Global warming and extremely rapid population growth are creating many challenges for food supply chains. One good answer to these challenges is vertical hydroponic greenhouse systems that can be installed in almost any densely populated area on Earth. These systems offer not only the minimisation of irrigation requirements and favourable logistical solutions, but can also minimise or eliminate the use of chemicals. Several of our software applications help to optimise the automatic operation of ten-metre high greenhouses from 500 to 5,000 square metres.