This is exactly why we need more R&D invested, related to hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming. The core technology is there...but it just hasn't advanced far enough to the point where it can be scaled up to become cost-effective. What if enough R&D propels us to a future juncture in time where tree nuts and tree/vine fruits *CAN* be grown hydroponically...and with high-quality yields?

I'd also suggest that we take an "all-of-the-above" approach to agriculture. What I mean by this is that indoor farming and outdoor farming shouldn't be considered mutually-exclusive. Current outdoor farms should be offered new resources so regenerative agriculture is more commonplace...and, specifically, less lucrative smaller famers should be offered these upgrades via grants and/or low-interest loans.

Additionally, some traditional outdoor farmers might jump at the chance to upgrade their land with some indoor growing facilities to complement the outdoor fields and orchards that they already run (and would presumably keep running). The biggest impediment that prevents them from doing this is, again, (lack of) capital. This is where there is a role for the federal government to offer new resources to struggling farmers...at least, for the beginning stages of these expansions.

The USDA should also make education and training available for farmers who wish to learn/acquire new growing technologies. Again, this is extra capital that most small-scale and medium-sized farmers/ranchers currently don't have at their disposal. Such aid would undoubtedly be welcomed by Rural America.

This isn't "a welfare state"...it's common sense forward-thinking investments in the future stability of our national food supply.