Welcome to iGrow News, Your Source for the World of Indoor Vertical Farming
Step Away From That Screen And On To Our Expanded Expo Floor
There's nothing like an in-person event for getting a first-hand look at the latest product innovations. So step away from that computer screen, step onto our expo floor and see live product demonstrations...Touch new products...Ask questions and gather feedback from company execs and peers in the booth
BIGGER, BETTER EXPO FLOOR OFFERS PERFECT ZOOM FATIGUE FIX!
(And some pretty great solutions for your business, too)
There's nothing like an in-person event for getting a first-hand look at the latest product innovations. So step away from that computer screen, step on to our expo floor and see live product demonstrations...Touch new products...Ask questions and gather feedback from company execs and peers in the booth.
We've significantly expanded our expo floor to bring you even more top names, established best-sellers and promising start-ups. See the latest in lighting, operating, automation and control systems, growth chambers, seed treatments, plant nutrition, greenhouse & hydroponic supplies, substrates, pest control, irrigation, equipment & design resources and so much more from companies like:
LEARN MORE
YOUR TWO-DAY INDOOR AG-CON EXPERIENCE PACKAGE
Indoor Ag-Con is so much more than an event. It's an experience! And one you don't want to miss. Hear from 70+ speakers, network with industry peers, see the latest product innovations. Then, head back to your operation armed with actionable ideas and profitable strategies that promise to grow your business!
Register before our Early Bird Rates end on August 16, 2021 to save up to $300 on our full access pass. And if your plans change, no worries! Passes are completely refundable prior to September 27, 2021, and include:
All Keynotes, Morning Conference Sessions, Afternoon Panels
Expo Floor Access
Welcome Gift Bag
Complimentary On-Demand Access to In-Depth, 2-Day "Financing Indoor Ag Seed To Scale" webinar
White Paper From The Packer & PMG presenting the latest research on indoor growing & sustainability
Lunch Daily
Show Floor Cocktail Receptions
Event App
Access to Indoor Ag-Con Library
REGISTER NOW & SAVE UP TO $300
OUR SAFETY PROMISE
Your health and safety are priority one at Indoor Ag-Con Orlando.
Rest assured that the Indoor Ag-Con team is closely monitoring the
guidelines issued by the CDC, state and local officials. We're working with our venue partner, Hilton Orlando, to provide you with a safe and
productive environment to conduct business.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR INDOOR AG-CON SPONSORS,
MEDIA & MARKETING ALLIES
Indoor Ag-Con, 3834 Silvestri Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89120, United States
Need A Reason To Attend? Here Are Five
Zoom Fatigue Is Real Nothing against Zoom! It's helped us all stay connected and kept things going during the last year - and will continue to be an incredible tool moving forward
Zoom Fatigue Is Real
Nothing against Zoom! It's helped us all stay connected and kept things going during the last year - and will continue to be an incredible tool moving forward. But there's just nothing like face-to-face gatherings and getting that first-hand look at the latest product innovations. So step away from that screen and experience all Indoor Ag-Con has to offer.
Powerful Educational Line-Up
Headline keynotes featuring CEOs from AeroFarms, Sensei Ag, 80 Acres Farms. 3 Comprehensive Tracks. Afternoon Panel Discussions. Speakers from Kalera, Bright Farms, Vertical Harvest, Driscolls, Crop One, AppHarvest, Square Roots, Planet Farms, Brick Street Farms, and countless others will all be part of our idea-packed conference program
A Show Floor Filled With Introductions & Innovations
Experience a show floor filled with breaking trends, new introductions, networking opportunities and cocktail receptions. From the biggest names in the industry to emerging leaders, you'll see the latest LED innovations, controls, sensors, irrigation, seeds, greenhouse solutions, horticultural solutions, substrates and so much more. See who's exhibiting
Orlando = Hotel & Area Attraction Discounts
What better way to get back out there! Centrally located, the Hilton Orlando show venue is the perfect spot for a business vacation! In addition to hotel rates starting as low as $129, you can also enjoy all sorts of discounts on area attractions, restaurants, shops and more!
Nothing to Lose! 100% Money Back Guarantee!
We're so confident you will benefit from your experience that we guarantee your registration fee! Get your money's worth ... or get your money back! This guarantee covers your registration fee but not travel, hotel or other expenses incurred. Learn more
REGISTER NOW & SAVE WITH EARLY BIRD RATES!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR INDOOR AG-CON SPONSORS,
MEDIA & MARKETING ALLIES
Indoor Ag-Con, 3834 Silvestri Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89120, United States
Indoor Ag-Con Heads To Orlando In October 2021
With safety in mind, the Indoor Ag-Con management team has pushed the dates for its previously announced May 2021 agriculture trade show and conference for the indoor and vertical farming industry to October 4-5, 2021
Premier Trade Show & Conference for
Indoor Vertical Farming Industry To Host In-Person Edition
October 4-5, 2021 at Hilton Orlando in Florida
(MARCH 11, 2021) -- With safety in mind, the Indoor Ag-Con management team has pushed the dates for its previously announced May 2021 agriculture trade show and conference for the indoor and vertical farming industry to October 4-5, 2021. In addition to the date shift, Indoor Ag-Con will also move from its former Las Vegas location to the Hilton Orlando in Florida for 2021, with plans to return to Las Vegas and co-locate with the National Grocers Association | NGA Show in 2022.
“By moving our event to October, we feel we’re better aligned with the expanding Covid-19 vaccine rollout and growing confidence levels in travel and attendance at live events," says Brian Sullivan, co-owner, Indoor Ag-Con. "With safety of our audience as priority one, we also wanted to find a new location and venue that offered easy accessibility, cost-effective accommodations, as well as area activities – both indoor farming as well as entertainment-related. Orlando checked all the boxes.”
“Our 2021 move to the East Coast, coupled with Orlando’s appeal and convenience, also gives us the opportunity to expand our reach and attract new audiences of growers and start-ups from the region, too,” adds Nancy Hallberg, co-owner, Indoor Ag-Con.
Registration for the 2021 edition will open in May. All attendees will be required to adhere to safety protocols and the Indoor Ag-Con team will be closely following the government guidelines issued by the CDC , state and local officials for the 2021 edition in Orlando.
Indoor Ag-Con, launched in 2013, provides exhibitors and attendees with the latest technology and business strategies for growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aeroponic and aquaponic techniques, bringing together growers, investors, chefs, produce buyers, academics, policymakers, industry suppliers and advocates.
The 2021 edition will feature an expanded exhibit floor, new networking opportunities and some of the industry’s top innovators and business leaders presenting keynote addresses and participating in a range of panel discussions.
Centrally located to all major theme parks and attractions and just minutes from the eclectic dining scene and entertainment of International Drive, the Hilton Orlando resort sits on over 26 acres of lush landscaping and tropical inspirations making it a true destination of its own. Guests are immediately welcomed with an upscale feel enhanced with resort-style accommodations and amenities.
In development now, more information on the 2021 edition’s educational offerings, exhibits and networking events can be found at www.indoor.ag
For 2022, Indoor Ag-Con and The NGA Show will co-locate at Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas, February 27 – March 1, 2022.
About Indoor Ag-Con
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the premier trade event for vertical farming | indoor agriculture, the practice of growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic techniques. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis |hemp, alternate protein, and non-food crops. In December 2018, three event industry professionals – Nancy Hallberg, Kris Sieradzki, and Brian Sullivan – acquired Indoor Ag-Con LLC, setting the stage for further expansion of the events globally. More information is at https://indoor.ag.
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Indoor Ag-Con, 950 Scales Road, Building #200, Suwanee, GA 30024, United States
WIA Summit Europe Agenda Announced
Take your place at the virtual Women in Agribusiness Summit Europe where we celebrate women’s expertise in the Ag industry and find solutions to tipping the scales toward parity
International Women’s Day marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. Take your place at the virtual Women in Agribusiness Summit Europe where we celebrate women’s expertise in the Ag industry and find solutions to tipping the scales toward parity.
Sessions And Interactive Workshops Include:
Joint UAE-Israel Food And Water Security Conference Announced
The first-ever UAE-Israel food security summit will take place later this month, bringing together Israeli food and water security companies and investors from the UAE
Could Israel’s success story of “making the desert bloom” boost food security in the UAE?
BY GULF BUSINESS STAFF
JANUARY 6, 2021
The first-ever UAE-Israel food security summit will take place later this month, bringing together Israeli food and water security companies and investors from the UAE.
GoforUAE-Israel Food Security Investment Conference will have experts from both countries explore strategic partnerships and capital market opportunities. This event aims to improve the productivity of desert environments in the Middle East and worldwide.
To be held on January 18, the online conference will address pertinent issues in agriculture and food security such as precision agriculture, desert farming, development of resilient species, advanced storage solutions, and more.
“Our mission for this event is to introduce emerging technologies that can facilitate the UAE access to food security solutions in the long term”, said Edouard Cukierman, chairman of Cukierman Investment House and Managing Partner at Catalyst Funds.
“Since its founding in 1948, Israel has never stopped inventing agricultural technologies that greatly improve farming everywhere, especially in arid areas. Israel gladly shares its experience, innovations and achievements in this field with the rest of the world. With Similar weather, conditions and water scarcity to the UAE, and 60 percent of Israel’s land covered by the Negev desert, Israel and the UAE can jointly make an impact on desert farming to enable quality, available food in the Middle East and worldwide,” he added.
Read: Israeli tech companies make debut at Gitex 2020
Hundreds of investors from the UAE have already registered for the conference to explore some of Israel’s most promising and innovative solutions for food and water security and agtech, the organizers said.
Participating Israel firms include Saturas, a pioneer of in-tree water intelligence systems based on water monitoring from within the plant. Saturas can then offer tailored irrigation based on the crop’s real-time water needs, resulting in efficient water use.
Also taking part is Ramat Negev Research & Development, an R&D center that develops agro-technical methods suitable for desert conditions. Ramat Negev R&D has recently established a new ag-tech innovation center jointly with Arieli Capital to boost Negev agriculture through co-developing with emerging startups.
Register Here
Indoor Ag-Con Announces Inaugural Advisory Board
Committee of Industry Leaders From Indoor Agriculture, Grocery, Specialty Food, Commercial Real Estate, Hemp, Other Sectors To Provide Guidance, Insights To Help Shape 2021 Exposition & Conference
INDOOR AG-CON ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF
INAUGURAL ADVISORY BOARD
Committee of Industry Leaders From Indoor Agriculture, Grocery, Specialty Food, Commercial Real Estate, Hemp, Other Sectors To Provide Guidance, Insights To Help Shape 2021 Exposition & Conference
LAS VEGAS (December 15, 2020) – Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show for the indoor agriculture | vertical farming industry, announces the formation of its inaugural advisory board. Bringing together industry leaders from across the agriculture supply chain – from indoor farming to grocers to commercial real estate – the new board will advise and help shape the educational conference and exhibition floor offerings of the May 16-18, 2021 edition of Indoor Ag-Con and other new initiatives planned for the coming year.
"As we look at the challenges and opportunities the Covid-19 crisis has brought to live events and indoor agriculture, it’s more important than ever that we work with a group of recognized thought leaders in the industry to act as our Advisory Board to guide us in the right direction as we plan our 2021 event,” said Nancy Hallberg, co-owner, Indoor Ag-Con.
“Taking this a step further, we wanted our board to include leaders from key industry sectors that drive and intersect with indoor agriculture, like grocery business, commercial real estate, alternative crops and others,” adds Brian Sullivan, co-owner, Indoor Ag-Con. “For 2021, successful indoor agriculture business development strategies will be the primary focus for our event. The insights and intelligence we’ll gather from these successful leaders of indoor agriculture, as well as a number of the sectors our attendees and exhibitors hope to do business with, will go a long way in shaping meaningful content, networking and exhibition opportunities.”
2021 Indoor Ag-Con Advisory Board Members Include
Samuel Bertram, CEO | Co-Founder, OnePointOne, Inc.
Julie Emmett, Senior Director, Retail Partnerships Plant Based Foods Association
Greg Ferrara, President & CEO, National Grocers Association
Henry Gordon Smith, CEO & Managing Director, Agritecture
Marni Karlin, Executive Director, CEA Food Safety Coalition
Tracy Lee, Division Lead, CEA Department, Sakata Seed Company
Jody McGinness, Executive Director, Hemp Industries Association
Tim McGuinness, Sterling Advisory Group & Former SVP, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Chris Nemchek, President, Coach Global Solutions & Former SVP, Specialty Food Association
Matt Roy, Vice President of Business Development Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), Tanimura & Antle
E. Austin Webb, CEO & Co-Founder, Fifth Season, Powered By Robotany
Nona Yehia, CEO | Co-Founder ,Vertical Harvest
For 2021, Indoor Ag-Con will co-locate with The National Grocers Association (NGA) Show, the leading trade show and conference for independent grocers. The combined event will be held at the new Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas from May 16-18, 2021. The NGA Show and Indoor Ag-Con visitors will have access to all exhibits, and discounts will be available for cross-over educational event attendance.
ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the premier trade event for vertical farming | indoor agriculture, the practice of growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic techniques. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis |hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. In December 2018, three event industry professionals – Nancy Hallberg, Kris Sieradzki and Brian Sullivan – acquired Indoor Ag-Con LLC , so setting the stage for further expansion of the events globally. More information: https://indoor.ag
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Indoor Ag-Con, 950 Scales Road, Building #200, Suwanee, GA 30024, United States
CONFERENCE: Vertical Farming In A Nordic Context - November 13, 2020
The conference will gather industry, policy, and academic stakeholders with the aim of increasing cooperation and accelerating the development of the vertical farming sector in Scandinavia
NOVEMBER 13, 2020
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Read More and Register
The Association for Vertical Farming is proud to be part of the “Vertical Farming in a Nordic Context” conference in Copenhagen. The conference will gather industry, policy, and academic stakeholders with the aim of increasing cooperation and accelerating the development of the vertical farming sector in Scandinavia.
Vertical farming is an innovative way of producing fresh food close to consumers with minimal consumption of water and no use of pesticides. In Nordic countries, the interest for vertical farming is currently growing and new farms are established at an increasing rate. To further strengthen this production form in a Nordic context, the Innovation Network for Bioresources, Food & Bio Cluster Denmark, and the University of Copenhagen are hosting a conference on vertical farming on November 13th, 2020. At the conference, you will meet speakers with hands-on knowledge, business developers, researchers, and authorities. We encourage vertical farmers, the agricultural industry, the scientific community, policymakers, authorities, and everyone with an interest in vertical farming to participate in the conference to build networks and share knowledge.
Focus topics at the conference are:
Plant nutrients and food quality
Light regimes and effects on plant growth and quality
Economics of vertical farming
Sustainability of vertical farming
Legislation and certification
Market potential and consumer attitude
Click here to see the full program.
Private companies have the opportunity to participate in a physical exhibition and/or an online presentation of their product or service.
Corona information
You can feel safe by registering for the conference!
We will adapt to the guidelines and restrictions in place at the time of the conference. So go ahead and register to be sure you get one of the few available seats. There are 60 available seats for private companies/organizations, 15 seats for university employees, and 10 for students. Online participation is unlimited.
We have different options ready if the situation in November does not allow for a conference with a physical presence.
Read More and Register
October 16th to 18th - Awesome Features of The First ONLINE Aquaponic Conference
We want this conference to maximize your connection and engagement with other attendees. We're featuring both live and recorded speakers and by reserving a ticket you can access all these recordings until the end of the year!
Interactive Sessions, Networking &
industry Experts Sharing Exciting Developments
In The World of Aquaponics
You're not going to want to miss this.
We want this conference to maximize your connection and engagement with other attendees. We're featuring both live and recorded speakers and by reserving a ticket you can access all these recordings until the end of the year!
You'll find sessions ranging from aquaponics in prisons, experts in decoupled aquaponics, STEM educators, and international discussion panels!
Get a greater understanding of this rapidly evolving industry and connect with the experts today.
Reserve Your Ticket ›
The Aquaponics Association
© 2020 Aquaponics Association
Aquaponics Association Presenting The 2020 Aquaponics Conference, "Cultivating the Future", Online Oct. 16-18
The theme, "Cultivating the Future", signifies that the Conference will explore our Vision for the next generation of aquaponics. Live Panel Discussions will convene experts in all fields of aquaponics to discuss overcoming the roadblocks to more aquaponic growing
The Aquaponics Association is presenting The 2020 Aquaponics Conference, "Cultivating the Future", October 16-18, to connect growers from around the world and expand the practice of aquaponics.
Conference Website: https://aquaponicsconference.org/
The theme, "Cultivating the Future", signifies that the Conference will explore our Vision for the next generation of aquaponics. Live Panel Discussions will convene experts in all fields of aquaponics to discuss overcoming the roadblocks to more aquaponic growing.
The Conference will feature four Learning Tracks: Aquaponics in STEM Education; Community Aquaponics; Aquaponics Research; and Commercial Aquaponics. The Conference will feature over 50 sessions including Instructional Lessons; Virtual Tours; Live Panel Discussions; Live Q&A Sessions; Guest Breakout Discussions; Keynote Presentations; and even "Virtual Cocktail Hour"!
The Conference will be held on the Run The World virtual events platform. This interactive platform features live sessions; live breakout discussions, direct messaging, and group chats between all attendees; and live speaker polls so that guests can actively participate in the Conference.
Early Bird tickets are only $149 for the full three-day conference - $100 savings. The ticket includes access to recordings of all conference content and all-conference slide presentations through the end of 2020.
The Aquaponics Association is a nonprofit, Member-based organization that expands the practice of aquaponics through education, advocacy, and connection. The Conference will continue the Association's Mission of expanding the practice of aquaponics.
contact: Brian Filipowich
World’s First Vertical Farming Congress
The first Vertical Farming World Congress will be held from 22nd to 24th September at London’s Heathrow Airport
By urbanagnews
April 8, 2020
The first Vertical Farming World Congress will be held from 22nd to 24th September at London’s Heathrow Airport. Eminent industry-leading speakers have confirmed their participation from North America, the Middle East, and Asia as well as Europe. The chosen theme is ‘Shaping Food’s Future’.
“Vertical farming really can help shape the future of food production,” explained Richard Hall, Chairman of the food and drink experts Zenith Global and the event’s organizer. “By being indoors and with completely controlled conditions, there are no floods, droughts, winds or pesticides. You can grow 30 crops a year locally, right next to a supermarket or city distribution centre. Growing to perfection in a stress-free environment means greater freshness, better nutrition and a longer storage life.”
Topics on the program include: market opportunity; an industry leadership panel; strategic alternatives between aeroponic, aquaponic and hydroponic systems; technology briefings ranging from lighting and robotics to overall system design; a nutrition briefing; a funding panel; and key innovator
case studies.
Among the speakers are:
Industry leaders, such as AeroFarms, Intelligent Growth Solutions, Jones Food Company, Root AI and Square Roots
Association heads from Germany and Japan
Investment experts from Ashfords, S2G Ventures and Innovate UK
Technology developers, including GE and Wageningen University.
There will also be a visit to Vertical Future’s vertical farm operation in East London and a reception with vertically farmed fresh produce tasting.
The event has also attracted sponsorship from GE, LED lighting experts, and YesHealth, which has pioneered vertical farming in Taiwan.
Full program details and booking information are available at www.zenithglobal.com/events/vfwc2020 or contact the events team at events@zenithglobal.com.
GreenTech Americas Program Focuses On 2 Main Themes
During GreenTech Americas fifty Mexican and international speakers will present various topics for ‘crop optimization in protected horticulture’ and ‘strategic themes focused on business and investment’
By urbanagnews
February 21, 2020
Press Release – During GreenTech Americas fifty Mexican and international speakers will present various topics for ‘crop optimization in protected horticulture’ and ‘strategic themes focused on business and investment’. The objective is to present trends, knowledge and new solutions to all levels of professionals in the horticultural industry of Latin America. The show and program will be held from March 24 to 26, 2020, at the Congress Center, Querétaro Mexico.
Program
Within the framework of this event, a program of conferences and panels is developed with 2 main themes 1: Crop optimization
and 2: Business and investment. A few of the many highlights are:
Saber Merismailli, CEO of Ecoation, talks about “How artificial intelligence can help us grow clean food. And how early detection of issues can increase the revenue in your greenhouse”;
Chris Higgins, Hort Americas, tells you all you want to know about vertical farms. “Do vertical farms build stronger plants? How will the vertical farming industry develop and how does it impact you?”;
Peter Hendriks, director of LetsGrow.com, gives an update about big data. “Big data is no longer a stranger. How can you implement it to your business?”;
“The world’s population is growing and with it the demand for raw materials. However, the supply of crucial raw materials is limited”. A delegate of The World Bank explains the importance of Circular Economy, trends and developments for a sustainable future;
Héctor Manuel Cotero, Dummen Orange, discusses the trends in high-quality flower production. “What are the latest technologies and trends in this industry?’.
Experts and panel leaders
To name a few of the experts who will participate:
Erik J. Plaisier, Agricultural Counsellor for Mexico and Cuba, Nature and Food Embassy of the Netherlands;
Aldo Mares, President of the National Association of Exporters of Berries, Aneberries;
Oscar Woltman de Vries, General Director of Hortinvest Mexico;
Ricardo Martínez, Director General de Asesores en Invernaderos;
Alfonso Torres, Director General, Koppert Mexico, Koppert Biological Systems;
Edison Torrado León, Founder of Naturavisión;
Mauricio Revah, CEO, United Farms;
Paul Arkesteijn, Product Manager & Consultant, Ludvig Svensson;
Remy Matt, Manager, Cultilene;
Rene Beerkens, Consultant, Hoogendoorn.
About GreenTech Americas
GreenTech Americas is a spin-off of GreenTech Amsterdam with the goal to meet the needs of regional growers, breeders, and suppliers. GreenTech Americas will enable a greater exchange of knowledge, experiences, and success stories of the horticultural industry from Mexico and its region. The show is organized by RAI Amsterdam and Tarsus México. Please find more information and to register at www.greentech.nl.
About GreenTech Amsterdam
GreenTech Amsterdam will be held Monday 8 – Wednesday 10 June 2020. The exhibition is a global meeting place for all horticultural technology professionals. GreenTech focuses on the early stages of the horticultural chain and the current issues growers face. All Dutch front runners, greenhouse builders and suppliers are present. Last year a total of 12,489 professionals from 114 countries visited GreenTech Amsterdam.
Agri Tech Conf 2020 | September 22-23, 2020 | Dubai, UAE
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we invite all participants from around the world to attend the International Conference on Agriculture Technology in Dubai, UAE with the theme of “Discovering Natural Resources through Agriculture” scheduled on September 22-23, 2020
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we invite all participants from around the world to attend the International Conference on Agriculture Technology in Dubai, UAE with the theme of “Discovering Natural Resources through Agriculture” scheduled on September 22-23, 2020.
“It also gives a main integrative stage to researchers, professionals and instructors to introduce and talk about the latest development, patterns, and challenges just as common-sense difficulties experienced and arrangements received in the fields of agriculture.
ME Conferences aims is to offer an opportunity to share skills, expertise along with unparalleled networking opportunities between a large number of agriculture professionals like Directors, Heads, Deans, Professors, Scientists, Researchers, agronomists, agrarians, Founders, Associations, Organizations, technologists, Laboratory members and Young researchers working in the field of agriculture technology.
International Conference on Agriculture Technology
For further queries and assistance do not hesitate to contact us.
Amelia Sage
Program Manager
Agri Tech Conf 2020
Tel: (+44) 772-358-4425
Green Infrastructure Conference Call For Proposals
CitiesAlive is the leading green roof and wall conference in North America
CitiesAlive is the leading green roof and wall conference in North America.
This year, CitiesAlive: Green Infrastructure and Water in a Changing Climate is being held in Philadelphia, PA and will celebrate the city’s stormwater successes.
As a city with one of the most progressive stormwater management plans in the United States, Philadelphia paves the way for governments to invest in all forms of green stormwater infrastructure.
The conference will offer insight into Philly’s unique design, research and policy environments that has fostered the development of more than 1100 greened acres since 2009.
CitiesAlive provides a unique opportunity for design, policy, research and non-profit professionals to connect. Attendees will discover resilience and revitalization tools and strategies for resilient, healthier cities. Learn from the success and leadership of progressive cities that are leading the way in resilience planning.
For more information visit https://citiesalive.org/
Are you interested in presenting green infrastructure work? CitiesAlive is currently accepting abstracts until April 19th. Apply today! https://citiesalive.org/
What Are The Challenges To Running A Successful Indoor Farm?
The amount of investments made in the vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture industries has been well documented. Those companies that successfully raise capital are seen as industry heroes and it’s quickly assumed that they must have all the answers. But, the big question is…do they?
October 3, 2019
(I had the opportunity to host the Great Lakes Ag-Tech Summit in Cleveland on Sept. 23, 2019.)
The amount of investments made in the vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture industries has been well documented. Those companies that successfully raise capital are seen as industry heroes and it’s quickly assumed that they must have all the answers. But, the big question is…do they?
In order to answer that question, it is important to be specific about the questions we are asking, the assumptions we are making and to understand that the answers will come from a wide variety of different perspectives.
List of questions
Examples of questions I am receiving and ones that we might want to ask include:
Can a farm using controlled environment agriculture techniques be profitable?
What crops have proven to be profitable in a greenhouse?
What crops have proven to be profitable in a warehouse?
What crops have proven to be profitable in a shipping container?
What segment of the produce industry are these farms capable of serving?
What defines a vertical farm?
What is the difference between a greenhouse and an indoor ag facility?
What makes controlled environment agriculture techniques and innovations unique?
Does geographic location play a role in designing a controlled environment agriculture facility?
Why invest in controlled environment agriculture?
What problems are we solving?
Is controlled environment agriculture environmentally sustainable?
The answers to all these questions are extremely important. The answers provide important insight on whether there are existing examples of multiple successful projects in a given region for a given set of crops to be produced in a controlled environment agriculture facility.
An example of how this plays out can be seen when looking at the greenhouse-grown vegetable industry. There are a number of Dutch greenhouse experts for those climates and crops that companies have proven successful over the past decades. But this does not mean that their expertise necessarily transfers to every situation. Any time ag technology and “experience” are taken to a new climate and introduced to a new market and crop there will be problems, mistakes, and failures. This has been proven time and time again.
Successful business models
It is also important to realize that it is highly likely that there are many different business models that can be successful as we look at innovation to solve growing problems within horticulture and agriculture. This can easily be seen in existing greenhouse industries.
For those of us close to the industry, we can acknowledge the fact that there are low-, medium- and high-tech greenhouse facilities that are capable of producing good quality crops consistently and profitably. The reason for this is that depending on where the greenhouse is built and the crops that are grown, the greenhouse and the technology within it are designed to serve different purposes based on labor and access to natural resources. It is likely that as the indoor ag industry matures, we will find similar models.
Hurdles to overcome
So, what are the hurdles the indoor ag industry needs to overcome in order to be successful? And how are we as an industry going to achieve this success?
Based on my conversations with many industry leaders, these are the top 11 topics we need to address:
Finally, how are we as an industry going to provide solutions to these challenges or other larger problems?
First, we need to agree on which challenges we should address first and which ones we have the best chance of overcoming. Second, we need to be self-critical. We need to determine if these challenges are caused by problems we created and determine if they really need to be solved?
We then need to learn from other industries that have come before us. This means we need some level of open collaboration. We will need some form of standardization. We will need to focus on education. And finally, we will need some luck.
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
If you are interested in taking this conversation to the next level, I encourage you to join me on social media, at one of the many upcoming events I will be participating in or through collaboration.
Written by Chris Higgins – Urban Ag News and Hort Americas.
US: Atlanta - 4th International Conference And Expo On Agriculture And Horticulture
The Scientific Federation and Eureka Science are pleased to invite you to attend the “4th International Conference and Expo On Agriculture and Horticulture
4th International Conference And Expo On Agriculture And Horticulture“Accelerate Scientific Discoveries and Major Milestones in the Current Situation and Innovations Relating to Agriculture Sciences”
August 10 – 11, 2020, Atlanta, USA
The Scientific Federation and Eureka Science are pleased to invite you to attend the “4th International Conference and Expo On Agriculture and Horticulture” scheduled from August 10 to 11, 2020 in Atlanta, USA. The key objective of Agriculture-Horticulture-2020 is to provide an opportunity for scientists, practitioners, engineers, industrial participants, academicians and students, representing research and professional backgrounds, to share their findings with the global experts.
The conference aims to disseminate the ideas and skills on Organic Farming, Sustainable Agriculture and other modern technologies in the field.
Conference Tracks:
This Agriculture-Horticulture-2020 will host lectures and presentations on the following sessions:
· Agriculture Engineering
· Agriculture Biotechnology
· Agriculture Environment
· Agriculture & Food Security
· Plant Sciences
· Soil Sciences & Water Management
· Crop Protection & Entomology
· Fertilizer & Pesticide
· Food Science
· Horticulture & Greenhouse
· Livestock/Animal Farming
· Agricultural Production Systems & Agribusiness
· Fisheries & Aquaculture
· Beekeeping
· Organic Agriculture
For more information:
Please visit the Agriculture-Horticulture-2020 website
and book your place at the event.
Alternatively, you can email us (beena@eureka-science.com)
your details and register for the event.
Looking forward to seeing you at
Agriculture Horticulture 2020 in Atlanta, USA
Texas A&M Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference
This year, exclusive sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2019 Texas A&M Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference, December 5 at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, the Dallas Center (17360 Coit Rd, Dallas, TX 75252) at the Water and Land Resources Building
By urbanagnews
November 18, 2019
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension invite you attend our first annual ‘Controlled Environment: Urban Agriculture’ conference designed for new and prospective growers interested in specialty crop production under controlled environment (high tunnels, greenhouses, indoor vertical farms) and for experienced growers who want to learn more about the nuts and bolts of crop production in a controlled environment.
When: December 5, 2019
Where: Water and Land Resources Building at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 17360 Coit Rd, Dallas, TX 75252
Register at 979-845-2604 or https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/horticulture
Topics
Urban agriculture – current production systems and technologies
Mastering environment control in indoor farming: How to improve crop performance with CEA technologies
Urban agriculture in the City of Dallas
Temperature control for container-grown plant production – A grower’s perspective
Nutrients/Fertilizers
Light management
More grower’s perspective!
Speakers
Dr. Joe Masabni, Assoc. Professor, Extension Specialist-Horticulture
Dr. Genhua Niu, Professor-Urban Horticulture
Dr. Mengmeng Gu, Assoc. Professor, Extension Specialist-Horticulture
Ms. Ling Sun, Technical Manager, Denise Farms
Ms. Karla Garcia, Technical Support, Hort Americas
Mr. Robert Curry, Special Projects Manager, City of Dallas
Mr. Drew Demler, Greenhouse Manager at State Fair of Texas
November registration fee $105
Onsite registration fee $125
TNLA members— $20 discount
TOFGA members—$20 discount
AgriLife Employees—$40 discount
CEA Conference Agenda Download
Sponsorship Program
Our sponsorship program recognizes donors who support initiatives of Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
This year, exclusive sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2019 Texas A&M Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference, December 5 at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, the Dallas Center (17360 Coit Rd, Dallas, TX 75252) at the Water and Land Resources Building.
Event details and registration are available at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/Horticulture.
This conference is designed for new and prospective growers interested in specialty crop production under controlled environment (high tunnels, greenhouses, indoor vertical farms) and experienced growers who want to learn more about the nuts and bolts of crop production in a controlled environment. Contact Dr. Genhua Niu at gniu@ag.tamu.edu, Dr. Joe Masabni at jmasabni@ag.tamu.edu or Dr. Mengmeng Gu at mgu@tamu.edu for details.
Contact:
Dr. Joe Masabni at jmasabni@ag.tamu.edu or
Dr. Mengmeng Gu at mgu@tamu.edu with AgriLife Extension
Dr. Genhua Niu at gniu@ag.tamu.edu with AgriLife Research
Resource Innovation Institute To Host Indoor Agriculture Energy Solutions Conference
As California policymakers develop codes for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), Resource Innovation Institute (RII) will convene the inaugural Indoor Agriculture Energy Solutions (IAES) Conference, connecting policymakers, utility program managers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, researchers, manufacturers, cultivators and investors to shape the future of energy policies and utility programs for CEA
SAN DIEGO, CA, October 2019 – As California policymakers develop codes for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), Resource Innovation Institute (RII) will convene the inaugural Indoor Agriculture Energy Solutions (IAES) Conference, connecting policymakers, utility program managers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, researchers, manufacturers, cultivators and investors to shape the future of energy policies and utility programs for CEA.
The IAES Conference will be held at the San Diego La Jolla Marriott on February 24-26, 2020.
Expanding on RII’s mission to advance resource efficiency in the rapidly expanding indoor agriculture sector, this first-of-its-kind event arrives at a critical moment in time for controlled environment agriculture.
The urban and vertical farming sector is scaling rapidly for crops of all kinds, accelerated by cannabis legalization across North America. Urban areas and food deserts are looking at indoor farming as a way to access locally grown produce. As a result, the carbon and energy implications of indoor controlled environments are becoming more impactful.
Drawing from the experiences of early models, this conference will explore energy solutions for indoor agriculture without focusing on any one crop.
Conference attendees will access educational sessions presented by experts in the field, connect with leaders in the industry and discuss cutting-edge policies and technologies. IAES will elevate innovative solutions related to energy access, efficiency and sustainability and shape the future of indoor agriculture.
“We have the opportunity to take the lessons learned from initial government, utility and non-profit responses addressing the energy and carbon impacts of regulated cannabis and apply them to the broader world of controlled environment agriculture,” said Derek Smith, Executive Director of RII. “These learnings will inform controlled environment agriculture broadly. This is precisely why we are hosting the Indoor Agriculture Energy Solutions conference. And we look forward to convening top stakeholders to join the dialogue.”
Registration can be secured via
https://www.iaesconference.com/registration
About Resource Innovation Institute
Resource Innovation Institute (RII) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance resource efficiency to create a better cannabis future. Founded in 2016 in Portland, OR, USA, RII’s Board of Directors includes the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a former Energy Policy Advisor to two Oregon governors, a former board member of the US Green Building Council and leading cannabis industry players.
The organization has unique expertise on data, policy, and education related to cannabis energy use. Its Cannabis PowerScore benchmarking survey is backed by the world’s largest dataset on cannabis energy use. RII’s Technical Advisory Council is the leading multi-disciplinary body assessing the environmental impacts and best practices associated with cultivation resource issues. In 2018, RII advised the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the establishment of the world’s first cannabis energy regulations, and it is now advising other governments. RII’s Efficient Yields cultivation workshops are the only grower-led, non-commercial venues for the exchange of resource-efficient cultivation best practices.
RII is funded by utilities, foundations, governments, and the cannabis supply chain.
Resource Innovation Institute To Host Indoor Agriculture Energy Solutions Conference
As California policymakers develop codes for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), Resource Innovation Institute (RII) will convene the inaugural Indoor Agriculture Energy Solutions (IAES) Conference, connecting policymakers, utility program managers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, researchers, manufacturers, cultivators and investors to shape the future of energy policies and utility programs for CEA. The IAES Conference will be held at the San Diego La Jolla Marriott on February 24-26, 2020.
SAN DIEGO, CA – As California policymakers develop codes for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), Resource Innovation Institute (RII) will convene the inaugural Indoor Agriculture Energy Solutions (IAES) Conference, connecting policymakers, utility program managers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, researchers, manufacturers, cultivators and investors to shape the future of energy policies and utility programs for CEA. The IAES Conference will be held at the San Diego La Jolla Marriott on February 24-26, 2020.
Expanding on RII’s mission to advance resource efficiency in the rapidly expanding indoor agriculture sector, this first-of-its-kind event arrives at a critical moment in time for controlled environment agriculture. Cannabis legalization is accelerating across North America, and the urban and vertical farming sector is scaling rapidly for crops of all kinds. As a result, the carbon and energy implications of indoor controlled environments are becoming more impactful. Drawing from the experiences of early models adopted by cannabis cultivators, this conference will explore energy solutions for indoor agriculture without focusing on any one crop.
Conference attendees will access educational sessions presented by experts in the field, connect with leaders in the industry and discuss cutting-edge policies and technologies. IAES will elevate innovative solutions related to energy access, efficiency and sustainability and shape the future of indoor agriculture.
“We have the opportunity to take the lessons learned from initial government, utility and non-profit responses addressing the energy and carbon impacts of regulated cannabis and apply them to the broader world of controlled environment agriculture,” said Derek Smith, Executive Director of RII. “As the highest margin crop among a set of leafy greens and small vegetables, cannabis cultivation is driving billions of dollars of privately funded R&D into efficient lighting, automation, and greenhouse design. These learnings will inform controlled environment agriculture broadly. Just as non-cannabis CEA learnings will inform cannabis. This is precisely why we are hosting the Indoor Agriculture Energy Solutions conference. And we look forward to convening top stakeholders to join the dialogue.”
Registration can be secured via https://www.iaesconference.com/registration.
About Resource Innovation Institute
Resource Innovation Institute (RII) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance resource efficiency to create a better cannabis future. Founded in 2016 in Portland, OR, USA, RII’s Board of Directors includes the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a former Energy Policy Advisor to two Oregon governors, a former board member of the US Green Building Council and leading cannabis industry players.
The organization has unique expertise on data, policy, and education related to cannabis energy use. Its Cannabis PowerScore benchmarking survey is backed by the world’s largest dataset on cannabis energy use. RII’s Technical Advisory Council is the leading multi-disciplinary body assessing the environmental impacts and best practices associated with cultivation resource issues. In 2018, RII advised the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the establishment of the world’s first cannabis energy regulations, and it is now advising other governments. RII’s Efficient Yields cultivation workshops are the only grower-led, non-commercial venues for the exchange of resource-efficient cultivation best practices.
RII is funded by utilities, foundations, governments, and the cannabis supply chain.
Visit our website at ResourceInnovation.org. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Indoor Ag Seen As Key To Feeding Planet
Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture; its subsidiary NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture), and the University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, over 100 attendees of all stripes --- from growers and governmental entities to students and researchers --- met for 4 days to come up with a master plan designed to help in the goal of feeding a hungry planet
A prototype greenhouse for use on lunar or Mars missions is displayed at a recent conference on food production at Southern Arizona’s famous Biosphere2 research laboratory.
Open-field production faces limitations in land, labor, and resources
Lee Allen | Sep 25, 2019
It’s been said that a camel is really a horse that has been assembled by a committee after much discussion and lots of diverse input.
But sometimes great minds do think alike as in the case of the recent Controlled Environment Indoor and Vertical Food Production Coordinated Research Conference held at Southern Arizona’s world-famous Biosphere2 research laboratory.
Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture; its subsidiary NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture), and the University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, over 100 attendees of all stripes --- from growers and governmental entities to students and researchers --- met for 4 days to come up with a master plan designed to help in the goal of feeding a hungry planet.
“Open field agriculture in the U.S. is the largest in the world aimed at feeding the largest number of people, but there are limitations in land, labor, and resources,” said co-coordinator Gene Giacomelli, estimating that the current greenhouse-grown vegetable effort represents slightly more than 1.3 million acres under glass.
“We want to compliment that food production capability by solving some of the problems of indoor growing to produce greater yield and enhanced nutrition.”
Plenty Inc. of San Francisco was one example in the form of keynote speaker Nate Story, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of the 2013 start-up funded in part by $200 million in backing from investors like Amazon’s Jeff Bezos.
EMERGING INDUSTRY
Already touting that Plenty is “Where Nature Meets Nurture” and promising to close the global nutrition gap, Story said his indoor grow efforts represented “an emerging industry trying to control costs while bringing high-quality product to market --- a difficult thing to do. We need to focus on research in order to help the industry drive value up and cost down by being both systems- and crop-specific.”
Story called plants “the smartest creatures on the planet because they have figured out how to make humans their slaves by domesticating them and spreading them all over the world. Once we understand the economics of indoor agriculture, this industry is going to be a boon for humanity.”
Over the course of the conference, 33 speakers told of their research successes and remaining problems in trying to grow things better, faster, and cheaper with discussions ranging from nutrition and post-harvest concerns to production systems and pest and disease management.
Audience interest was piqued with presentations on new technologies in plant breeding and how feeding folks in outer space may provide some suggestions on how to better accomplish that mission on the ground.
Noting that plant breeding has been around since the early days of crop domestication, Gail Taylor, Plant Sciences Chair at the University of California, Davis campus said the process took a quantum leap once DNA was explained.
“Today, generally involving big crops in outdoor environments and refinements in programs involving disease, pest management, stress tolerance, and increased yield, there’s a lot going on there, and by snipping away at plant DNA, adding to or taking away from, we can make new products that both outdoor field and indoor vertical farming can take advantage of.”
BREEDING SUCCESSES
Citing breeding program research successes like uncovering a gene that allows peppers to be more easily harvested mechanically to extending the shelf life and increasing the antioxidant properties of lettuce, Taylor said that modern breeding techniques allowed a new start to improving nutrition, flavor, and yield.
While some breeding successes have been noted in dwarf or super-dwarf crops as well as those that are more robotics-ready for mechanical management, the search continues for more vigorous, rapid, high-yielding traits that are faster flowering with a shorter life cycle and more efficient use of nutrients and depleted carbon dioxide.
Genetics research is on-going to produce plants with more appropriate architectures that will lend themselves to more efficient mechanical supervision and harvesting, produce that will maintain a longer shelf life, as well as crops that are cleaner because of less chemicals and healthier because of secondary phytochemicals.
“We struggle with the same issues that greenhouse growers and indoor vertical farms do in looking at food security, keeping astronauts operating at peak performance on long-duration missions,” said Ralph Fritsche, Senior Crop Project Manager in NASA’s Life Sciences Office.
Earlier space missions where crews were kept busy at work stations on their way to the moon didn’t have much time to plant something and grow it to harvest, but longer duration flights like those to Mars will allow the growing of plants, much of it done by automation as is happening in today’s terrestrial indoor and vertical grow efforts.
“Right now, NASA is taking from current CEA knowledge and technology with a pay-if-forward mentality. Once we find solutions to similar problems in space, light bulbs will light up in the CEA industry on how these answers can be applied on earth.”
HURDLES FOR FRUIT
Based on the presentations, nearly half of the attendees contributed concepts to a grant application workshop involving funding opportunities to support further research.
“Most of the currently-funded projects deal with leafy greens, but there are still major hurdles for profitable production of fruiting crops,” said Dr. Kai-Shu Ling of the USDA Vegetable Laboratory.
“We will work together to prepare, hopefully before the end of the year, a proposal for submittal to the USDA/NIFA Specialty Crop Initiative Research program to establish a coordinated agricultural project for controlled environment agriculture research, a roadmap for indoor food production agriculture in the United States,” said Ling.
To which Giacomelli added: “This report, interfacing all seven themes of the conference, will not be a report that gathers dust.”
US (AZ): Controlled Environment Indoor And Vertical Food Production Coordinated Research Conference
FarmTech Society board member Penny McBride—who chairs the FTS committee on standardization—presented on the need for standards for food safety and was honored to sit on a panel alongside NASA plant scientists Gioia Massa and Arizona Food Safety inspector Stewart Jacobson
This year’s USDA–NIFA Conference, held at Biosphere 2 outside of Tucson, AZ, from September 9 to 12, brought together a diverse set of experts in the industry—scientists, engineers, economists, business people, and policymakers—to hear from panelists and form ongoing working groups.
Hosted by the University of Arizona’s innovative Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC), the goal of the conference was to create an interdisciplinary Controlled Environment Agriculture R&D Roadmap and Coordinated Research Plan, which will help these stakeholders apply for funding from the USDA to help fast-forward the CEA industry through basic and applied research.
The conference’s keynote speakers, panels, and breakout groups focused on:
Economics
Engineering
Production systems
Plant breeding
Pest and disease management
Food nutrition and safety
Industrial ecology in closed systems
FarmTech Society board member Penny McBride—who chairs the FTS committee on standardization—presented on the need for standards for food safety and was honored to sit on a panel alongside NASA plant scientists Gioia Massa and Arizona Food Safety inspector Stewart Jacobson. How CEA production can affect health and nutrition emerged as a key line of inquiry for researchers going forward.
Fellow board member Wythe Marschall—who chairs the FTS committee on education—served as record keeper for the engineering working group. The engineering group agreed on a need for benchmarks and open standards for lights, energy, sensors, and plant breeding.
Overall, FTS was brought into a series of discussions with leading CEA experts, furthering our mission of connecting the industry at a pre-competitive level and creating a platform for amplifying industry voices at the level of university education, government research, and policy.
The final day, conference participants met to discuss the current funding landscape for CEA and form new grant-writing groups to develop specific grant proposals.
For more information:
FarmTech Society
Tom Zoellner
tz@farmtechsociety.org
farmtechsociety.org
Publication date: Fri, 27 Sep 2019