When I started reading this article, I thought, "Ho-hum, it's just another hydroponics farm." But then, the really important implication of this article struck me: It's the bacteria/insect/fungus-free environment on this farm that is the shocker!
No more sauerkraut! - It's dependent on surface bacteria to ferment.
No more birds! - So many need to eat insects.
No more athlete's foot! - okay, okay, J/K. But seriously, in a soil-free environment, fungus' role in decomposition is redundant.
Sure, this would never happen on a large scale, where there would be a lot of environmental impact. But still, projects like this can take hold while minimizing big-impact problems that lie ahead.