Soilless market and vertical farming keep growing in Italy, with lots of examples in the cut vegetables and salad fields. At NovelFarm 2023, during the first and last session, we will underline that indoor farming is one of the most advanced combinations of primary food production technologies that ensure high-quality sustenance for the world’s population, which will keep growing fast in the foreseeable future. Soilless production guarantees water and fertilizer savings, removes the use of pesticides, increases free areas, and preserves biodiversity, which is being impacted by “organic crops.”
The exhibition will guarantee an ongoing upgrade of the innovative technologies and experiences in these fields. Nowadays, seed producers offer many varieties that are particularly suitable for soilless growing; research centers and farmers are striving to set up solutions to reconcile market needs, economy, and the exploitation of possibilities that controlling growth parameters can offer. Regarding “hard technologies” of indoor farming, the focus is on automation systems (derived from the warehouse industry), cooperative robots (cobots), sensor technology, artificial intelligence for managing the growing environment, and new fertigation systems. Furthermore, by widening its borders, NovelFarm will point out the importance of the 4th and 5th range product, which represents an important straight shot for the Italian soilless market.
For more information:
Novel Farm
novelfarmexpo.it/en