Full schedule released for 9th AVF Summit

"Global Food Challenges: Vertical Farming as a Catalyst for Innovation & Climate Action" is the title of the 9th AVF Summit powered by VertiFarm, which will take place on 3 and 4 September in Munich. This year, the summit is supported not only by Messe Dortmund, but also by important partners and sponsors. The Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Tourism is involved as a cooperation partner of the summit. Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian State Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy, will also address participants on the first day with a welcome speech on Bavarian innovations in agriculture. Würth Elektronik eiSos, a major supplier of components for horticultural LED lighting, is also supporting the summit as a partner. The University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich is supporting the organizers as a sponsor.

The two-day programme of the 9th AVF Summit powered by VertiFarm is not only packed with exciting and relevant topics, but also with renowned names. International speakers make the conference an exclusive forum for decision-makers, thought leaders, start-ups, science, and politics, enabling exchange, networking, and the development of joint strategies for the growth of sustainable food systems. With about a week to go before the summit begins, the programme is now final, and more well-known names have been added.

For example, in Pillar 1, entitled "International Perspectives" and taking place on the first day, Endre Harnes will report on "Success Stories from Around the World." He is Chief Commercial Officer at Avisomo. The Norwegian company has developed a vertical farming system specifically tailored for integration into large-scale retail. As a start-up, it entered into an important partnership with Coop Norway last year. Fadi Al Daoud will provide another international perspective. He specializes in vegetables and cannabis grown in controlled environments and works for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA). His presentation: "Vertical Farming in Ontario, Canada – Success Stories and Lessons Learned."

In Pillar 2 ("Vertical Farming – A Catalyst for Climate Action"), Andrea Kienle from the Bavarian State Research Center for Viticulture and Horticulture (LWG) talks about Bavarian initiatives in the field of vertical farming. In the same pillar, Susanne Hirschmann and Nivedita Mahida-Königsdörfer, scientific advisors at the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR), present European funding opportunities.

Alessandro Oliveri, co-founder of Igrox SRL, is one of the speakers in Pillar 3, "Innovative Food Production and Investment." His presentation is titled "Microalgae Production and Innovative Products." The Italian company Igrox develops and produces LED technology for cultivation in controlled environments. Also in Pillar 3, Andreas Köck, founder of entoSOLUTIONS GmbH, will speak on "Insects as an Innovative Source for Food and Medicine." The young company from Giessen wants to promote the industrial breeding and utilization of mealworms, soldier flies, and cockroaches.

On the second day of the summit, Pillar 4 will present initiatives for urban food systems in various cities around the world. Among others, Peter Defranceschi, Director of the ICLEI Office (Local Governments for Sustainability) in Brussels, Marcos Enriquez from Isifarmer in Madrid, Mandar Godge, CEO of GRAIN International in Singapore, and Prof. Rachel Norman from Stirling University will be traveling to the summit for this purpose.

Pillar 5 covers the Startup Challenge, and Pillar 6 focuses on "Science and Technology as a Driver for Innovation." This includes, for example, a presentation by Dr. Reinhard Bott, founder of Vertical Farm Tech, on "Root health in Vertical Farming." The startup is dedicated to developing innovative and modular vertical farming technology.