World's First Vertical Farm to be built in Las Vegas

As probably the most visited tourist attraction in the Western World (although Disney is quite a contender as well), Las Vegas is known for being one of the most consumptive and energy-wasting cities in the world. However, Nevada State officials want to turn that image around. They have announced plans to build the World’s first vertical farm; a $200 million dollar project designed to be a functional and profitable working farm growing enough food to feed 72,000 people for a year.

Currently, approximately 80% of the available farm land throughout the world and 60% of the earth’s population lives near or in an urban environment. Under the idea that “local is better”, the logical choice for farming is to develop where the environment can be controlled and distribution can be localized.

The vertical tower would sustain proper, controlled growing environments for approximately 100 different crops. The products would then be sold and distributed directly to the hotel properties throughout the city, making it an extremely credible addition to the Vegas experience.

Projected annual revenue tops off at $25 million from produce and another $15 million from tourists (the unique 30 story structure will certainly be a site to see) making the business itself equal in profitability as any of its neighboring casinos. The project hopes to open its doors by the middle of 2010.

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