The continually-growing world populations, the global trend to urbanisation, climate change and pressure on natural resources are key drivers for policies on global food security. Vertical farming is an innovative methodology for vertical cultivation of agricultural products in a small footprint, which can also realize true zero-mile city food supply.

Vertical farms can be built in new or existing buildings and provide significant benefits in environmental sustainability and human health, minimizing the need for water and nutrients, and eliminating pesticides and fungicides, which are no longer needed. Vertical farming and urban agriculture, if designed and implemented appropriately, could offer sustainable and innovative solutions for improving food security in a small footprint.

Focus topics of the conference are:

• Available technologies – LED lighting, sensors, AI
• Plant condition issues like: CO2, Nutrients, Irrigation, Climate, Lighting
• Energy Use / Sustainability issues
• Food safety / HACCP
• Robotics
• Improved resource-use efficiency
• Smart Cities / Architecture / Urban Design
• From traditional farmer to vertical farmer