La agricultura vertical como una alternativa para el fortalecimiento de las exportaciones de productos agrícolas sostenibles en Colombia - Vertical farming as an alternative for strengthening exports of sustainable agricultural products in Colombia

Abstract

Vertical farming has gained prominence as an innovative production model in response to challenges related to resource availability, food security, and sustainability. Given the limited number of studies on its application in business environments, this research analyzed the potential of vertical farming to strengthen Colombian exports of sustainable agricultural products to international markets. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach with an exploratory scope, involving a systematic literature review, semi-structured interviews with three Colombian companies in the sector, and a market prioritization analysis based on the three-phase coding method, applied to Canada, Mexico, Peru, Jamaica, Italy, Spain, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, based on categories from the theory of systemic competitiveness. . The results show a nationally structured agricultural sector, but a vertical agriculture sector that is still in its infancy, characterized by the absence of associations and cooperation networks, as well as limited coordination among the government, businesses, and academia. Furthermore, the study identified efficient use of resources and opportunities for differentiation based on quality, safety, and freshness, although limitations persist regarding technological costs, infrastructure, financing, and specialized capabilities. The market analysis identified Canada, Spain, Mexico, and South Korea as the most favorable markets, particularly for infrastructure, systems, components, and technologies related to vertical farming. Thus, these results highlight opportunities to diversify the supply of sustainable agricultural products and strengthen the international market penetration of Colombian products with higher value added.