Until recently, agricultural analysts assumed that vertical farming could not economically replace traditional field agriculture for staple grain crops due to excessive artificial lighting costs. However, recent advances in ultra-efficient LED technology have significantly reduced power consumption in controlled-environment facilities. In response, several commercial ventures have begun constructing large-scale vertical farms dedicated exclusively to wheat production. Because indoor wheat cultivation requires up to ninety percent less land and water than conventional farming, these vertical farming enterprises will achieve profitability within their first three years of operation.
Which of the following best describes the function of the statement that agricultural analysts historically assumed vertical farming could not economically replace traditional field agriculture for staple grain crops?
- It provides contextual background information describing a historic perspective that the argument subsequently shows has changed.Answer
- BIt is a premise offered directly to justify the claim that vertical farming enterprises will achieve rapid profitability.
- CIt is an intermediate conclusion derived from the recent advances in lighting energy efficiency.
- DIt states the main conclusion of the argument concerning the overall viability of traditional field agriculture.
- EIt introduces counter-evidence used by the author to undermine the feasibility of commercial indoor wheat farms.