수직농장의 운영 실태와 정책과제

Abstract

수직농장은 최근 기후위기와 농업의 노동력 부족 등 대내·외 환경변화에 적극적인 대응 방안 중 하나이며 중요한 성장 동력원으로 주목받고 있다. 하지만 수직농장은 현행법으로 농업시설로 인정되지 않으며, 인위적 환경조성을 통한 농산물 생산 체계로 인한 갈등 요인 등 면밀한 개념 정립과 발전과제를 살펴볼 필요가 있다. 이 연구는 식물공장 등 수직농장의 개념을 명확히 살펴보고, 우리나라와 해외의 수직농장 운영 현황과 실태 및 문제점을 분석하여 수직농장의 발전을 위한 과제와 방향을 제시하고자 하였다.

Purpose of Research ○A plant factory represents an advanced approach to agriculture, employing sophisticated technology within a greenhouse to regulate the growing environment. Within this context, a vertical farm, characterized by multi-level indoor cultivation, serves as a specific type of plant factory. It represents the next wave of agricultural innovation, leveraging advanced environmental control systems to enhance both yield and quality in an automated farming setting.

○Smart farms and plant factories represent proactive responses to the evolving landscape of agriculture, including challenges such as climate change and labor shortages. They are increasingly viewed as a promising new growth engine. Recently, the government has announced its ‘New Growth 4.0 Strategy 2023 Implementation Plan and Yearly Plan’. This initiative includes the announcement of plans outlined in the ‘Roadmap’ to establish an urban complex vertical farm by 2027 and to facilitate the development of large-scale smart farms led by the private sector.

(For more information, please refer to the report.)