Honoring Dr. Dickson Despommier and His Legacy in Vertical Farming
February 14, 2025 Earlier this month, Dickson Despommier, Ph.D., a scientist, professor, and advocate for vertical farming, passed away. Regarded as the “father of vertical farming,” Dr. Despommier revolutionized the CEA industry when he published his 2010 book “The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century.”
After reading Dr. Despommier’s book, many were fascinated by the idea of towering vertical farms providing urban cities with food, fresh air, and other environmental benefits. While some viewed his work as theory, others internalized it as a call to action.
“There is no single person who has had a greater influence on vertical farming than Dr. Dickson Despommier,” Henry Gordon-Smith, CEO and founder of Agritecture, wrote in a LinkedIn post. “His book launched a global frenzy, and his visionary thinking propelled the industry forward.”
In addition to his book, Dr. Despommier helped establish the Association for Vertical Farming in 2013 and hosted “Urban Agriculture,” a podcast that gave vertical farming a voice. His ideas sparked a movement across the industry, and his loss is felt by growers, researchers, and business owners alike.
“It’s because of Dickson Despommier’s vision for vertical farming that I drastically changed my life in 2012,” Zjef Van Aker, communication manager at Wooncoop, shared on LinkedIn. “Instead of walking the traditional path after finishing my studies, I went on a professional adventure that changed me to the core. I cannot thank him enough for that.”
For more information about Dr. Despommier and his impact on vertical farming, you can read Henry Gordon-Smith’s tribute on LinkedIn.