Knowledge transfer and networking to be the focus of AVF Summit

The concepts of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), Vertical Farming, and New Food Systems have emerged as crucial topics in addressing global challenges such as food security, resource scarcity, and population growth, especially in the context of climate change and extreme weather events. These innovative agricultural methods aim to provide sustainable solutions for feeding the growing global population. The 9th AFV Summit, titled "Global Food Challenges: Vertical Farming as a Catalyst for Innovation & Climate Action," will take place in Munich on September 3 and 4, organized by the Association for Vertical Farming e.V. (AVF) in collaboration with Messe Dortmund. This event serves as a continuation of the VertiFarm trade show, which has been an exclusive platform for knowledge exchange and innovation presentation since 2022.

The VertiFarm conference has been instrumental in fostering professional exchanges among industry players, which is vital for the industry's growth. The sector faces significant challenges, particularly with scalability due to high energy costs. Transforming innovative ideas into viable business models is a complex, time-consuming, and costly process, especially when dealing with advanced technologies like vertical farming. The conference aims to integrate vertical farming into sustainable agriculture by developing a joint action plan for the next decade. Global players from business, science, and politics will gather in Munich to promote innovation and expand international networks. The event facilitates knowledge transfer between international pioneers and regional players, as well as between established companies and start-ups.

Messe Dortmund is committed to supporting vertical farming and new food systems, recognizing their importance in sustainably and securely feeding the world's population. Angelika Bauer, Head of Trade Fair and Exhibition Services at Messe Dortmund, emphasizes the need to support companies dedicated to this significant task, whether they are start-ups or established players. The AVF Summit provides a unique opportunity for industry players to network and exchange ideas in a protected and professional environment.

The Summit's program will focus on several key topics:

International Perspectives: This will explore global trends, strategies, and success stories in vertical farming.
Vertical Farming as a Catalyst for Climate Action: This topic will examine how vertical farming contributes to sustainability, climate resilience, and carbon reduction.
Innovative Food Production and Investment: This pillar addresses trends, challenges, and breakthroughs in sustainable food production.
Cities as Innovation Hubs for Sustainable Agriculture: This topic looks at how urban agriculture and vertical farming can be integrated into sustainable urban environments.
Start-up Challenge: A competition spotlighting ten promising start-ups, offering them the chance to present their ideas to industry leaders, investors, and international organizations.
Science and Technology as a Driver for Innovation: This will present the latest research and technological advancements in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and Vertical Farming.

The AVF Summit will bring together experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, politicians, and other stakeholders. Notable speakers include Alexander Jaworski, CEO of greenhub solutions GmbH, Marc Juárez Nicolau from Seoul Semiconductor Europe GmbH, and Michal Slota from Nando UAB. Prof. Dr. Silvana Nicola from the University of Turin, an honorary member of the International Society for Horticultural Science, will also be speaking. Members of the Association for Vertical Farming, such as Vice Chairman Prof. Joel Cuello, Ph.D., and AVF Chairwoman Christine Zimmermann-Lössl, will share their expertise as well.

Christine Zimmermann-Lössl highlights the significance of the Summit's theme, "Global Food Challenges: Vertical Farming as a Catalyst for Innovation & Climate Action." She emphasizes the need to integrate vertical farming into existing agriculture and food production, recognizing its crucial role in climate-independent production methods amid the climate crisis. As a young industry, vertical farming faces the challenge of establishing economically successful and sustainable production facilities, which can be achieved through cooperation and transparency. The AVF Summit, recognized internationally as a leader in science and industry for over a decade, provides an ideal platform for this collaboration.

The 9th AVF Summit, powered by VertiFarm, will take place at the H4 Hotel München Messe, with ticket sales already open. The event promises to be a significant gathering for advancing the vertical farming industry and addressing global food challenges through innovation and collaboration.