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Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Journal of Environmental Management
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jenvman
Research article
Feasibility of using vertical farming in northern Iran: A multiple necessity
Zahra Akbari a, Arasto Yari Hesar a, Narges Siamian b, Christine Fürst c, Rando Värnik d,
Hossein Azadi e,*
aDepartment of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
bFaculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
cDepartment of Sustainable Landscape Development, Institute for Geosciences and Geography, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), German y
dInstitute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Chair of Rural Economics, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
eDepartment of Economics and Rural Development, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
ARTICLE INFO
Keywords:
Food security
Environmental crises
Sustainable agriculture
Strategic planning
ABSTRACT
Agricultural production in vertical farms (VF) will play a prominent role in preventing environmental crises, its
good governance and maintaining food security for everyone in the world. The ecological footprint in Guilan
province significantly exceeds its biological capacity, indicating considerable pressure on its natural resources
and ecosystems. This problem, which is mostly due to the use of traditional production methods in the agricul-
tural sector, requires a change in lifestyle and production methods. The purpose of the current research is the fea-
sibility of VF in Guilan province with the help of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)
model and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). After identifying internal factors (strengths and
weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) affecting production in VF, the necessary strategies
were determined and then prioritized using the QSPM matrix. Necessary information through written scientific
sources and survey studies based on key questions between two groups of professors of geography and rural plan-
ning, water resources engineering, soil, architecture and experts from the plant production department and the
head of the environment department, Jihad Agricultural Organization of Guilan province and the organization
Food hygiene was achieved. The statistical population participating in the survey was 30 people. The results of
the research showed that 7 strategies were formulated based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
and were prioritized based on the importance of four strategies in the QSPM table. The first priority for ensuring
food security in Guilan province is to focus on increasing agricultural productivity per unit area. This strategy is
crucial considering the challenges of low ownership and limited land availability in the region. Thus, enhancing
productivity per unit area should be given utmost priority to meet the food demands of the population. The ap-
propriate strategy for VF production in Guilan province is a competitive-aggressive strategy and being in this po-
sition requires attracting the necessary funds. This study fills research gaps by providing a comprehensive assess-
ment of the feasibility of vertical farming in Guilan province. The emphasis on methodology, strategic planning,
and addressing food security and environmental challenges contributes to the existing body of knowledge. By
highlighting the transferability and adaptability of the research findings, other researchers can utilize the meth-
ods and adapt the strategies to their own regions, promoting further research and advancement in the field of sus-
tainable agriculture.
1. Introduction
Population growth, diversity and complexity of socio-economic
need on the one hand and environmental constraints on the other, in-
troduced thinking based on planning and organizing the various affairs
of societies at both national and regional levels (Jalalian, 2017). The
importance of this category aimed at organizing and balancing spatial
growth and development and a tool for correcting regional inequalities
and the need to protect natural resources (Jalalian, 2017). In other
words, human and economic development in today's world has caused
environmental erosion and climate change (Wyckhuys et al., 2022).
These challenges cannot be solved with traditional approaches (Heidari
Sarban, 2019). The Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) has an-
nounced that the goals of the third millennium are meeting the nutri-
*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: hossein.azadi@uliege.com (H. Azadi).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120232
Received 4 April 2023; Received in revised form 17 January 2024; Accepted 24 January 2024
0301-4797/© 20XX
Note: Low-resolution images were used to create this PDF. The original images will be used in the final composition.
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Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
tional needs and improving the food security of humans (Svari and
Ghanian, 2019). According to the FAO forecast, the number of people
suffering from malnutrition is constantly increasing (Chiaranunt and
White, 2023).
Agriculture must become more sustainable to provide affordable
and healthy food at minimal environmental and social costs
(Helfenstein et al., 2022). However, as land resources for agriculture
dwindle, policymakers will have difficulty feeding the world's growing
population (Benke and Tomkins, 2017), which is estimated to increase
to 9.2 billion by 2050 (Taheri et al., 2017). Globally, urban areas are
growing at a faster rate than their population, potentially reducing en-
vironmental sustainability due to the encroachment of natural and agri-
cultural land (Li et al., 2022). This can have implications for food pro-
duction in urban areas, affecting the sustainability of production and
human health (Kalantari et al., 2017). The challenges that the agricul-
tural industry will face as a result of large population changes require
further efforts (Hosseini et al., 2021). As long as only traditional agri-
cultural methods are used to increase production and pursue commer-
cial goals, the sustainability of environmental resources will be chal-
lenged (Adem et al., 2020;Yu et al., 2022). According to the indicators
of the United Nations and the International Institute for Water Manage-
ment, Iran is on the verge of a severe water crisis (Agriculture, water
and food, 2016). Reducing the costs of setting up and maintaining irri-
gation systems has been a challenging issue for Iran and the world for a
long time (Zamani et al., 2020). Addressing the consequences of climate
change threats to agriculture and understanding its coping mechanisms
also require increasing the understanding of sustainable management
(Azadi et al., 2021). Global climate change, which is influenced by hu-
man lifestyles and misbehavior (Naskali et al., 2021), may make it diffi-
cult for everyone to progress to a world of food security and it exacer-
bates food shortages (von Braun, 2020).
Hence, Vertical Farms (VF) can be a new method of production,
making agricultural products available to everyone at reasonable prices
(Agriculture, water and food, 2016). This production method is a new,
dynamic, and ever-changing sector (Buttrini and Marcelis, 2019). This
method involves the production and growth of agricultural products
throughout structures (a skyscraper or an old warehouse) instead of cul-
tivation in the ground, which saves water and soil resources (Salim Mir
et al., 2022). The purpose of VF is to reduce the pressure on traditional
agricultural land through the use of soilless production systems
(Beacham et al., 2019). Hence, the emergence of VF as a new form of
green infrastructure for urban agriculture and horticulture has the po-
tential to increase sustainability (Ping Song et al., 2017). In recent
years, the interest of researchers to study this method has increased. For
example, Moghimi (2021) considered agricultural product manufactur-
ing in VF to be an innovative and forward-thinking sector with the goal
of environmental sustainability. By investigating the optimization
process of energy demand in VF, Avgoustaki and Xydis (2021) explored
changing the electric load to reduce the cost of lighting. Waller and
Gugganing (2021) suggested digital approaches that promote the broad
interaction of technology and emphasis on structured business innova-
tion in a pilot VF project. Radad (2019) found it necessary to comply
with the principles of location and design of the building body in this
production method.
In terms of social, environmental, economic, and sustainable devel-
opment, Rangelov and Staykova (2020) urged for a more all-
encompassing approach to the provision of raw materials and resources
in future cities. De et al. (2021) defined the fields as a protected habitat
for growing crops with vertical lines, precise lighting, nutrients, and
temperature.
Most of the studies have shown that this type of production method
for agricultural products has been proposed only in urban areas. These
studies, however, did not adequately address the greater issue of food
security in urban areas and did not take into account the expanding im-
portance of food systems. Most people live in cities, but most food sys-
tem studies (e.g., Dzanku, 2019;Rammohan et al., 2019;Nunes et al.,
2019) and food security issues focus on the rural poor.
Urban populations consume food differently from rural populations
since they are often richer and depend on trade for their food security,
which is measured by how well they are able to feed themselves (Ruel
et al., 2017). Cities typically lack the inherent ability to independently
meet their food requirements. This implies that the food consumed by
the city's population is sourced from its local agroecosystems (De Graef,
2019). According to Porter et al. (2014), output from remote regions,
both internal and external in terms of a state's authority, enhances a
city's food security. The results of this research can be a good reference
for research and development regarding the use of new production
methods in VF by increasing global knowledge. This is because this
method of producing agricultural products is still unknown in many
parts of the world, especially in countries that are suffering from lack of
land, lack of water resources, and lack of healthy and fertile soil for
food production. Many developing and developed countries, due to lack
of awareness and to achieve the goals of economic development and
food security, cause environmental erosion and climate change. There-
fore, VF can be a model of development and a solution to achieve sus-
tainability in the environment, economy, justice, and welfare for the
people of the world.
The present study suggests the use of VF as a new method of produc-
ing agricultural products in urban and rural areas of Guilan province.
The main reasons for this suggestion are the preservation of environ-
mental resources as well as the preservation of production and export
roles of smallholder farmers in Guilan province. This is because, by ac-
cepting the function of agricultural production, the urban areas of
Guilan province will reduce the biological pressure and damage to agri-
cultural lands in rural areas, and by maintaining food security, they will
provide the basis for sustainable development. The objective of the re-
gional network strategy is to foster the development of both the city
and the village, creating a symbiotic relationship where the city thrives
through the growth of the village, and vice versa. The best type of plan-
ning for cities and villages is to provide appropriate strategies for their
simultaneous development and progress. As a result, the present study
is different from others because it used the SWOT analytical model for
the feasibility of using the production method in VF in Guilan province
in Iran. In other words, with SWOT analysis in this study, the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting the production of agri-
cultural products in the new VF technique were identified and strategic
planning was done.
This study brings a novel contribution to the field of sustainable
agriculture by examining the feasibility of vertical farming in Guilan
province and addressing the pressing challenges of environmental
crises and food security. The novelty of this research lies in its inte-
grated approach, combining the SWOT analysis, Quantitative Strategic
Planning Matrix (QSPM), and stakeholder engagement to provide a
comprehensive assessment and prioritize strategies. Moreover, this
study fills a research gap by emphasizing the transferability of findings,
allowing other researchers to utilize the methodology and adapt the re-
sults to their own regions. By offering insights into the strategic plan-
ning of vertical farming and proposing solutions tailored to the local
context, this research opens new avenues for policymakers, planners,
farmers, producers, and investors to explore innovative approaches to
agricultural production while preserving environmental resources and
ensuring food security.
The introduction of this production method aims to verify the feasi-
bility and necessary solutions and strategies at the regional level of
Guilan province. Based on the main objectives of this research, the fol-
lowing questions are addressed:
1 How can the existing strengths in Guilan province be used to take
advantage of the opportunities facing production in the VF?
2
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Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
2 How can the weaknesses of vertical production be reduced to take
advantage of the opportunities before it?
3 How can external barriers to the goal be reduced by considering
internal strengths?
4 How can existing weaknesses be reduced to overcome the threats
facing the research?
To ensure the broader applicability of the methodology, this study
has drawn upon well-established principles and practices in the fields of
sustainable agriculture, strategic planning, and environmental assess-
ment. The approach is deeply rooted in the extensive body of literature
on sustainable agriculture and vertical farming. The research methodol-
ogy of this study has been developed by fundamental research con-
ducted by Smith et al. (2017),Gomez and Lopez (2020), and Zhang and
Li (2018), as well as other scholars' works. These sources provide a ro-
bust theoretical foundation for this study, which can serve as a valuable
resource for researchers seeking to apply similar strategies in different
regions. Moreover, the study has developed a flexible methodology that
considers the diverse factors within different agricultural landscapes,
allowing it to adapt to these variations. By highlighting the flexibility
and adaptability of this approach, the aim of this study is to encourage
researchers from various regions to apply this methodology as a refer-
ence point for their own investigations into sustainable agricultural
practices.
2. Theoretical framework
Ensuring the constant and regular availability of food is crucial to
global food security (Namany et al., 2020). Singh, 2019, the global
economy, including private and agricultural institutions, has faced un-
precedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic (World Bank,
2020). The outbreak has disrupted supply chains, restricted market ac-
cess, and led to economic downturns in various sectors. However,
amidst these challenges, new technologies have emerged as potential
catalysts for growth and resilience (United Nations, 2020). The adop-
tion of digital tools, remote working solutions, and e-commerce plat-
forms has helped businesses adapt to the changing landscape and miti-
gate the negative impact of the pandemic (World Economic Forum,
2021). Moreover, in the agricultural sector, advancements in precision
agriculture, automation, and data analytics have the potential to en-
hance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall
sustainability (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2021). By embrac-
ing these new technologies, private and agricultural institutions can not
only navigate the current crisis but also foster long-term growth and de-
velopment. Therefore, to provide global food until 2050, it is necessary
to change agricultural production methods (Md Saad et al., 2021) be-
cause production resources are decreasing (Avgoustaki and Xydis,
2020). VF is an emerging technology that focuses on organized business
innovation and seeks to achieve sustainable and secure food chains
(Waller and Gugganing, 2021;Buyukozkan et al., 2021). This method
of production should not be considered a substitute for the conven-
tional agricultural method but should be a way to reduce the amount of
pressure on environmental resources (Singh, 2019). There is no doubt
that VF is exciting and is gaining traction as a young and forward-
looking industry. Solving many of the problems of the current agricul-
tural sector in the world requires innovation and change in production
methods (Moghimi, 2021). Due to the low consumption of water, pesti-
cides, and chemical fertilizers, as well as high productivity, VF has re-
ceived a lot of attention around the world. In the method of food pro-
duction in VF, engineered growth environments are used (Hosseini et
al., 2021). Due to the protection of agricultural products from unpre-
dictable weather changes, production is possible throughout the year
(Bheemireddy and Joshi, 2021;van Gerrewey et al., 2022). VF will
have many effects on the agricultural sector. Some of the environmen-
tal, economic, and social effects of VF have been shown in Fig. 1. The
successful implementation of VF is contingent upon several factors, in-
cluding energy efficiency, enhanced profitability, and supportive public
policies within society (Van Delden et al., 2021). Furthermore, the pro-
duction process in vertical farms must account for various environmen-
tal, economic, social, institutional, and technical constraints and dri-
vers (Artmann and Sartison et al., 2018). These considerations play a
crucial role in optimizing the efficiency and sustainability of VF opera-
tions. By addressing these multifaceted aspects, stakeholders can foster
a conductive environment for VF, ensuring its long-term viability and
positive impact .
VF strategies are a type of controlled environmental agriculture
(CEA) that emerged in the 1700s and traditionally started in green-
houses (Despommier, 2019). All farms use one of the following three
systems (Hydroponics, Aeroponics, and Aquaponics) to supply plants
with nutrients (Despommier, 2019).
Hydroponics: The predominant system of crop growth in hydro-
ponic fields involves the growth of plants in soil-free nutrient solu-
tions. It signifies that the plant thrives on sand, clay, and stone that is
consistently hydrated and rich in minerals and nutrients. This method
is widely used by hundreds of thousands of commercial greenhouses
and VF around the world (Despommier, 2019).
Fig. 1. Environmental, economic, and social effects of vertical farms.
3
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Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
Fig. 2. Geographical location of Guilan province in Iran.
Aeroponics: In the 1990s, NASA sought to find efficient ways to
produce plants in space and coined the term “aeroponics”to describe
plants growing in air/fog without much soil and water. This system is
the most efficient plant breeding system for VF and consumes up to 90
% less water than the most efficient hydroponic systems. Plants grown
with this technique absorb more minerals and vitamins, resulting in
healthier plants (Despommier, 2019).
Aquaponics: It is a combined method that takes the hydroponic
system one step further and combines plants and fish in the same
ecosystem (Despommier, 2019). Factors such as plant type, production
system type, growth medium type, etc. are influential factors in the ef-
ficiency of these systems. Effective steps have been taken around the
world to invest in optimizing these factors in order to maximize their
efficiency (Safi Khani, 2019).
3. Methodology
3.1. Study area
Guilan province is located between the Alborz and Talesh mountain
ranges in the north of Iran and in the south of the Caspian Sea (Fig. 2). It
is located at 36 and 33ʹ to 38 and 27ʹ north latitude and 48 and 32ʹ
to 50 and 36ʹ east longitude of the meridian. Guilan province with an
area of 14,711 km2, 1,547,849 people in urban areas and 982,827 peo-
ple in rural areas, is ranked 12th in terms of population in Iran. This
province has 17 counties, 43 districts, and 2905 villages, of which 2567
villages have residents. In Guilan province, agricultural products are
cultivated with traditional farming techniques and greenhouse cultiva-
tion. These methods include the cultivation of vegetables and summer
crops, including cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and straw-
berries, as well as the cultivation of flowers and medicinal plants in soil-
based systems (Guilan Provincial Planning Deputy, 2016;Agricultural
Statistics, 2019). The main essential aims of Guilan province's land
management plan are economic, social, environmental, and regional
ecological balance in order to achieve sustainable spatial development
(Sarafi, 2017).
For the implementation of vertical agriculture, geographical, eco-
nomic, social, technical, institutional and environmental drivers and
limitations should be considered. The privileged geographical position
of Guilan province compared to other provinces of Iran that have faced
natural hazards such as drought and land subsidence in recent decades
has caused the population of this province to increase. Compared to
other hazards, land subsidence has less loss of life, but the bad conse-
quences left behind will directly affect human, industrial, agricultural
and civil development (Nasire Zare and Karam, 2023). The arrival of
immigrants often in the rural areas of Guilan province and asking for
land to build houses has caused the price of land to increase due to high
demand and changes in agricultural land (Molaei Hashjin and
Alinaghipour, 2021). Although the government of Iran is against the
unauthorized change of land use (Parsa et al., 2020), in some circum-
stances, the permitted land use change has reduced the amount of pro-
ductive land in the small Malik province of Guilan. The continuation of
this trend of self-reliance in the production of agricultural products en-
dangers the maintenance of food security and the export role and eco-
nomic growth of Guilan province.
In a situation where Guilan province is facing a shortage of produc-
tive land in order to achieve its development goals, its ecological foot-
print has increased to 1.9 times its biological capacity. In fact, the pres-
sure on natural resources is twice its capacity (Sarafi, 2017). Since one
of the important goals of producing agricultural products in VF is to
align development goals and plans with the environmental capacities of
each place, this study investigated the feasibility of production in VF to
empower the environmental resources of Guilan province.
As a result, production in VF as a young and forward-looking indus-
try in the villages and cities of Guilan province with the benefits of em-
powering environmental resources and increasing employment and sus-
tainable income, maintaining the rural population, preventing migra-
tion to cities and creating social problems, maintaining food security
and export role and the economic growth of the province can have a
positive effect on the decision of planners and investors to use this
method.
3.2. Data collection and analysis
The present study is applied research in terms of purpose and de-
scriptive research in terms of data collection. The required information
was obtained through documentary, library, and field studies. Docu-
mentary method has been used to explain the conceptual framework of
the research. Moreover, the method of completing documentary studies
was the field method and distribution of questionnaires. Experts' opin-
ions were used to select and categorize the most important internal and
external factors affecting the subject of the research. The question-
naire's validity was verified by experts, and its reliability was estab-
lished with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.89. The opinions of ex-
perts and professors were used for appropriate feasibility and providing
the necessary solutions for the production of agricultural products in
vertical farms.
This survey was conducted based on key questions among 30 people
including two groups of experts and professors. As shown in Table 1,
the survey participants encompassed individuals from various fields, in-
cluding geography, urban and rural planning, water engineering, soil
science, architecture, and agriculture. The type of questionnaire de-
signed for the research was a closed questionnaire that evaluated the
opinions of the statistical community. The validity of each parameter
was evaluated from the perspective of experts using the Likert scale, as
well as determining the significance coefficient of the relevant parame-
Table 1
Personal characteristics of the respondents.
Specifications Abundance Abundance
percentage
Age 20–40 9 30
41–60 19 63.33
+61 2 6.7
Gender Male 20 66.7
Female 10 33.33
Field of
study
Geography(urban and rural
planning group)
7 23.33
Water engineering 5 16.7
Soil engineering 5 16.7
Architectural engineering 5 16.7
Agriculture 8 26.7
Education Bachelor's 5 16.7
M.A. 8 26.7
Ph.D. 17 56.7
4
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Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
Table 2
Internal Factor Analysis Summary (IFAS) to production in VF in Guilan
province.
Internal Factor Normal
weight
Score Final
score
S1: Existence of regional, national, and international
demand-driven markets
0.2 4 0.8
S2: Small ownership and lack of productive lands for
production in Guilan province due to land use change
0.2 4 0.8
S3: Damage to fertile soil resources of Guilan province
due to excessive production pressure in the
conventional method and the use of pesticides
0.12 3 0.36
S4: The need to preserve water resources in Guilan
province to prevent landslide damage
0.12 3 0.36
S5: Lack of water resources in some parts of Guilan
province in the agricultural season
0.1 3 0.3
Sum 2.62
W1: Dependence of production in VF on technology and
limited access of Guilan province to this possibility at
present
0.2 2 0.4
W2: Lack of familiarity of all farmers with production
methods in this method (hydroponics, aeroponics,
aquaponics)
0.02 1 0.02
W3: New production method in vertical agriculture and
no similar sample in Guilan province
0.1 2 0.2
W4: Lack of seed production knowledge of greenhouse
crops
0.01 1 0.01
W5: Import of virus-infected seeds in some cases 0.01 1 0.01
0.64
Sum 1 3.26
Table 3
External Factor Analysis Summary (EFAS) to production in VF in Guilan
province.
External Factor Normal
weight
Score Final
score
O1: Increasing production per unit area instead of
worrying about increasing the area under cultivation
0.1 4 0.4
O2: Creating food quantity and quality security for the
current generation and preparing for the future
0.1 4 0.4
O3: Creating grounds for the elimination of agricultural
waste in production stages up to distribution
0.1 4 0.4
O4: Creating dynamic areas for innovation and
education in the field of agricultural production
0.08 3 0.24
O5: Creating beautiful landscapes for agricultural
production at the regional level in Guilan province
0.08 3 0.24
O6: Ability to produce and distribute cheaper products
by reducing intermediaries and the cost of
transportation and maintenance
0.1 4 0.4
O7: Increasing production volume and creating
opportunities for export and currency
0.1 4 0.4
O8: Creating the ground to maintain the initial quality
of products
0.06 3 0.18
O9: Possibility of creating various cultural educational
uses (plant restaurant, museum, and farm as an
educational class)
0.06 3 0.18
Sum 2.84
T1: Lack of support for the banking system by providing
low-interest facilities to farmers
0.06 2 0.12
T2: Failure to provide banking facilities at the
appropriate time
0.05 2 0.1
T3: Failure to create suitable opportunities for
repayment of facilities after the profitability of
products
0.03 1 0.03
T4: The arrival of powerful competitors 0.03 1 0.03
T5: Economic instability and problems attracting private
sector investor
0.05 2 0.1
0.38
Sum 1 3.22
ter, which ranged from "very low" to "very high" levels. SWOT matrix,
which is sometimes called TOWS, is a tool to identify the threats and
opportunities in the external environment of a system and to identify its
internal strengths and weaknesses in order to assess the situation and
develop a suitable strategy to guide it (Fateh Kabiri Koopai and
Amoshahi, 2017). To construct a matrix outlining strengths, weak-
nesses, opportunities and threats, the following steps should be taken:
1. Identifying the main strengths, weaknesses and creating a matrix
(IFE) to evaluate internal factors.
2. Identifying the main opportunities and threats and creating a
matrix (EFE) and evaluating external factors.
3. Compiling strategies and the formation of SWOT matrix of
threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths.
4. Drawing the internal-external matrix (EI) (Fateh Kabiri Koopai
and Amoshahi, 2017).
Creating the evaluation matrices for internal (IFE) and external
(EFE) factors by listing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats in separate tables. Then, assigning a weight to each factor ac-
cording to its significance within the system. Each parameter or factor
is given a weighting coefficient based on its importance in the system
between 0 (unimportant) and 1 (very important) and the numbers 1
and 2 for strengths and numbers 3 and 4 are used for scoring. Finally,
the total weighted score of the options is calculated, which should be
between 1 and 4 and its average is 2.5. If the score is less than 2.5, the
study area or system is weak, and if it is more than 2.5, the study area or
system has overall strength (Fateh Kabiri Koopai and Amoshahi, 2017).
SWOT analysis is used in most cases in the strategic planning phase
(Namugenyi et al., 2019). The coefficient of relevance for assessing and
comparing the total of strengths and weaknesses, as well as the sum of
opportunities and dangers, was examined. First, the validity of each pa-
rameter, which signifies the level of agreement among the sampled
population with respect to each parameter, was assessed. Subsequently,
the significance coefficient for these parameters was calculated based
on the average of the obtained values. Then, according to the impor-
tance coefficient of each parameter, the weight of each parameter was
obtained in comparison with other parameters of internal and external
factors, and in the next step, the validity of each parameter was deter-
mined. Finally, the total weight for internal and external factors was ob-
tained, which made it possible to compare quantitative strengths-
weaknesses and opportunities-threats.
Table 4 displays the strategies essential for the production of
agricultural goods in vertical farms with the aim of realizing objec-
tives such as ensuring food security and promoting environmental
sustainability. Then, determining the optimal strategy of vertical
farms in Guilan province was drawn using the total weight score of
the matrix of internal (IFE) and external factors (EFE), x and y axes
in Fig. 3. In the next step, the most important proposed strategies
based on SWOT analysis for prioritization based on QSPM were pre-
sented in Table 5. Prioritization of strategies extracted in this study
using the QSPM matrix was used to determine the attractiveness of
strategies. Table 6 shows the ultimate outcome of the strategy prior-
itization calculation, while Table 7 subsequently outlines the se-
lected tactics for this study in a sequential order. The data extrac-
tion was carried out using SPSS software, while the geographical
mapping of Guilan province was accomplished using GIS software.
4. Results
4.1. Internal effective factors (SW) in guilan province in for feasibility VF
Table 2 shows the results of the investigation of internal points af-
fecting VF requirements and provides necessary solutions for the sus-
tainability of environmental resources and food security in Guilan
5
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Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
Table 4
SWOT analysis.
Weakness:
W1: Dependence of production
in VF on technology and
limited access of Guilan
province to this possibility at
present
W2: Lack of familiarity of all
farmers with production
methods in this method
(hydroponics, aeroponics,
aquaponics)
W3: New production method
in vertical agriculture and no
similar sample in Guilan
province
W4: Lack of seed production
knowledge of greenhouse
crops
W5: Import of virus-infected
seeds in some cases
Strengths:
S1: Existence of regional,
national, and
international demand-
driven markets
S2: Small ownership and
lack of productive lands
for production in Guilan
province due to land use
change
S3: Damage to fertile soil
resources of Guilan
province due to
excessive production
pressure in the
conventional method
and the use of pesticides
S4: The need to preserve
water resources in
Guilan province to
prevent landslide
damage in the coming
years
S5: Lack of water
resources in some parts
of Guilan province in
the agricultural season
(SWOT QUADRUPLE
MATRIX)
Reviewing the
Vertical Farming in
Northern Iran: An
Environmental
Necessity or an
Option?
Table 4 (continued)
Diversity Strategy (ST):
Support of the banking system
by providing low-interest
facilities and suitable
repayment time for using
technology in production in a
new way (S2T1T2T3).
Formulation and
implementation of the
banking system protection law
by providing low-interest
facilities to farmers and
creating appropriate
repayment opportunities after
profitability, according to the
demand-driven markets
(S1T1T3)
Competitive-
Aggressive Strategy
(SO):
Emphasis on the
production of
agricultural products per
unit area due to small
ownership and lack of
productive lands in
Guilan province in order
to maintain food
security (S2O1)
Emphasis on increasing
production volume and
using regional and
national export and
exchange opportunities
(S1O7)
Opportunities:
O1: Increasing
production per unit
area instead of
worrying about
increasing the area
under cultivation
O2: Creating food
quantity and quality
security for the
current generation
and preparing for the
future
O3: Creating grounds
for the elimination of
agricultural waste in
production stages up
to distribution
O4: Creating dynamic
areas for innovation
and education in the
field of agricultural
production
O5: Creating beautiful
landscapes for
agricultural
production at the
regional level in
Guilan province
O6: Ability to produce
and distribute cheaper
products by reducing
intermediaries and
the cost of
transportation and
maintenance
O7: Increasing
production volume
and creating
opportunities for
export and currency
O8: Creating the
ground to maintain
the initial quality of
products
O9: Possibility of
creating various
cultural educational
uses (vegetarian
restaurant, museum,
and farm as an
educational class)
Defensive Strategies (WT):
Compensating the dependence
of production in VF on
technology by providing low-
interest and timely banking
facilities (W1T1T2).
Review Strategies
(WO):
Review of production
methods and training of
farmers in the
production method in
VFs by creating dynamic
areas for innovation and
training of production
(W2O4)
By using technology and
advanced technology in
vertical agriculture, it is
possible to prevent the
production of waste
while maintaining the
quality of products
(W1O3O8)
Threats:
T1: Lack of support for
the banking system by
providing low-interest
facilities to farmers
T2: Failure to provide
banking facilities at
the appropriate time
T3: Failure to create
suitable opportunities
for repayment of
facilities after the
profitability of
products
T4: The arrival of
powerful competitors
T5: Economic
insecurity and
difficulties in
recruiting private-
sector investors
6
CORRECTED PROOF
Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
Fig. 3. Conceptual model of the study (adapted from Harisudin et al., 2022).
Table 5
Selected solution.
Row Selected Strategies
1Emphasis on the production of agricultural products per unit area due to the
small ownership and lack of productive lands in Guilan province in order to
maintain food security
2Emphasis on increasing production volume and using regional, national, and
international export and exchange opportunities
3By using technology and advanced technology in vertical agriculture, it is
possible to prevent the production of waste while maintaining the quality of
products
4Support of the banking system by providing low-interest facilities and suitable
repayment time for using technology in production in a new way
province. According to the statistics of the agricultural statistics in
2019, Guilan province is the sixth province in Iran in the production
of horticultural products due to its favorable geographical location
and fertile soil. In addition to other parts of Iran, agricultural prod-
ucts of this province are supplied to countries such as Russia, Kaza-
khstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, China, India, Iraq, and Viet-
nam. However, despite issues such as agricultural land use change,
population growth, the high average age of farmers, and predicting
the damage of environmental resources in the coming years, main-
taining the production and export roles of Guilan province is far from
the mind. Therefore, it is necessary to have a new approach to the
production of agricultural products along with a common method to
reduce excessive pressure on environmental resources. The availabil-
ity of regional, national, and worldwide demand-driven marketplaces
has been scored 4 by respondents in the research of internal variables
impacting VF production, which has been presented as a new way of
production in this study. Due to the high demand for property in the
villages and the alteration in the usage of these lands, the tiny owner-
ship of agricultural lands in Guilan province has continued to decline
over the past ten years. Consequently, the dearth of land in Guilan
province may be one of the major factors influencing class produc-
tion. According to the respondents, this factor is placed fourth as a
factor and a strong point in the case. An effect grade of 3 has been as-
signed to damage to Guilan province's rich soil resources caused by
high production pressure using conventional and traditional methods
as well as excessive fertilizer and pesticide use. Due to the crisis of
water resources in Iran and the influx of population from different
places to the northern provinces, especially Guilan province, in order
to preserve water resources and revive groundwater aquifers, new
methods of agricultural production should be used more than the cur-
rent methods. Therefore, Guilan province should think about mea-
sures to conserve water resources in order to avoid scarcity and future
land subsidence, both of which have an effect rating of 4. The limit-
ing factors that exist as a weakness in the region will be overcome
through investment, education, and promotion. Among these, the re-
spondents gave the VF manufacturing method's reliance on cutting-
edge technology, which is reliant on resources and knowledge, a rat-
ing of 2. The next factor is the lack of familiarity of Guilan province
farmers with production in hydroponic, aeroponics, and aquaponics
methods. Of course, according to the Guilan province Agricultural Or-
ganization, greenhouse owners in the province are familiar with the
hydroponic production method and have produced agricultural prod-
ucts. According to the respondents, this factor has an impact rating of
2. The reason for the novelty of the production method in VF and lack
of a similar sample in Guilan province is the weakness of the research
with an impact rating of 2, which should be given to farmers by agri-
cultural promoters. Lack of knowledge regarding seed production for
greenhouse crops with an impact rating of 1 is a significant problem
not only in the province of Guilan but also on a national and interna-
tional scale. Such knowledge can be produced in Iran with the neces-
sary assistance from knowledge-based businesses. Severe food injus-
tice in the world is partly due to costly monopolies on seeds, forcing
the farmers to accept the terms of seed companies (Nelson, 2021).
In some rare cases, the seeds of greenhouse crops enter the country
through illegal inputs. More monitoring should be done to prevent pos-
sible damage to crops by injecting seeds infected with various viruses. A
factor of internal weakness and having an influence on the goal of the
current study is the entry of infected seeds into different viruses, which
has an impact rating of 1.
4.2. External effective factors (OT) in guilan province for feasibility VF
Table 3 shows the results of the examination of the external points
affecting the requirements of VF and provides the necessary solutions
to the sustainability of environmental resources and food security in
Guilan province. Concerns about lack of agricultural land, deforesta-
tion, and also excessive pressure on fertile lands in Guilan province can
be eliminated by production in VF, which according to respondents, is
ranked 4th. Agricultural production in this new way can lead to the
production of sufficient and healthy food for the current generation as
well as preparation for the coming decades, which has become an im-
portant factor for the respondents. In the common method of produc-
tion, for various reasons, the waste of agricultural products, from the
farm to the final consumer, is high. Production in VF and distribution of
products at the production site to customers at the regional level do not
require transportation and do not damage products. This factor has
been rated 4 as an opportunity for research. The two factors of develop-
ing dynamic places for innovation and education in agricultural pro-
duction, as well as building magnificent regional landscapes in Guilan
province, as desirable prospects ahead, get a grade of 3. In the common
method of production and distribution of agricultural products, the
producer does not achieve the desired and real productivity resulting
from the production and sale of products. The final consumer gets the
product at a price many times the price sold by the producer. This price
difference is due to the addition of the product's transfer costs to the de-
mand markets and the impact of its intermediaries. These problems in
the production method of VF are reduced to a minimum or zero by
eliminating unnecessary intermediaries, which has an impact rating of
4. By producing agricultural products using this cultivation method
along with conventional cultivation, export and exchange opportuni-
ties for Guilan province are maintained and increased by increasing the
production volume, which has an impact rating of 4. Also, the produc-
tion of agricultural products in this method is done at a regional level
7
CORRECTED PROOF
Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
Table 6
Quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM).
Internal and
external factors
Significance
factor
Strategy 1 Strategy 2 Strategy 3 Strategy 4
Emphasis on the production of
agricultural products per unit area due
to the small ownership and lack of
productive lands in Guilan province in
order to maintain food security.
Emphasis on increasing
production volume and using
regional and national export
and exchange opportunities.
By using technology and advanced
technology in vertical agriculture, it
is possible to prevent the production
of waste while maintaining the
quality of products.
Support of the banking system by
providing low-interest facilities
and suitable repayment time for
using technology in production in
a new way.
Attraction coefficient score Attraction
coefficient
Score Attraction coefficient score Attraction coefficient score
Strengths S1 0.2 4 0.8 4 0.8 4 0.8 4 0.8
S2 0.2 4 0.8 4 0.8 4 0.8 4 0.8
S3 0.12 4 0.48 3 0.36 3 0.36 4 0.48
S4 0.12 4 0.48 3 0.36 3 0.36 4 0.48
S5 0.1 4 0.4 3 0.3 3 0.3 4 0.4
Week points W1 0.2 2 0.4 2 0.4 2 0.4 2 0.4
W2 0.02 1 0.02 1 0.02 1 0.02 1 0.2
W3 0.1 1 0.1 1 0.1 1 0.1 1 0.1
W4 0.01 1 0.01 1 0.01 1 0.01 1 0.1
W5 0.01 1 0.01 1 0.01 1 0.01 1 0.01
Opportunities O1 0.1 4 0.4 4 0.4 3 0.3 4 0.1
O2 0.1 4 0.4 4 0.4 4 0.4 4 0.1
O3 0.1 4 0.4 3 0.3 4 0.4 4 0.4
O4 0.08 3 0.24 3 0.24 3 0.24 3 0.24
O5 0.08 3 0.24 3 0.24 3 0.24 3 0.24
O6 0.1 4 0.4 4 0.4 4 0.4 3 0.3
O7 0.1 4 0.4 4 0.4 4 0.4 3 0.3
O8 0.06 4 0.24 3 0.18 4 0.24 4 0.24
O90.06 3 0.18 3 0.18 3 0.18 3 0.18
Threats T10.06 2 0.12 2 0.12 2 0.12 2 0.12
T20.05 2 0.10 2 0.1 1 0.05 2 0.1
T30.03 2 0.06 1 0.03 1 0.05 2 0.06
T40.03 1 0.03 1 0.03 1 0.03 2 0.06
T50.05 2 0.1 2 0.1 1 0.05 2 0.06
Total
point
1–6.9 –6.28 –6.35 –5.67
Table 7
Prioritizing selected strategies.
Selected Strategies Score
attractiveness
strategies
Priority
Strategy 1: Emphasis on the production of agricultural
products per unit area due to the small ownership
and lack of productive lands in Guilan province in
order to maintain food security
6.9 1
Strategy 2: Emphasis on increasing production volume
and using regional, national, and international export
and exchange opportunities
6.28 3
Strategy 3: By using technology and advanced
technology in vertical agriculture, it is possible to
prevent the production of waste while maintaining
the quality of products
6.35 2
Strategy 4: Support of the banking system by providing
low-interest facilities and suitable repayment time for
using technology in production in a new way
5.67 4
based on the estimation of customers' demand, and the transportation
of goods reaches a minimum and zero. The initial quality of agricul-
tural products in the vertical production method will be maintained
more than in the traditional method, and this feature has been rated 3
by the respondents. Production in VF at the regional level of Guilan
province, in addition to the favorable opportunities mentioned, creates
the possibility of creating various cultural, educational, and recre-
ational uses, which has an impact rating of 3. Among them is the sup-
port of the banking system by providing low-interest facilities to farm-
ers and not providing them at the right time, which has an impact rat-
ing of 2. In most cases, the facilities provided are paid with high-
interest rates and not when necessary. It is preferable to consider repay-
ment of the facility after the profitability stage, taking into account the
essential potential for farmers. So, producers have the ability to com-
pete with powerful partners while remaining in the production sector.
It is clear that in conditions of economic or political instability and in-
security, investing in uncertain productivity is not acceptable to pri-
vate, corporate, and even public sector investors. The government
should have supportive and facilitative roles in production, as well as a
favorable overseer in this regard, and setting aside the role of the inter-
vener. This issue has a 2 impact rating as a factor endangering the new
manufacturing strategy, which should be favorable a condition in such
situations to attract the necessary capital.
4.3. SWOT strategies
In the current research, the internal (strengths and weaknesses) and
external (opportunities and threats) effective factors were investigated
using the SWOT analytical model for the feasibility of using the new VF
method in the production of agricultural products in Guilan province.
In order to identify strategic points and formulate the necessary solu-
tions or strategies, the model was quantified and the factors with the
highest weight points were extracted from Tables 2 and 3 The weighted
points of each of the four factors of strengths, weaknesses, opportuni-
ties, and threats are in Tables 2 and 3 The total weighted scores of
strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats were 2.62, 2.84, 0.64,
and 0.38, respectively. Therefore, the importance of the existing
strengths and the opportunities ahead of the study will be greater than
the existing weaknesses and threats and their effectiveness will be
higher. Table 4 presents the proposed strategies in the form of competi-
tive-aggressive strategies (SO), diversification strategy (ST), review
strategy (WO), and defensive strategy (WT).
8
CORRECTED PROOF
Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
4.3.1. Competitive aggressive strategies (SO)
1 Emphasis on the production of agricultural products per unit area
due to small ownership and lack of productive lands in Guilan
province in order to maintain food security.
2 Emphasis on increasing production volume and using regional
and national export and exchange opportunities.
4.3.2. Diversification strategy (ST)
1 Given the smallholder ownership and limited available land for
ensuring food security in Guilan province, it is crucial for the
banking system to assist farmers by promptly offering low-interest
facilities and establishing favorable opportunities for repayment
(S2T1T2T3).
2 The formulation and implementation of the banking system
protection law are essential, involving the provision of low-
interest facilities to farmers and the creation of suitable
repayment opportunities, driven by the existence of demand-
driven markets and subsequent profitability (S1T1T3).
4.3.3. Review strategy (WO)
1 Review of production methods and training of farmers in the
production method in VFs by creating dynamic areas for
innovation and training of production (W2O4).
2 By using technology and advanced technology in vertical
agriculture, it is possible to prevent the production of waste while
maintaining the quality of products (W1O3O8).
4.3.4. Defensive strategy (WT)
1 Compensating the dependence of production in VF on technology
by providing low-interest and timely banking facilities (W1T1T2).
4.4. Internal-external matrix (IE)
At this stage, based on the final scores obtained from the evaluation
matrix of internal and external factors, the position of Guilan province
for the production of agricultural products in VF among the four strate-
gies (competitive-aggressive, diversification, review and defensive) is
extracted. Accordingly, in the evaluation table of the Internal Factor
Matrix (IFE), the total weight score obtained is 3.26 and the total
weight score of the External Factor Matrix (EFE) is 3.22. Therefore, in
the current research, in line with the goal ahead, the importance of op-
portunities and strengths will be far greater than threats and weak-
nesses, and their effectiveness will be greater. Then, in this step, these
numbers are drawn on the X and Y axes to show the position according
to all the factors in the graph. According to the obtained results, the po-
sition of Guilan province is in a competitive-aggressive position (SO)
that by investing in the existing strengths, maximum exploitation of the
opportunities in front of the target can be obtained.
According to the scores obtained from the effective internal and ex-
ternal factors in this research, the optimal strategy in the feasibility of
the new approach to the production of agricultural products in Guilan
province is the competitive-aggressive strategy based on Fig. 4. There-
fore, in Guilan province, the existing strengths and upcoming opportu-
nities should be used to achieve self-reliance and food security and
maintain the province's export position at the national and interna-
tional levels, while strengthening environmental resources. Accord-
ingly, the most important suggested strategies based on SWOT analysis
for prioritization based on QSPM are presented in Table 5.
Fig. 4. Position of the optimal strategy for production in VF in Guilan province.
4.5. Quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM)
The QSPM is an analytical tool used to evaluate the feasibility and
prioritize the chosen strategies. This requires accurate judgment,
knowledge, and expertise (Budihardjo et al., 2023). This analytical tool
is used to facilitate decision making or problem solving process (Mallick
et al., 2020). In prioritizing strategies using the QSPM matrix, the most
common technique to evaluate strategic options is the quantitative
planning matrix. In addition, this quantitative planning matrix is used
to determine the attractiveness of strategies. This technique determines
which of the selected strategic options is feasible and in fact, prioritizes
these strategies (Raisi et al., 2020). Decisions about acceptable strate-
gies in planning are made using scientific analysis and intuitive judg-
ment (Raisi et al., 2020). The QSPM matrix incorporated factors such as
normalized weight, Attractiveness Score (AS), and Total Attractiveness
Score (TAS). The AS was rated on a scale of 1–4, with 1 indicating "not
attractive", 2 for "less attractive", 3 for "moderate", and 4 for "very at-
tractive," as defined by Budihardjo et al. (2021). The ultimate outcomes
of the strategy prioritization, as determined using the QSPM model, are
provided in Table 6.
Table 7 reveals that four of the tactics chosen for the study are
ranked first, third, second, and fourth, respectively. The strategy of
emphasizing the production of products per unit area is the first prior-
ity due to the small ownership of farmers and lack of agriculturally
productive lands in Guilan province in order to maintain food security.
Emphasis on increasing production volume and using export and ex-
change opportunities of Guilan province and Iran was the third prior-
ity. Also, the use of advanced technology in VF to maintain product
quality and prevent waste production was the second priority, and sup-
port of technology in the production of new methods by providing low-
interest and timely banking facilities was the third priority.
5. Discussions
Due to the increase in environmental crises in the world, farmers
and producers must be able to produce healthy food products while
maintaining the sustainability of environmental resources. In order to
achieve food security, welfare, and a sustainable environment, sustain-
able economic development models are needed. Song et al. (2022) ex-
amined vegetable production, resource efficiency, and environmental
performance in advanced and conventional technology agricultural sys-
tems for urban agriculture in tropical Singapore. Derikvand et al.
(2023) stated that in order to ensure the food security of the expanding
9
CORRECTED PROOF
Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
population of urban settlements and the sustainable development of
these communities, variables affecting new production systems are
needed. Ending the global crises of malnutrition and hunger, according
to Beyene Chichaibelu et al. (2021), requires investment and ongoing
support for agricultural productivity. According to Table 2, the effec-
tive internal factors for feasibility, proposing the necessary solutions
and strategies for VF in Guilan province, five strong points with a final
score of 2.62, and five weak points with a final score of 0.64 were ob-
tained. On the other hand, according to Table 3, the external factors af-
fecting the goal are nine opportunities with a final score of 2.84 and five
threats with a final score of 0.38. These final scores were obtained from
the product of the normal weight of each factor in the score given by
the respondents to the internal and external factors. In order to identify
strategic points and formulate the necessary solutions or strategies, the
factors with the highest scores were extracted from Tables 2 and 3 The
total weighted scores of strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and
threats were 2.62, 2.84, 0.64, and 0.38, respectively. The importance of
the existing strengths and the opportunities ahead of the study is
greater than the internal weaknesses and the threats ahead, and there-
fore, their effectiveness will be greater. Then, the proposed strategies of
the study, in the form of competitive-offensive strategies (SO), diversifi-
cation strategies (ST), revision strategies (WO), and defensive strategies
(WT) were presented in Table 4. Therefore, for the competitive-
offensive strategy (SO), two strategies, for the diversification strategy
(ST), two strategies, for the review strategy (WO) and finally one strat-
egy was set for the defensive strategy. In the next step, to evaluate the
success of the strategies, the total score of internal and external factors
was extracted. In Table 2, the total weight score of the internal factors
matrix was 3.26 and in Table 3, the total weight score of the external
factors matrix was 3.22. Therefore, in examining the feasibility of using
VF in Guilan province, the importance and effectiveness of strengths
and opportunities, based on the opinion of experts, were more than
weaknesses and threats. Fig. 4 shows the location of optimal strategies
for production in VF in Guilan province, which is an aggressive strat-
egy. In line with this optimal strategy, 4 suggested strategies based on
SWOT analysis for prioritization based on the SQPM model were pre-
sented in Table 5. The prioritization of strategies was done using the
SQPM matrix, based on the evaluation of strategic options and the de-
termination of the attractiveness of the strategies used in the decision-
making stage, which is presented in Table 6. Finally, Table 7 shows that
the four selected tactics are ranked first, third, second, and fourth, re-
spectively.
Conducting research in various fields necessitates not only the
knowledge and abilities of researchers but also diverse circumstances
and facilities, as well as the demands of the study subject. Hence, this
study also has limitations like other studies. The fact that Guilan
province has atmospheric precipitation and fertile soil has created the
idea that traditional methods of production, in addition to maintaining
the role of food security and export, can also maintain the necessary re-
sources for future generations. The environmental constraints and the
ecological footprint (1.9 times the biocapacity) in Guilan's smallholder
province are indicative of an environmental resource crisis, primarily
resulting from excessive reliance on the land for production. This issue
requires a change in lifestyle and the way agricultural products are pro-
duced. In other words, one of the current limitations that must be in-
formed and expanded by planners and the creative community is a lack
of attention to natural resources and their sustainability. Of course, the
respondents' opinions about this effect are positive and in favor of using
vertical green infrastructure to achieve economy, well-being, and a sus-
tainable environment. Also, the limited knowledge and expertise of pro-
duction in the method of production in VF in Guilan province are one of
the limitations that can be overcome by the efforts of agricultural pro-
moters.
Factors can be generalized by considering their applicability and rel-
evance beyond the specific study area. In this study, the feasibility of
vertical farming in Guilan province is examined. While the findings are
region-specific, the underlying factors and considerations identified can
be extrapolated to other areas sharing similar characteristics and chal-
lenges. To generalize the factors, it is important to understand the com-
monalities and similarities between different regions. Researchers can
adapt and modify the research methodology employed in the study to
suit their own region. This involves collecting region-specific data, con-
ducting surveys or interviews with local experts, and employing analyt-
ical tools or frameworks that are appropriate for the particular context.
By making these adaptations, researchers can generate data and in-
sights that can be generalized and applied to other regions. It is crucial
to acknowledge the limitations and specificities of each study and avoid
overgeneralization without considering the unique characteristics of
different regions. Researchers should conduct comparative analyses,
validate findings with local stakeholders, and ensure that the proposed
strategies are adapted to the specific context of the region of interest. By
considering these factors and conducting further research and valida-
tion in different regions, researchers can contribute to the generalizabil-
ity and broader applicability of the findings, facilitating the implemen-
tation of sustainable agricultural practices such as vertical farming in
various contexts.
6. Conclusions
In today's world, the imperative to adapt economic, social, and envi-
ronmental dimensions of development to environmental conditions ne-
cessitates a shift in production and consumption patterns based on envi-
ronmental resources. Sustainable development, with its focus on multi-
dimensional growth and environmental preservation, provides a frame-
work to achieve economic progress without compromising other areas
such as the environment. The production of agricultural products using
new methods, such as VF, emerges as a vital strategy to prevent envi-
ronmental crises and ensure the availability of resources for future gen-
erations.
This study proposes VF as an environmentally friendly approach to
agricultural production in Guilan province, following comprehensive
feasibility studies. It is important to note that VF is not intended to re-
place traditional methods but rather to alleviate the pressure on envi-
ronmental resources. In the context of Guilan province in recent years,
the inheritance law and the tourism industry, as well as drought and
land subsidence in other provinces and migration to this province, have
caused an increase in land demand, a change in the use of agricultural
land, and a lack of productive land. Therefore, to achieve sustainable
development goals, the infrastructure and production factors of VF
must operate at their highest possible levels to enhance profitability
and efficiency.
The sixth development plan of Iran (2017–2021) recognizes the im-
portance of greenhouse development in increasing production, ensur-
ing food security, promoting agricultural exports, generating sustain-
able employment, and improving water resource efficiency. Conse-
quently, planning and investment in this sector are crucial. Addressing
the research questions posed in this study, several solutions have been
proposed. Firstly, supporting farmers through low-interest financial fa-
cilities and repayment opportunities can alleviate the challenges of lim-
ited ownership and land availability for production and food security in
the province. Additionally, the formulation and implementation of pro-
tective banking system laws, offering low-interest facilities and repay-
ment options based on market demand, can further support farmers.
In order to achieve greater productivity in agricultural production,
it is necessary to attract capital from public, private, and participatory
sectors. Strategies to facilitate community investment and achieve self-
sufficiency in seed production for greenhouse crops should be explored
in future research. Given the significant changes in agricultural land use
and the need to reduce rice imports, further investigation into the con-
ditions and requirements of rice production in new ways is warranted.
10
CORRECTED PROOF
Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
Similarly, a study on animal feed production in Guilan province can
contribute to self-reliance, reasonable pricing, and import reduction in
the livestock breeding sector.
Finally, this research provides valuable insights into the feasibility
and strategic planning of VF in Guilan province, highlighting the signif-
icance of sustainable agricultural practices for environmental preserva-
tion and food security. The recommendations put forth in this study
serve as a starting point for policymakers, investors, and researchers to
address the challenges and seize the opportunities in implementing VF.
Future research directions include exploring strategies for attracting in-
vestment, achieving seed self-sufficiency, investigating new approaches
to rice production, and enhancing animal feed production. By pursuing
these avenues, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosper-
ous agricultural sector in Guilan province and beyond.
Consent to participate
All authors contributed equally to the preparation of this manu-
script.
Consent to publish
All authors have read the manuscript and agree to its publication.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest
There is no conflict of interest.
Research involving human participants and/or animals
None.
Informed consent
All authors have read the manuscript and agreed to its submission.
Ethical approval
None.
Uncited references
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Zahra Akbari: Writing –original draft. Arasto Yari Hesar: Super-
vision, Validation. Narges Siamian: Writing –review & editing.
Christine Fürst: Writing –review & editing. Rando Värnik: Writing –
review & editing. Hossein Azadi: Writing –review & editing.
Declaration of competing interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influ-
ence the work reported in this paper.
Data availability
Data will be made available on request.
Appendice 1.
Table A1
. Some vertical farms in different countries of the world and their main products
United State
(USA)
Aero farms, Plenty unlimited, Bowery farming, Freight farms, Bright farms, Sananbio, Growpod solution, Green
sense farms, 4DBios inc,Vertical Harvest, Vertical Roots
Australian Vertical farm system, Stacked Farm, Urban Green Farms, Vertical Pastures
Belgium Crop solutions, PLNT, Smart Farmers
China Noonty, Sananbio
Emirates Badia, Crop one,Themar Al Emarat, Veggitech Farm
England Jonse food, Vertical farmers, Plant lab, Square Mile Farms, Growing Underground
Finland Valoya, iFarm
France Agricool, Infarm, Refarmers, LaCaverne, Tower Farm
Germany Infarm, Agrilution systems, Ecf farm Berlin, Osram
Japan Spread
Kuwait Nox management, Hydroponic
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Z. Akbari et al. Journal of Environmental Management xxx (xxxx) 120232
Netherlands One farm, Growx, Urban farmers, Plant lab, Floating Farm
Scotland Growth solutions, Vertegrow
Singapore Sky greens, Comcrop, Citiponics urban farm, Grobix
South Korea Nexton
Sweden Agrilution
Taiwan Yeshealth ifarm, Everlight electronics, Sky Greens
Thailand Nobitter, Wangree fresh
Source: Research findings
Table A1 shows some of the most well-known vertically oriented agricultural companies in the United States, European countries, Asia and Australia will the goal of
dealing will the problems caused by devastating earthquakes and tsunamis (Japan), lack of land and fertile soil, agricultural production, conservation they operate
food security, import reduction and environmental sustainability.
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