The 9th AVF Summit, powered by VertiFarm, will take place in Munich this September, uniting experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across the globe to discuss vertical farming's role in sustainable food production and climate resilience.
Organized by the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) in partnership with Messe Dortmund, the event will be held on September 3 and 4 at the H4 Hotel München Messe.
© Messe Dortmund GmbH
Global food challenges take center stage
This year's Summit theme, "Global Food Challenges: Vertical Farming as a Catalyst for Innovation & Climate Action", reflects the growing urgency to find scalable, resource-efficient solutions for agriculture. The conference focuses on how vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) can help tackle challenges such as food insecurity, resource scarcity, and the impact of climate change on conventional farming.
"Vertical farming is still a young sector, but its potential to contribute to climate-resilient food systems is significant," says Christine Zimmermann-Loessl, Chairwoman of the AVF. "This Summit is about bringing together stakeholders from all levels to turn that potential into practical action." According to organizers, the Summit also aims to develop a joint action plan to help guide vertical farming into its next decade, bringing together international pioneers, regional innovators, start-ups, and established companies.
Global expertise and regional innovation
The two-day program brings together international and regional voices, with sessions covering everything from food security and climate action to urban farming and investment opportunities.
Six key focus areas structure the agenda, including global success stories, the sector's role in climate resilience, food production trends, urban food systems, start-up innovation, and science and technology as drivers for growth.
Speakers include Julia Rocha Romero from the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, Professor Silvana Nicola from the University of Turin, and AVF Vice Chairman Joel Cuello from the University of Arizona. Bavarian State Minister Hubert Aiwanger, researchers from the Technical University of Munich, and representatives from the Bavarian Research Alliance will also contribute to the regional perspective.
© Messe Dortmund GmbH
A platform for honest discussion
While the program highlights innovation, organizers acknowledge that the sector continues to face significant commercial and technical hurdles, particularly around scalability and energy costs. By facilitating knowledge exchange and international networking, the Summit aims to address these challenges head-on.
"Companies, whether start-ups or big players, that have dedicated themselves to this major and important task not only deserve our utmost respect. Above all, they deserve all the support they can get," explains Angelika Bauer, Head of Trade Fair and Exhibition Services at Messe Dortmund.
Zimmermann-Loessl adds, "As a still young industry, we face the challenge of establishing economically successful and sustainable production facilities, and I believe that this can only be achieved through more cooperation and transparency."
Registration and promotional opportunities
Registration for the AVF Summit is now open, with organizers encouraging early sign-ups from across the global vertical farming, agtech, and food systems sectors.
In addition to a comprehensive conference program, companies have the opportunity to secure a presence on site with their own promotional stand.
For more information:
© Messe Dortmund GmbH
VertiFarm AVF Summit
Nina Kupferschmidt
+49 231 1204-556
presse@vertifarm.de
www.vertifarm.de/en-gb