b"turn those decaying buildings and empty lots into spaces for plant production, but this will take enlightened politicians and perhaps partnerships with energy compa-nies, Stein says.This market will continue to grow and work towards establishing regional hubs for growers to provide food locally and year around, Pennington says.Sonia Lo, President and CEO of Unfold, has spoken about her dream to see verti-cal farming in colocation with energy pro-duction. Its an idea thats reliant on local government cooperation and investment, but could open doors to a significantly more secure and sustainable food system.Future Food HubsThats a concept that Nothmann getsGotham Greens is looking to bring its footprint to more than 40 acres of hydroponic excited about. He doesnt believe verticalgreenhouses from coast-to-coast by 2023.PHOTO: GOTHAM GREENSagriculture is the new normal to replace all other growing systems, but that doesnt mean he isnt passionate about what it can offer our food production system.I see indoor farming as a piece to the puzzle. Its not going to be the solution forThere is room for everyone, but the more diverse our food everything. But if we can grow producesupply is, the better. locally that will last longer and taste better, it will continue to have that impact in serv-Eric Steining growing demand globally, especially in densely populated areas, he says.Puri expects indoor farming will con-tinue to grow globally.We expect to see R&D for more crops beyond the typical vining and leading crops. It will play an important role in our agricultural future, he says.Started as a single rooftop green-house in Brooklyn, N.Y. over a decade ago, Gotham Greens will bring its total foot-print to more than 40 acres of hydroponic greenhouses from coast-to-coast by 2023, with products currently in more than 3,000 retail stores nationwide.We've seen billions of dollars invested in the sector, Puri says. Weve also seen market share increase, as well as more consumer and media attention for the industry, particularly in the face of climate change and drought-related challenges.In the end, its about feeding the world as efficiently as possible.There is room for everyone, but the more diverse our food supply is, the better, Stein says.SW As the world continues to grow, diversity is needed to feed the population.PHOTO: ERIC STEINFEBRUARY 2023 SEEDWORLD.COM /43"