After a three-day exhibition, multiple CEA players were present at the Fruit Logistica again. We either bumped into them in the hallways or visited them at their booth. The horticulture sector was once again well represented this year.
Rebekka Boekhout with Pieter-Jan Devos and Janina De Clercq, Researchers at Urban Crop Solutions
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Vertical farming market
European LED supplier Food Autonomy let slip that they aren't worried about the industry's current state, as they're announcing their largest vertical farm project just yet in the Czech Republic. On top of that, they have some great projects coming along this year.
On the research side of things, there are certain setbacks, as there is more R&D going on for greenhouses than vertical farms. Does that insist that vertical farms are saving as much money as they can, of which R&D is one of them? Lights don't hold many back at this point, but perhaps they'd rather conduct research on-site at their facilities.
Endre Harnes left his waffle iron at home this time and brought some famous Norwegian gebäck instead. Avisomo had a booth at the Innovations Award hall as their modular farming solution was awarded this year.
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Investment climate
EU greenhouse suppliers mentioned that they are seeing lower investments coming into the EU market, which makes this first half year a bit uncertain. However, when it comes to the North American market, expectations are more cheerful as there are still various investments coming in. Yet, not all CEA facilities are high-tech persé, but the capital keeps rolling... Especially for greenhouse facilities in Canada.
Tom Könisser, Ellis Janssen and Jarno Mooren with Signify focusing on vertical farming mainly
Tech suppliers have seen a drastic increase in low-tech greenhouses, especially in Morocco and Mexico. It's remarkable that low-tech (tunnels, net greenhouses, etc.) can now obtain such a proper quality with 'simple additions' such as sensors. Does that mean that we will see a drop in high-tech autonomous greenhouses this year?
Mario Gatineau and Careen Bauer with Potager Farms. Their Berlin farm is expected to start production in mid-2023.