A world-first international research network designed to bring together leading minds in crop and data science as well as multiple engineering disciplines has been established to drive innovation in vertical farming, a technology that can dramatically improve global food security.
Vertical farm infrastructure enables producers to grow crops regardless of climate, weather or environmental conditions such as soil health. It is a crucial tool in helping the world sustainably feed a growing population, improving food security and reducing food miles while catering to local needs and tastes.
Launched by agritech infrastructure business and vertical farm innovator, Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), the research network so far spans four continents, bringing together the brightest minds in plant science, data science horticulture, forestry and engineering to continue to broaden the application of vertical farming technology and the range of its applications.
Its aims include maximising and defining optimum conditions to grow regionally important crops, speed breeding, new variety development, establishing best practice to reduce energy and water consumption as well as proving the technology’s capabilities to efficiently grow novel crops.