That's suggesting vertical farming is desirable outcome where it really isn't under most constraints. "Just" moving to hydroponics gives you most of the benefit

That's suggesting vertical farming is desirable outcome where it really isn't under most constraints. "Just" moving to hydroponics gives you most of the benefits (less pesticide/water usage, higher yield per area) and with birth rates stagnating "just" converting some of current fields would free up the area for mode wild nature.