Vertical farming has the potential to make this planet a healthier place and simultaneously contribute to a stronger economy. However, overcoming the many challenges the industry faces and repairing the planet’s ecosystems requires a departure from the status quo. During the AVF Summit 2016 it will be investigated how circular economies can address these challenges and hence, yield true sustainability for vertical farming.

Circular economy

Circular economy is a broad term for an industrial economy that produces no waste or pollution. It is regenerative by design, replaces the end-of-life concept with restoration, and shifts towards the use of renewable energy and resources. In a circular economy, there are two types of material flows:

• Biological nutrients: designed to reenter the biosphere safely
• Technical nutrients: which are designed to circulate at high quality in the production system without entering the biosphere

The Vertical Farming Challenges

Vertical farming is a technology that inherently has many positive attributes. Yet, to be truly ecologically sustainable, the issues of high energy and resource usage must be addressed. It is paramount that we move away from our wasteful linear economy and towards a more circular one.

On the other hand, it is also important for businesses to be financially sustainable, address market needs & prices, understand regulations & policy, find innovative distribution models, and overcome the worldwide shortage of experienced and skilled vertical farming labourers.

A global network of vertical farmers has united to form the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) to collectively find solutions for these challenges.

About the Association for Vertical Farming

The AVF is a fast growing international non-profit organization on a mission to foster the sustainable growth and development of the vertical farming movement. The AVF leads the movement in order to facilitate healthy food production, green jobs, environmental protection and climate change resilience.

Summit’s Objectives & Goals

Companies, city planners, research institutions and governmental bodies will meet to exchange their experiences, perspectives and ideas. Together, they will discuss developments in the field and propose solutions for the future of Vertical Farming, while also focusing on circular economy principles. The AVF is gathering international experts from both areas of discussion to introduce best practices, foster new ideas, and inspire further innovation contributing to the practice of vertical farming.

The AVF Summit 2016 brings together multiple stakeholders in order to:

• Discuss circular economies and inform on their application
• Present on state-of-the-art technical developments within vertical farming such as hydroponics, artificial lighting, aquaponics, mushroom production, insect-farming and high-tech vertical farming.
• Educate and inform on possibilities of integrating vertical farming into urban planning
• Develop a roadmap for piloting sustainable vertical farming business models

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And there’s more

In mid-June 2016, Amsterdam will be the center of the vertical farming world. This will be made possible by a collaboration between the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) and GreenTech, one of the world’s largest and internationally recognized horticultural technology exhibitions. After the annual AVF-summit on June 13th, the AVF will be hosting the first ever vertical farming pavilion at the GreenTech exhibition. From 14 to 16 June, the AVF and Greentech will bring vertical farming to a larger audience.

Confirmed Speakers

• Dr. Dickson Despommier (Columbia University/AVF)
• Jasper den Besten (HAS University)
• Marc Oshima (Aerofarms)
• Fabio Ziemssen (Metro Group)
• Paul Hardej (Illumitex)
• Steven Beckers (Lateral Thinking Factory & Building Integrated Greenhouses)
• Oscar Rodriguez (Architecture and food)
• Vincent Fesquet (New’rban view)
• Christine Zimmerman (AVF)
• Max Loessl (AVF)
• Henry Gordon Smith (AVF)
• Howard Brin (AVF)
• Zjef Van Acker (AVF)

*more pending – please contact us for speaking opportunities

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