. Many cities have zoning limitations that limit the availability of suitable locations for large-scale urban farms.

Segment Analysis

The global urban farming market is segmented based on farm type, structure, growing medium, crop type, application and region.

Ease of Operation and Low Installation Costs of Hydroponics

Hydroponics is expected to hold a significant market share in the global urban farming market during the forecast period 2025-2032. Hydroponics is a popular agricultural method due to its inexpensive installation costs and ease of use. In this method, a mineral solution is put around the plant roots to replenish the soil and promote plant growth. Hydroponics is marketed as a way to reduce climate change, environmental damage and species extinction caused by overexploitation and intensive farming.

Compared to typical soil-grown production, hydroponics saves water, creates a microclimate, takes less labor, requires no soil and produces higher-quality food. Furthermore, the hydroponics technology reduces the possibility of soil organisms spreading illness. Growing consumer knowledge about the impacts of pesticides is projected to enhance demand for hydroponics.

Geographical Penetration

Rising Sustainability in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is estimated to account for the majority of the global urban farming market during the forecast period. The region is home to rising markets, such China and Japan, which are leading the way in promoting urban agriculture sustainability. Because of its high population and growing urbanization, this area has enormous potential. Governments are investing heavily in urban farming programs to address food security concerns while minimizing harm to the environment.

As countries continue to innovate, they will have a significant impact on the future growth of the global urban farming market. The continued expansion of current vertical farming initiatives, combined with the introduction of automation, is driving industry growth. Spread Co., for example, manufactures roughly 20,000 lettuce heads every day. Outside of Kyoto, the company operates a 3,000-square-meter factory. Income generation is encouraged by urbanization and rising population feeding requirements in nations like India, South Korea, Taiwan and others.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include UrbanFarmers AG, Urban Crop Solutions, AeroFarms, Sky Greens, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Oishii, GrowUp Farms Ltd., Green Sense Farms Holdings, Inc., Gotham Greens and Freight Farms, Inc.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Urban American Farmer, based in Austin, Texas, began striving to establish a communication network between farmers and consumers. Founder Trisha Bates provides a variety of services centered on food education to assist transform urban spaces into food producing locations.
• In 2024, Sweetwater Farms HTX, a family-owned urban farm in Houston, Texas, is aiming to close the gap between agriculture and education. The farm provides access to fresh produce and educational opportunities in agriculture.
• In January 2022, Hydrobuilder Holdings LLC, a global omnichannel retailer of specialty agricultural and hydroponics supplies and equipment, has announced the acquisition of New England Hydroponics. The deal is expected to boost the company's position in the global market.

By Farm Type

• Corporate
• Home Garden
• Community
• Others

By Structure

• Indoor
• Outdoor

By Growing Medium

• Aquaponics
• Aeroponics
• Hydroponics

By Crop Type

• Non-Food Crops
  • Medicinal Herbs
  • Ornamental Plants
  • Aromatic Herbs
  • Others
• Food Crops
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Grains & Cereals
  • Others

By Application

• Commercial
  • Closed Environment
  • Field
  • Other
• Agriculture
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global urban farming market segmentation based on farm type, structure, growing medium, crop type, application and region.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points at the urban farming market level for all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global urban farming market report would provide approximately 78 tables, 71 figures and 203 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies