Shipping container farms are an innovative and exciting way to bring fresh, local produce to communities while maximizing resources. Sure, we’re a little biased (wondering why - check this out), but we truly believe container farms are the future of agriculture. 

But why all the wider buzz around container farms? Well, these agricultural setups are nowhere near as expensive or complicated as you might think. They allow budding farmers (like yourself) to create a sustainable, scalable, and profitable farm within a compact space, making them appealing for an endless amount of applications like schools, long-term care homes, farms, homesteads, condo buildings, and more. 

Container farms offer a unique value proposition: the ability to produce high-quality crops in virtually any location. Importantly, this includes dense urban areas or harsh climates. No concrete jungle is too packed or northern wilderness too cold for a container farm. The systems are highly flexible, modular, and efficient, making them ideal for people looking to either launch a new agricultural venture or diversify their current operations.

Our friendly little guide below explores the key advantages of container farming and why it’s becoming an increasingly popular option for those interested in vertical farming and urban agriculture. So let’s jump in and let our minds jump outside the box!

What You’ll Find Below:

• The Core Advantages of Shipping Container Farms

• Cost-Effectiveness: Affordable Entry Point for Farming

• Scalability: Easy to Expand and Adapt Your Farm

• Sustainability: Environmentally Friendly and Resource Efficient

• Mobility and Space Optimization: Farm Anywhere, Anytime

• Controlled Agricultural Environments: Year-Round Growing and Consistent Yields

• How to Get Started with a Container Farm: Steps and Considerations

• FAQs: Common Questions About Container Farms

The Major Advantages of Shipping Container Farms

Cost-Effectiveness: Affordable Entry Point for Farming

Starting a traditional farm can be really, really expensive. But don’t fret - shipping container farms provide a much more accessible alternative, particularly in small spaces. While there are some initial costs (we don’t want to lie), the investment is often far lower compared to buying a huge plot of land and setting up extensive infrastructure. Additionally, container farms are modular and scalable, allowing you to start small and expand as your business grows. This advantage often goes understated, but having control over your setup from a small start is beneficial for those looking to just dip their toes into the world of sustainable agriculture. 

One of the biggest financial advantages is the potential for year-round revenue generation. With a container farm, you can control your growing environment and produce crops continuously, eliminating the seasonality of traditional farming. Growing in spring, summer, fall, and winter? Check! This ensures consistent cash flow and makes it much easier to forecast cash coming in through the door. We even put together a handy calculator for you to calculate how long it takes to pay back a container farm, and how much money you can make year on year selling your produce.

Scalability: Easy to Expand and Adapt Your Farm

We mentioned this one a little earlier, but another one of the standout features of container farms is their scalability. Have you got a spare million for 10 acres of farmland? Probably not. Have you got a spare $50k for a 160 sq ft footprint - now we’re talking. 

You can easily start container farming with just one container and, if business picks up, adding more units is straightforward and cost-efficient. The modular design means you can increase production without needing more land or extensive renovations. Build up, around, or side-to-side - it’s your call. 

Another aspect that makes container farms scalable is their ability to adapt to different crops or growing techniques. Whether you want to focus on leafy greens, herbs, or, like our CEO Conner Tidd, a bunch of farms dedicated to Kale, container farms can be customized to meet your goals. A sidenote here: we use both Johnny Seeds and West Coast Seeds in our own farms, so we recommend checking out their websites to get a feel for varieties you can grow. 

If you’re exploring a commercial venture, scalability is crucial for growth, and container farms make it easy to adjust to market demands.

Sustainability: Environmentally Friendly and Resource Efficient

You don’t need us to tell you that sustainability is everywhere. Never has sustainability mattered more in a climate that is shifting dramatically across the planet. Shipping container farms are designed with this in mind. They typically use up to 90% less water than traditional farming methods by employing either hydroponic (what we’ve seen work extremely well) or aeroponic (works extremely well, but there definitely are more challenges) technology. Additionally, by growing food locally, you can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce from distant farms.

Using closed-loop systems also means there’s less waste, and resources are recycled and reused within the farm. With a smaller ecological footprint and reduced resource consumption, container farms are at the forefront of climate change and increased food insecurity we see in cities like our hometown of Toronto. 

Sustainability isn’t just about doing good; it’s also about future-proofing your income and future-proofing your food supply. We all are increasingly seeking products from eco-conscious companies, so adopting sustainable practices now can give you a headstart in a transitioning global economy. 

Mobility and Space Optimization: Farm Anywhere, Anytime

Unlike traditional farms, which are rooted (pardon the pun) in one location, container farms can be set up almost anywhere. Look at your window. Yep, you could probably put a container farm there. So what? Well, this gives you the freedom to move your farm if needed or set it up in unconventional spaces like parking lots or rooftops. For urban farmers (like us), this is a game-changer, allowing folks like you to grow food in areas where space is at a premium.

Moreover, container farms are optimized for space. A quick caveat here - we’ve generally seen vertical towers to be the most efficient outcome for space when building a container farm. Smart layouts in farms mean you can produce a large quantity of crops within a small footprint. This is particularly valuable in dense urban areas where land is limited and expensive.

For organizations or entrepreneurs looking to farm in locations with harsh climates (we are Canadian, after all), container farms offer an all-weather solution. They’re insulated, temperature-controlled, and equipped with advanced technology to ensure optimal growing conditions year-round.

Controlled Agricultural Environments: Year-Round Growing and Consistent Yields

One of the most significant advantages of container farming is the ability to control every aspect of the growing environment. From lighting and temperature to humidity and CO2 levels, the power is in your hands. Your crops get exactly what they need, when they need it.

This level of control leads to consistent yields, allowing you to predict production volumes accurately. Whether you’re growing leafy greens, herbs, or even specialty crops, you can expect high-quality, flavourful, fresh produce every time, regardless of the season or external conditions. Your local community will love you for it. 

Additionally, this controlled environment minimizes the risk of pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and other chemicals. For growers and buyers looking for clean, pesticide-free produce, this is a huge benefit. 

Summary List: 5 Key Benefits of Controlled Environments

1. Optimized growth conditions for each crop
2. Consistent, high-quality yields year-round
3. Reduced risk of pests and diseases
4. Efficient resource use with minimal waste
5. Flexibility to grow different types of crops

How to Get Started with a Container Farm: Steps and Considerations

If you’re ready to get growing in container farming, the good news is that getting started is easier than you might think. Based on our extensive work, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Research and Planning: Identify your goals and target market (whether the farm is for your own internal use for use externally).
2. Site Selection: Determine where you’ll place your container farm.
3. Design and Customization: Work with experts to design a system tailored to your crops.
4. Installation and Setup: Install the necessary technology and grow systems.
5. Ongoing Management: Learn the day-to-day operations, or consider partnering with a management service.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our plug and grow container farms we manufacture and distribute from our warehouse in Toronto. 

It’s A Wrap: Why Container Farming is the Future of Agriculture

Container farming isn’t just a trend; we truly believe it’s a transformative approach to agriculture. It’s scalable, sustainable, and accessible. It’s the perfect solution for those looking to start a profitable farming operation or enhance their current setup, or build something that benefits their local community. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a community organization, or an established business, container farms offer a way to grow smarter, not harder.

At Just Vertical, we believe that container farming is the future, and we’re here to help you get started. Don’t let the initial learning curve deter you—the rewards are well worth it.

Ready to explore container farming further? Learn more about how our solutions can help you build a thriving container farm by visiting our container farms page.