The vertical farming sector is entering a critical phase. Once considered a high-tech niche with limited scalability, it is now steadily evolving into a practical component of sustainable food systems and a contributor to global climate resilience.
This year's AVF Summit, taking place in Munich on September 3 and 4, reflects that shift. Organized by the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) in partnership with Messe Dortmund, the event brings together global stakeholders to explore how the sector can address persistent challenges while scaling its impact.
"We are in a particularly critical moment for positioning vertical farming as a catalyst for climate action. 2025 is a convergence point of technology, policy, and environment that makes vertical farming not just a promising innovation but an urgent climate solution whose time has come," the association states, reflecting the views of its leadership, including Chair Christine Zimmermann-Loessl and Vice Chair Marc Juarez.
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From experimental to foundational
The sector's role is no longer confined to experimentation. "Vertical farming is rapidly evolving from a niche innovation to a strategic pillar within the broader landscape of sustainable agriculture. It has evolved into a foundational component of a more diversified, adaptive, and climate-aligned global food system."
This shift is happening against the backdrop of rising temperatures, ongoing disruptions to global supply chains, urbanization, and diminishing arable land. "A pineapple grown in Brazil, packed in Indonesia, and shipped to Europe or the US can travel over 10,000 km," the AVF notes, highlighting the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in current food logistics. As a response, vertical farming enables decentralized, locally resilient production and is increasingly aligned with broader global targets such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Addressing the tough realities
Vertical farming continues to face key challenges around energy use, scalability, and commercial viability. "Energy costs are always the challenge we face at every Summit, and it is still an unsolved issue," the AVF says. "At each event, we continue to debate and seek the next answers for more sustainability."
The sector is also shifting toward more grounded business models. "There is less hype, and it's a great opportunity for companies to develop in this era, as they are growing with a validated commercial case. At last year's Summit, there were plenty of conversations engaging in realistic approaches grounded in local conditions and with clearly identified value creation."
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Bavaria as a regional accelerator
The Summit's location in Bavaria underscores the importance of connecting international innovation with local expertise. "Germany, and especially Bavaria, is uniquely positioned to play a leading global role in shaping the future of vertical farming," the AVF says. "The region combines technological strength, agricultural heritage, and a strong commitment to sustainability and food security."
The organization highlights Bavaria's ecosystem of technical excellence in sensor technology (e.g., Infineon), automation (Siemens, KUKA), and climate control systems (Osram) as enabling factors for vertical farming growth. "Bavarian engineering can push forward more energy-efficient, scalable, and AI-integrated systems for crop production."
At the same time, regional expertise ensures that innovation is rooted in local conditions and policy. "Regions work under differing local and governmental frameworks, agreed priorities, legislation, and funding availability," the AVF says. "Synergies are needed at global and regional levels to benefit both the local and broader global food system."
For more information:
© Messe Dortmund GmbH
VertiFarm AVF Summit
Nina Kupferschmidt
+49 231 1204-556
presse@vertifarm.de
www.vertifarm.de/en-gb