Into its third successful year, the Summit Urban Agri World (UAW 2019) is the region’s leading agriculture event focused on Agritech, Controlled Environment Agriculture and Indoor Farming. It takes place on September 17-19, 2019 in Durban, South Africa. 

The Summit brings together Growers, Investors, Produce Buyers, Academics, Policy Makers, Technology & System Integrators and CEA Business Owners. Featuring practical sessions on the hottest topics, exhibits, lunch table discussions and unlimited networking opportunities, it connects services and solution providers from all over the world to serious local buyers and partners.

Many countries and companies are expressing strong interest in vertical farming business & urban agriculture. It is a solution to the weather and pests problems, food security, climate change and environmental preservation challenges. Commercialization of vertical farming is catching on in Asia, Europe, USA, Russia & now Africa. Many private companies are interested in growing crops in hydroponic, aquaponics & aeroponics systems in warehouses, greenhouses, containers & high skyscrapers. There is also a burgeoning interest in the production of medicinal plants in vertical farms following the new rulings on cannabis production for medicinal use. UAW 2019 will touch on the pressing issues pertaining to progressive farming developments for the Indoor and vertical farming industry.

Topic highlights

At UAW2019 participants deliberate on emerging technologies to unlock the potential for agriculture. Theme is “Progressive Farming Developments for Indoor and vertical farming industry”, with the following topic highlights:

• Indoor and Vertical Farming as Part of a Local, Regional and National Food System
• Scaling Agri Business – Innovative Access to Finance
• Project Developers and Growers Spotlight
• Indoor Growing Techniques
• Latest Innovations in Artificial Intelligence, LED Lighting and Control Systems
• Using Automation and Robotics in the CEA Farm
• Hydroponic Strawberry Production in CEA
• Truffle Cultivation in Greenhouses
• Plant Biology and Genetics
• Supply Chain and Market access
• Future Markets: Opportunities Beyond Produce
• Production of Medicinal Plants in Controlled Environment Farms
• Opportunities for Cannabis for Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture

Participants also get the possibility to join a farm visit to Dube AgriZone: Africa’s first integrated perishables supply chain and the most technologically-advanced future farming platform on the continent.  It is host to the largest climate-controlled, glass-covered growing area in Africa.