Certified Sustainable. Standards Board
Consultation: Review into Certification of Sustainable Indoor Farming
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Exploring certification pathways for sustainable indoor farming
The Certified Sustainable Standards Review Board is reviewing how indoor farming systems may be considered under the Certified Sustainable Standard.
Indoor farming is an evolving method of food production that uses enclosed or controlled environments to manage growing conditions such as temperature, light, humidity, nutrients, pests and water use. These systems may include greenhouses, hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, vertical farming and other controlled environment agriculture methods.
As indoor farming continues to grow in Australia and internationally, CSSB is seeking feedback from producers, processors, service providers, researchers, industry bodies and other stakeholders to help inform future certification guidance.
About indoor farming
Indoor farming refers to food production that takes place within a structure or facility where growing conditions can be monitored, managed or controlled.
This may include soil-based systems, soil-less systems, hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, plant factories, vertical farms and protected cropping environments such as greenhouses.
Indoor farming can support more reliable fresh produce supply, reduce exposure to extreme weather, improve water efficiency, and enable production closer to urban and regional communities.
Why this review matters
Indoor farming has the potential to support more sustainable food production by improving access to fresh produce, reducing pressure on arable land, lowering water use, and limiting the need for some agricultural chemicals.
However, indoor farming also raises important sustainability questions. These include energy use, growing media, waste management, circular economy practices, input materials, food safety, audit requirements and the availability of appropriately trained auditors.
CSSB is reviewing these opportunities and challenges to determine whether amendments, guidance materials or certification pathways may be required under the Certified Sustainable Standard.
Sustainability opportunities
Indoor farming may contribute to sustainable food production in several ways:
Fresh produce access
Indoor farms can be located closer to consumers, including in urban, regional and remote settings. This may help improve access to fresh produce where traditional supply chains are limited or vulnerable.
Water and land efficiency
Many indoor farming systems use significantly less water than conventional field production. They can also produce food in smaller or more flexible spaces, including warehouses, rooftops, greenhouses and other controlled environments.
Reduced chemical use
Controlled environments can reduce exposure to pests, weeds and disease. This may lower the need for some pesticides and herbicides, depending on the production system and management practices.
Climate and supply resilience
Indoor farming can help reduce the impact of seasonal variation, drought, floods, heatwaves and other natural disruptions on food production.
Circular economy potential
There are emerging opportunities to improve recycling and reuse of growing media, substrates, water, plastics, packaging and other materials used in indoor farming systems.