A selection of the 80 knowledge sessions:

Vision Stage:

• Tuesday 11 June, 13:45 – 14:30hrs: ‘From hops to cheers: beyond data integration’ moderated by Tiffany Tsui (Springtide Strategy) and speakers Rick Schneiders (Siemens), Dick Veerman (Foodlog), Jacques Gros (AB Inbev) and Ines Sagrario (Ekonoke)
• Wednesday 12 June, 13:45 – 14:30hrs: ‘Pioneering the energy transition with greenhouse technologies from startups’ moderated by Henry Gordon-Smith and speakers Mike Poodt (Rijk Zwaan) and Rob van Straten (Skytree)
• Thursday 13 June, 12:00 – 12:45hrs: ‘T&U: Future vision: A valuable tasty & healthy horticulture’ moderated by Harrij Schmeitz (Impact T&U) and speakers Marco Retel (MiFood) and Anne Elings (Wageningen University & Research)

Technology Stage:

• Tuesday 11 June, 11:00 – 11:45hrs: ‘What is most important when choosing a new LED installation for tomatoes?’ with speakers Peter Klapwijk (2HARVEST), Orchan Koelijev (Orance), Thomas Grebner (ams-OSRAM International GmbH), Rebecca Nordin (Heliospectra) and Octavio Perez Rodriguez (Nature Fresh Farms)
• Tuesday 11 June, 16:15 – 17:00hrs: ‘Crop Health: Nutrient Uptake Driver to a More Resilient Crop’ moderated by Frank van der Helm (Hogeschool Inholland) and speakers Marta Streminska (Wageningen University & Research), Felix Tarrats (Ceickor) and Peter Kamp (Priva)

Medicinal Plants/ Vertical Farming Stage:  

• Wednesday 12 June, 12:15 – 13:00hrs: ‘From Farm to Pharmacy: Global Developments in Medicinal Cannabis’ moderated by Sonny Moerenhout (Cultivators) and speakers Tjalling Erkelens (Bedrocan), Atiyyah Ferouz (ICQSA), Mariana Arias Larrea (MLA Legal and Consulting Boutique)
• Wednesday 12 June, 15:30 – 16:15hrs: ‘The Dutch recreational revolution: Update on GKK experiment’ moderated by Sonny Moerenhout (Cultivators) and speaker Simone van Breda (Chairman of the union of Coffeeshop retailers, European Parliament candidate)

Vertical Farming:

• Tuesday 11 June, 14:15 – 15:00hrs: ‘CEA Unlocks the future of seed breeding?’ moderated by Roel Janssen (Planet Farms) and speakers Stefanie Linzer (Greenlux), Wim Grootscholten (Rijk Zwaan), Wolfgang Fischer (Graines Voltz) and Newton Kalengamalira (80 Acres Farms)
• Wednesday 12 June, 10:30 – 11:15hrs: ‘Retail Outlook CEA for Regional Production’ moderated by Jochem Wolthuis (Die Frische Society) and speakers Claus Ahrens (vGreens), Lee Greene (Foodhub-NRW), Michael Muller (Pflanzentheke) and Bauke vom Lentere (Rijk Zwaan)

More information at: https://www.greentech.nl/amsterdam/.

Registration policy visitors
GreenTech offers a 3-day entrance ticket for €95 excl. VAT per person, up to and including 7 June. Exhibitors can invite their clients for free until 7 June. After 7 June until 13 June a ticket costs €120. For an additional fee, upgrades such as a Premium, Overnight stay and Fun package are offered. More information and registration at https://www.greentech.nl/amsterdam/tickets.

GreenTech Amsterdam
GreenTech Amsterdam will be held from Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 June 2024. The exhibition is a global meeting place for all horticultural technology professionals with a focus on the early stages of the horticultural chain and the current issues growers face. GreenTech is supported by AVAG, the industry association for the greenhouse technology sector in the Netherlands.More information can be found via the GreenTech website or follow GreenTech on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram.

There will be two days of conference sessions, where industry leaders, innovators, suppliers, advisers and investors will share their insights through a series of presentations, interviews and interactive panel discussions, in addition to industry policy round tables, extensive networking breaks and a gala industry dinner where the Vertical Farming World Awards will be presented.

This year’s theme of Powering Up is designed to focus on future opportunity, with sessions on energy, sustainability, hybrid systems, protein alternatives and space exploration alongside market insights, innovation case studies and leadership views.

Registration for the 2024 Congress is now live, with a €200 booking discount available until 24 May.

Learn more.

A selection of the 80 knowledge sessions:

Vision Stage:

• Tuesday 11 June, 14.30 – 15.15hrs: ‘The road to zero footprint greenhouse’ moderated by Sandra Uitenbroek – van Schie (Greenhouse Sustainability) and speakers: Sibbe Krol (Bloom & Wild), Athanasios Sapounas (TNO) and Alexander Boedijn (Wageningen, University & Research)
• Wednesday 12 June, 12.00 – 12.45hrs: ‘T&U Future Vision: A Climate Neutral Horticulture’ moderated by Harrij Schmeitz (Impact T&U)

Technology Stage:

• Tuesday 11 June, 12.00 – 12.45hrs: ‘What are the essentials for the ultimate strawberry crop’ moderated by Joost Scholten (Delphy) and speakers Martin Skarp (Mastronardi Produce), Vincent Deenen (Limgroup) and Rose Séguin (Sollum Technologies)
• Wednesday 12 June, 10.15 – 11.00hrs: ‘Robotics: Futuristic dream or your next investment?’ by Jack Verhoosel (TNO), Erik Pekkeriet (Wageningen, University & Research)
• Wednesday 12 June, 12.00 – 12.45hr: ‘The Battle Between Solar Panels and Plants: Yield or Watts?’ by Egon Janssen (TNO), Bas Oudshoorn (Delphy), Gert Jan Swinkels (Wageningen, University & Research) and Nicolas Weber (Voltiris)

Medicinal Plants/ Vertical Farming Stage: 

Medicinal Plants:

• Tuesday 11 June, 12.15 – 13.00hrs: ‘From Farm to Pharmacy: Global Developments in Medicinal Cannabis’ moderated by Sonny Moerenhout (Cultivators) and speakers: Atiyyah Ferouz (ICQSA) and Tjalling Erkelens (Bedrocan)
• Wednesday 12 June, 14.00 – 14.45hrs: ‘Research Innovations: Breakthroughs in Cannabis Cultivation’ moderated by Sonny Moerenhout (Cultivators) and Dominique van Gruisen (Innexo) and Kjell Sneeuw (Cultivation for Compounds)     

Vertical Farming:

• Tuesday 11 June, 14.45 – 15.30hrs: ‘Accelerating LCA Inventories and Rewarding Collaboration’ moderated by Kasey Hooper (Systemiq Ltd.) and speakers Tisha Livingston (Infinite Acres) and Bettina Rotermund (Siemens)More information at: https://www.greentech.nl/amsterdam/.

Registration policy visitors
GreenTech offers a 3-day entrance ticket for €95 excl. VAT per person, up to and including 7 June. Exhibitors can invite their clients for free until 7 June. After 7 June until 13 June a ticket costs €120. For an additional fee, upgrades such as a Premium, Overnight stay and Fun package are offered.

More information and registration at https://www.greentech.nl/amsterdam/tickets.

GreenTech Amsterdam
GreenTech Amsterdam will be held from Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 June 2024. The exhibition is a global meeting place for all horticultural technology professionals with a focus on the early stages of the horticultural chain and the current issues growers face. GreenTech is supported by AVAG, the industry association for the greenhouse technology sector in the Netherlands.More information can be found via the GreenTech website or follow GreenTech on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram.

DANVILLE, VIRGINIA (April 16, 2024) — The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East returns to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia from October 1-2, 2024. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the leading trade show and conference for the vertical farming | greenhouse | CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center, a joint project of the IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the summit continues to serve as a premier platform for industry collaboration and innovation.

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which attracted attendees from 33 US states, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East is set to unite professionals once again from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers seeking hybrid growing opportunities, educators, scientists, Virginia Cooperative Extension personnel, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/ developers, government officials, and other industry members.

“Our partnership with the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where industry leaders and academia come together to drive innovation and explore new opportunities within the CEA sector,” says Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con.

With a focus on facilitating meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, the summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking/breakout sessions, and tabletop exhibits highlighting the latest advancements in CEA technology and practices. Attendees can also look forward to research facility tours, providing firsthand insights into cutting-edge research and development initiatives.

“The CEA Summit serves as a platform for showcasing the collaborative efforts between industry and academia in advancing CEA research and education,” adds Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “We are eager to continue driving the momentum of the CEA industry and providing attendees with valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.”

For more information on the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East, including registration, speaking and exhibit opportunities, visit the event website at www.ceasummit.com.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH – IALR CEA INNOVATION CENTER
The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. More information  www.ialr.org/cea

In the wake of market shifts impacting industry growth, discussions will focus on unit economics, with expert speakers sharing their perspectives on optimizing productivity, diversifying crop varieties, expanding global footprints and increasing the market share of indoor-grown produce.

Alongside high-level keynotes, insightful debates, and small-group breakouts, delegates can unlock extensive networking opportunities and explore innovative ideas in the exhibition and start-up hub. The summit’s powerful 1-1 meeting platform empowers delegates to connect and plan meetings in advance, making it easy to match with key supply chain stakeholders and find new business partners.

Key Themes:

• Meeting Consumer Preferences through Tailored Product Offerings
• Securing Investment to Scale CEA Start-Ups and Finance Farm Expansion
• Tapping into New Markets through New Fruit & Fungi Varieties
• Identifying Successful Strategies for International Expansion
• Assessing the Viability of Robotics to Drive Efficiency and Reduce Costs
• Improving Growing Cycles and Product Quality through Advanced Genetics
• Exploring the Potential of AI and Machine Learning for Operational Control
• Improving CEA’s Environmental Footprint by Reducing Inputs and Emissions
• Building Business Resilience through Energy Efficient Hardware and Facility Design
• Engaging Local, Regional and National Governments to Support CEA
• Navigating Site Selection with Energy Costs, Labor Availability, and Distribution Networks
• Sharing Knowledge and Best Practice to Build Industry-Wide Benchmarks and Standards

Registration

In-Person (Plus Virtual Access):
Super Early Bird Price: $1,495 (ends April 11)
Full Price: $1,995

Virtual:
Super Early Bird Price: $295 (ends April 11)
Full Price: $595

Register here: https://indooragtech.com/register/

What:  Indoor Ag–Con, the largest and leading trade show and conference dedicated to vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture, is moving to the Westgate Las Vegas for 2025. The new location provides additional expo floor and meeting room space to accommodate the event’s steady growth. Indoor Ag-Con unites farmers, growers, chefs, ag tech leaders, suppliers, advocates and enthusiasts under one roof for two days of education, inspiration and networking.  

         Attendees will be able to explore an expanded Expo Hall with 200+ world-class exhibitors featuring the most cutting-edge technologies, products and services in the indoor agriculture industry from lighting and control systems to substrates, equipment, irrigation systems and much more. The robust Conference will feature three inspiring Keynotes and insightful sessions from 80+ industry leaders on the latest trends and business-building ideas. 

Where: Westgate Las Vegas 
            3000 Paradise Rd
             Las Vegas, NV  89101

When: March 11-12, 2025
            Tuesday, March 11: 8am-6:30pm
            Wednesday, March 12: 8am-4:30pm

About
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the front runners in the industry, engage in open discussions, and connect with like-minded professionals passionate about shaping the future of horticulture. At various stages, visitors can delve into the latest developments and insights: Meet the Xpert, Vision Stage, Technology Stage, Vertical Farming Stage, Medicinal Plants Stage and Amtrium Stage. Each stage has been carefully curated and provides invaluable perspectives and discussions on topics such as:

• ‘Tools and vision in Data and AI to create a better crop result’
• ‘Greenhouse: The road to a zero footprint?’
• ‘Future vision: A valuable tasty & healthy horticulture’
• ‘Dynamic lighting strategies; nonsense or the ultimate solution?’
• ‘What are the essentials for the ultimate strawberry crop?’
• ‘Dutch knowhow as catalyst for the green revolution in Asia and the Middle East’
• ‘Robotics: Futuristic dream or your next investment?’
• ‘Cultivation for compounds research update’
• ‘Cultivation systems for cannabis’

Side Events

• Tuesday 11 June: ‘GreenTech Innovation & Concept Awards 2024’. The winners in the categories Innovation and Concept will be announced during the official opening of GreenTech Amsterdam.
• Tuesday 11 June: 18.00 – 20.00: ‘GreenTech Party’. Relaxing evening with industry colleagues. Free entrance for exhibitors.
• Wednesday 12 June: 8.00 – 9.00: ‘GreenTech Run’. Sporty start of the day, 5 km run.
• Wednesday 12 June: 8.30 – 11.00: ‘Power Day’. GreenTech invites progressive growers & breeders, engineers, consultants, investors and solution providers to connect and discuss the topic ‘Human skills make the difference’.
• Wednesday 12 June: 14.30 – 18.00: ‘Research meets innovator’. Bringing together research pioneers to exchange knowledge, collaborate, and showcase innovations.
• Thursday 13 June: ‘HortiTalent Day’. In cooperation with AVAG, GreenTech gives students the opportunity to meet the horticulture industry and discuss possible career options.

Pavilions

On the show floor, visitors will find several country pavilions but also pavilions with exhibitors specialized in industry fields such as Vertical Farming, Medicinal Plants (Cannabis) and AI & Robotics. But also a Start-Up Pavilion for newcomers to the horticulture industry. Live demonstrations and the latest innovations will be showcased at the Robot Dome, Renewable Energy Demo and Drone Cage.

Routes

On the exhibition floor, visitors can follow the routes of exhibitors with the following themes: Organic, Vertical Farming, Robotics, Renewable Energy, Medicinal Plants, AI and Mid-tech.More information at: https://www.greentech.nl/amsterdam/.

Registration policy Visitors

GreenTech is offering a 3-day entrance ticket €95 excl. VAT per person, up to and including 7 June. Exhibitors can invite their clients free of charge up to and including 7 June. For an additional fee, upgrades such as a Premium, Overnight stay and Fun package, are offered.
More information and registration at https://www.greentech.nl/amsterdam/tickets.

GreenTech Amsterdam 2024
GreenTech Amsterdam 2024 will take place on Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 June at RAI Amsterdam. The exhibition is a global meeting place for all horticultural technology professionals with the focus on the early stages of the horticultural chain and the current issues growers face. GreenTech is supported by AVAG, the industry association for the greenhouse technology sector in the Netherlands.More information via www.greentech.nl or follow Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram or YouTube.

Reflecting the industry’s enthusiasm and confidence, 80% of the exhibitors have already secured their stands for the 2025 edition. GreenTech Americas, organized by RAI Amsterdam in partnership with Informa Markets, serves as a pivotal meeting point for stakeholders from Mexico, the region Americas, and beyond.

Visitors remarks

Visitors said: Niels Peter Klapwijk (Nature Fresh, Canada): “It was a very good experience, I visit Mexico a lot myself, but I was impressed by the quality of the visitors. There are still so many possibilities here and this was yet another confirmation of that! Looking forward to many GreenTech Americas to come.” Jose Bezerra (Expandes Consulting, Brazil): “Very organized and with the best companies in the segment offering information and products.”

Dutch presence

Striking this year was the presence of 32 Dutch breeders and the introduction of the ornamental industry as part of GreenTech Americas. Two flower sculptures, donated by 9 ornamental companies and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, marked the entrances of the Expo floor. In the production of plants and flowers, proper technification provides better quality, thus making GreenTech Americas an interesting place for the ornamental sector to have a Pavilion for the 2025 edition.

Exhibitors

The exhibition floor showcased 220 companies, spread over 2 floors, from diverse corners of the globe such as Canada, the United States, Chile, Colombia, Spain, France, India, Turkey, Germany, Belgium, Italy, New Zealand, Greece, the Netherlands and Mexico, presenting cutting-edge solutions aimed at enhancing crop productivity. Innovations ranged from greenhouse structures and climate control systems to precise irrigation technologies and advanced substrates, demonstrating a collective commitment to sustainable agriculture practices.

Conference

The accompanying conference programme attracted 11% more professionals compared to last year, gathered to explore issues on water scarcity, sustainability, pest control, agriculture 4.0, and human talent development. Part of the programme was a notable keynote session with Stijn Weijns from Agro Care Rilland, who shared insights on strategies for managing ToBRFV, addressing challenges related to virus management.

Power Day

A highlight of the event was also the Power Day with the theme ‘Human skills make the difference’, organized on Wednesday, led by industry experts such as Peter Klapwijk (2Harvest), Stijn Weijns (Agro Care Rilland) and table moderators Felix Tarrats (Ceickor), Hugo Escoto (Alternativa Agrícola Sustentable), Oscar Woltman (Phoenix) and Bernardo Carranza (UTEQ). Carranze stated: “We need a high development of research and innovation in the agricultural sector to benefit from the displacement phenomenon. We have to worry about how we can be more competitive and add value.”
The Power Day focused on the pivotal role of human skills in driving agricultural innovation and sustainability. The discussions emphasized the need for collaboration between academia and industry to reshape education programs and nurture talent within the sector.

About GreenTech Americas

GreenTech Americas is part of the GreenTech portfolio and focuses on Mexico as well as the rest of the Americas. The goal is to meet the specific needs of growers, breeders and suppliers. GreenTech Americas enables a greater exchange of knowledge, experiences, and success stories of the horticultural industry in this region. The show is organized by RAI Amsterdam and Informa Markets and the fifth edition will be held from Tuesday 25 – Thursday 27 March 2025. Please find more information at www.greentech.nl/americas/.

About GreenTech Amsterdam

GreenTech Amsterdam will be held from Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 June 2024. The exhibition is a global meeting place for all horticultural technology professionals with the focus on the early stages of the horticultural chain and the current issues growers face. GreenTech is supported by AVAG, the industry association for the greenhouse technology sector in the Netherlands. More information via www.greentech.nl or follow Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram or YouTube.

Indoor Ag-Con marked its 11th edition with increases in attendee and exhibitor participation for its March 11-12, 2024 run at Caesars Forum Las Vegas. The exhibiting company roster grew by 54% with a sold-out show floor featuring 207 companies in 287 booths vs. 134 companies in 174 booths for 2023. Attendance saw a 16% increase over 2023 with 1584 attendees from 49 states, the District of Columbia and US territories, as well as 31 other countries. Attendees included C-level execs and other decision-makers involved with every sector of controlled environment agriculture — grower/operators, investors, tech providers, start-ups, academia, government, real estate developers, food service retail, suppliers and more.

For the third year, Indoor Ag-Con once again co-located with the National Grocers Association (NGA) Show, attracting 146 attendees from that event to the Indoor Ag-Con expo floor — taking the total attendance number over the 1700 mark.

“Every year our speakers, exhibitors and attendees from across the country and globe look forward to Indoor Ag-Con as it brings together our industry as a community to hold important discussions on timely topics and show off what’s new in indoor agriculture,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “This year we experienced record exhibitor growth and attracted companies and attendees from 35 countries to our global event. Next year, we are moving to a new location providing more expo and meeting space as we continue to grow with this ever-evolving industry.”

Among the 11th Annual Edition highlights:

Keynote Sessions

Each year, Indoor Ag-Con features three inspiring Keynotes and this year’s all-star speakers included Paul Sellew, Founder and CEO of Little Leaf Farms. A mid-morning keynote on day one, “Leader Insights: Charting the Future Landscape of Controlled Environment Agriculture”, was led by industry veterans Moderator, Daniel Malech, Board Chair, SVP CEA Alliance for Plenty, Jim DiMenna, President of Red Sun Farms, Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO of Gotham Greens, and Matt Ryan, CEO of Soli Organic. Adam Bergman, Managing Director, Clean Energy Transition Group, Global Head of AgTech for Citi, delivered the day two morning keynote address.

Educational Tracks & Expo Floor Theater Panel Discussions

The Conference features two jam-packed days of educational and insightful sessions from 90+ speakers in four tracks including Planning & Operations, Grower, Cultivating Possibilities and NEW this year, the Cannabis track.

Sold Out Expo Floor

In 2024, the Expo Hall grew and expanded boasting 207 world-class companies in 287 booths that showcased the most cutting-edge technologies, products and services in the indoor agriculture industry from lighting and control systems to substrates, equipment, irrigation systems.

Networking Opportunities

Daily lunches and an afternoon cocktail reception on the expo floor expanded the show’s networking opportunities.

Indoor Ag-Con |Philips VIP Welcome Party

Back by popular demand, Philips Horticulture LED Solutions teamed up once again with Indoor Ag-Con to tee-up the 2024 edition with a VIP Welcome Par-tee on Sunday evening, March 10 at Topgolf Las Vegas. Indoor Ag-Con conference speakers and other industry VIPs came together for an incredible evening of golf, networking, cocktails, food, music and fun – all compliments of Philips LED Horticultural Lighting.

Looking ahead, Indoor Ag-Con Las Vegas will move to the Westgate Las Vegas for its March 11-12, 2025 edition. The new location provides additional expo floor and meeting room space to accommodate the event’s steady growth.

For more information, please visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT:
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag.

Designed for: Greenhouse growers of hydroponic vegetable, ornamental, and hemp crops, researchers, and industry professionals.

Benefits:

• Learn from university and industry experts in the field
• Network with peers
• See technologies in action
• Gain insights into the latest technologies and techniques for high-tech crop production

Technologies on display will include:

• Substrate for containers and hydroponics
• Hydroponic supplies
• Nutrient testing
• pH and electrical conductivity control
• Water treatment products and technologies
• Climate control
• Biological controls
• UF/IFAS Extension Training

LOCATION: UF | Straughn Center, 2142 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611
DATE: May 6, 2024
COST: $75 per person

Visit our website for more information and registration

This symposium is co-hosted by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
(UF/IFAS), Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), and the Root
Alliance.

As a follow-up to Indoor Ag-Con Trend Report One issued earlier this year, below are some of the latest trends shaping the indoor agriculture industry today and a selection of product highlights from Indoor Ag-Con 2024 exhibitors.

Climate Control
In recent years, climate control has emerged as a pivotal trend in indoor agriculture, revolutionizing the way crops are grown in controlled environments. With a heightened focus on sustainability and food security, growers are increasingly turning to sophisticated climate control systems to optimize growing conditions regardless of external weather patterns. These systems integrate advanced technologies such as sensors, automated ventilation, and LED lighting, to create tailored environments that mimic ideal growing conditions. By fine-tuning factors like temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity, indoor farmers can achieve higher yields, faster growth cycles, and superior crop quality while conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Groupe Eode, (Booth 1306) in partnership with ECU Plus, ATC, and GPS, offers a comprehensive precision climate solution, assisting growers in increasing yields while minimizing risks and energy costs. The ECU plus is a new product line offering a HVAC system capable of delivering the most precise temperature and humidity control in the industry, with exceptional energy efficiency. GPS is a new product line reducing and controlling mildew and pathogen by generating ions in the space. Cost effective and without any maintenance or replacement parts.

Hoogendoorn Growth Management’s (Booth 600) flagship product, IIVO, is a revolutionary climate computer equipped with Intelligent Algorithms, streamlining greenhouse management. IIVO not only simplifies climate optimization but also stands out with proactive Intelligent Algorithms that continuously fine-tune climate control based on forecasted weather conditions, ensuring peak efficiency in greenhouse operations.

Microclimates (Booth 701) is an innovative technology firm specializing in environmental automation tailored for the controlled agricultural sector. In an era where automation systems often operate independently, lacking seamless communication, Microclimates introduces a groundbreaking solution. Unlike traditional siloed approaches, the platform transcends hardware dependencies, providing a unified ecosystem. Through the platform, disparate systems—ranging from climate control and lighting to irrigation and fertigation—are seamlessly integrated onto a single user-friendly interface, facilitating harmonized data management and optimal operational efficiency. Microclimates partnered with Veea Inc. to launch LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) as the wireless solution for sensing and controlling and its low price point allows for easy deployment in any facility.

DryGair (Booth 207) develops and manufactures a patented dehumidification solution for commercial-scale horticulture, including greenhouses, nurseries, indoor grow rooms, drying rooms, and more. DG dehumidifiers combine powerful and efficient dehumidification with a unique air circulation mechanism to ensure uniform, optimal conditions in the grow space.

DesertAire (Booth 1305) offers highly efficient, purpose built integrated HVACD equipment specifically designed for indoor agriculture. Desert Aire’s GrowAireTM GreenAireTM and DriCureTM HVACD solutions provide integrated HVAC control of temperature and humidity in order to provide stable VFD to enhance and protect crops. The new Chilled Water Integrated HVACD System for CEA will be shown at Indoor Ag-Con.

FabricAir (Booth 702) provides complete air solutions for indoor farming and vertical grow operations. Their fabric-based air delivery systems are custom engineered to prevent microclimates, facilitate uniform temperature and humidity within the grow space, and allows plants to flourish through every stage of the grow cycle. FabricAir ducts are lightweight, hygienic, washable, and they don’t condensate which eliminates corrosion issues. The Rack Flow system offers custom designed airflow solutions for
multi-tiered grow spaces.

A new partnership between Wageningen University & Research and Skytree (Booth 903), focuses on the use of direct air capture (DAC) technology in the Dutch horticulture industry. The project aims to explore how DAC-generated CO2 can affect plant growth, the energy efficiency of producing CO2, and the optimal integration of DAC into existing greenhouses.

• Quality: The project investigates the impact of DAC-generated CO2 on plant growth, which is crucial for greenhouse quality improvements.
• Energy: It measures the energy required to produce 1kg of CO2, a key factor in the sustainability of greenhouse operations.
• Integration: The research focuses on optimizing DAC integration, which is essential for modernizing greenhouse infrastructure.

Learn more at Indoor Ag-Con!

MJ-Tech (Booth 320) is a leader in providing high-pressure fog systems, from breeding to propagation and/or cultivation. To manage humidity, to have adiabatic cooling (lower temperatures) all in the most flexible way with your overall climate computer steering..

Smart Irrigation
Irrigation in indoor agriculture has undergone a notable transformation, driven by advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. Traditional irrigation methods, such as flood and drain systems or hand-watering, are being replaced by more precise and automated techniques. Hydroponic and aeroponic systems, utilizing nutrient-rich solutions or misting mechanisms, have gained popularity due to their ability to deliver water directly to plant roots while minimizing waste. Moreover, the integration of sensors, data analytics, and smart controls enables growers to monitor and adjust irrigation schedules in real-time, optimizing water usage and crop health. This shift towards precision irrigation not only conserves water, but also enhances crop yields and quality in indoor farming environments.

Dramm (Booth 613) is pleased to announce their partnership with CE-Line to provide in-line nutrient testing to irrigation water in North America. CE-Line is a unique, laboratory quality, nutrient analysis system that automatically samples water throughout the day. This in-line testing solution provides accurate data within an hour, eliminating the wait for test results from a remote laboratory. Sample results are securely stored in the cloud with APIs available to connect to your climate control and fertigation systems. This connectivity allows for automated optimization of nutrient levels in real-time.”

In the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector, Siemens’ (Booth 1400 and 1501) advanced controls systems, innovative infrastructure, and building automation systems empower growers to optimize crop growth, conserve resources, and increase yields—all while harnessing the power of automation and data-driven insights—leaving customers more sustainable, from the field to the table.
FGM USA (Booth 321) offers automated NFT growing systems including all irrigation and water treatment systems, as well as a propagation/vertical grow systemmanufactured by FGM. FGM a Danish and USA Company is a leading designer and mfg. of horticulture equipment since 1979.

HANS® (Booth 1522) has reinvented every component used to treat water – from the
redundant pump to reverse osmosis elements into intelligent, efficient, space-saving
devices. They are designed to work together in modular, scalable systems to meet
every need. So even if your customers have brackish water, or need de-ionized water,
or use a million gallons per day, HANS components can be assembled to get the job
done – quickly, easily and effectively.

Super Food
Indoor agriculture presents a promising avenue for exploring alternate food sources, particularly in the realm of sustainable and innovative farming practices. Vertical farms, hydroponics, and aquaponics systems are just a few examples revolutionizing how we grow food. These methods not only maximize space but also offer opportunities to cultivate unconventional crops like microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty herbs. As indoor agriculture continues to evolve, it provides a fertile ground for experimenting with diverse food sources, offering resilience against climate change and bolstering food security for future generations.

Pure Life Carbon (Booth 1222) is a private Canadian clean AgTech firm that has developed the first re-usable, carbon sequestering, soilless growing medium for the controlled environment agriculture market. The products utilize Advanced Carbon technology to solve problems for growers that were unsolvable in the past. Pure Life Carbon is among a high-performing group of global innovators and visionaries working to feed the populations of tomorrow while healing the environment. Pure Life Carbon has developed the first re-usable, carbon sequestering, soilless growing medium for the controlled environment agriculture market.

Klassman-Dielman’s (Booth 812) focus will be on the presentation of a genuine innovation for modern horticulture: Nygaia. Nygaia is a new and groundbreaking substrate fiber based on biopolymer technology that is biodegradable and is particularly suitable for use in hydroponic systems. Under the theme “The magic of innovation,” the completely newly developed, innovative substrate solution will be brought to life with plant examples grown in Nygaia, test kits distributed to interested guests at the
Klassman-Dielman booth or with the appearance of magician Rob Anderson during the Indoor Ag-Con Expo Floor Day One Cocktail reception!

Royal Gold (Booth 505) is the Original Coco soils company, pioneering Coconut based soils and growing mediums for nearly 2 decades. They are leaders in quality and consistency in the marketplace and focus on industry leading customer support for both hobby and commercial cultivation of all crops. Featuring a variety of soils and soilless mediums and offering OMRI/CDFA organic fertilizers and amendments, Royal Gold is the gold standard in gardening. They will be displaying the new All-purpose fertilizer and new 70/30 Coco-Perlite Blend as well as sharing information on its forthcoming Planting Mix and Potting and Propagation Mix.

BIO520 (Booth 1212) is an all-natural essential liquid mineral nutrient for optimal plant cultivation. Derived from a combination of ancient volcanic magma and sea sediments, and free of any harmful chemicals, BIO520 contains an abundance of vital minerals to help plants thrive. BIO520 is beneficial for all plants and crops, indoor or outdoor. Developed from Mother Nature for Mother Nature.

NGS (Booth 1023) manufactures hydroponics for Strawberries, Lettuces and Leafy Greens. NGS is an engineering firm which has been developing automated systems to optimize growing production both by reducing labor and by incrementing production. NGS builds greenhouses that grow lettuce in the desert as well as indoor systems for strawberries. NGS is presenting its patented rotational system for strawberries which doubles normal tabletop production. This new system is revolutionizing the way
strawberries are being grown while reducing labor and production costs.

Supreme Perlite (Booth 1216) horticultural perlite products are the ideal indoor, CEA, or hydroponic growing media made here in the U.S.A from domestic raw material sources. The products are sterile, 100% natural, non-toxic, lightweight, pH neutral, durable and insulating. Used as a standalone product, expanded perlite offers clear advantages such as excellent capillarity, water-holding capacity, and air-filled porosity. Combined with other media, perlite boosts drainage rates and aeration, holds moisture and nutrients close to roots, and resists compaction as other substrates begin to break down.

EPM (Booth 521) stands at the forefront of eco-friendly plant protection, manufacturing natural solutions in the USA. They excited to debut a 3in1 plant wash, ECO Green, an innovative solution that cleans plant leaves, roots, and acts as an effective pest management alternative. Its unique blend of catalytic enzymes and citric acid not only removes dirt and biofilm but also guards against pests.

For more information on the 2024 exhibitors, please visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT:
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag

Las Vegas, NV (February 15, 2024) –Indoor Ag-Con, the largest and leading trade show and  conference dedicated to vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture, will return  to Caesars Forum March 11-12, 2024 for its 11^th annual event. This must-attend Conference and  Trade Show brings together farmers, growers, ag tech leaders, suppliers, advocates and enthusiasts  under one roof to experience all that Indoor Ag-Con has to offer: 200+ Exhibitors, Three Keynotes,  Networking Events, Conference Sessions and more. 

1. See, Touch and Experience 200+ Exhibitors & Sponsors  

In 2024, the Expo Hall has expanded featuring 200+ world-class exhibitors and sponsors featuring  the most cutting-edge technologies, products and services in the indoor agriculture industry from  lighting and control systems to substrates, equipment, irrigation systems and much more. Key  Exhibitors including, Enza Zaden, Babylon Micro-Farms, Berger, Bio 520, ,Klasmann-Dielmann, Nourse, Philips, PowerSecure, Promix, SananBio, Van Der Hoeven and Voltserver Digital Electricity and many more.  

2. Keynotes Take the Stage 

Each year, Indoor Ag-Con features three awe-inspiring Keynotes and this year’s all-star speakers  include Paul Sellew, Founder and CEO of Little Leaf Farms, who will give the 2024 edition’s  opening morning headline keynote address on Monday, March 11^th at 8am. Little Leaf Farms is the  largest U.S. greenhouse producer of hydroponic baby greens and sold in over 5,000 grocery stores  and fine dining establishments. 

A mid-morning keynote on day one, “Leader Insights: Charting the Future Landscape of Controlled Environment Agriculture”, will be led by industry veterans on Monday, March 11 at 11am. The  keynote will feature Moderator, Daniel Malech, Board Chair, SVP CEA Alliance for Plenty, Jim  DiMenna, President of Red Sun Farms, Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO of Gotham Greens,  and Matt Ryan, CEO of Soli Organic.

Adam Bergman, Managing Director, Clean Energy Transition Group, Global Head of AgTech  for Citi, will deliver the day two morning keynote address on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 8am.  Bergman’s presentation, “Indoor Farming: The Next Revolution in Agriculture,” will explore the  dynamic landscape of indoor farming, addressing the setbacks faced in 2023 and unveiling the  promising future that lies ahead. 

3. Robust Conference Featuring Four In-Depth Tracks 

The Conference features two jam-packed days of educational and insightful sessions from 80+  speakers in four tracks including Planning & Operations, Grower, Cultivating Possibilities and NEW this year, the Cannabis track.  

For a full list of Conference sessions, visit https://indoor.ag/conference-program/ 

4. Safety-First: Food Safety Pre-Event Workshop 

New for 2024, the Indoor Ag-Con CEA Food Safety Pre-Event Workshop: Internal Review  Certification, will be held on Sunday, March 10, 1-5pm and is designed for anyone in the controlled  environment agriculture industry dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of food safety and  quality. Internal auditing certification is a mandatory GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) requirement  that demonstrates an individual’s ability to conduct internal assessments of any food safety  program. Indoor Ag-Con has partnered with Ceres University, a leading provider of IACET accredited food safety training and certification, to offer a cost-effective, convenient way to build your  career AND help fulfill GFSI scheme requirements. 

5. Two Shows in One 

Indoor Ag-Con will once again co-locate with the National Grocers Association Show March 11-12, 2024 at Caesars Forum, Las Vegas The NGA Show, the leading trade show and  conference for independent grocers, and Indoor Ag-Con, the premier agriculture conference and  trade show for the indoor and vertical farming industry, will once again co-locate in 2024. 

6. Let’s Get Social 

Mix and mingle with new and old friends at daily events including Conference Lunches, Expo Hall  Happy Hour, and many more fun and engaging events. 

7. Vivid Canopy Interactive Panel, Roundtable & Networking Event  

This networking event for the controlled environment agriculture community will foster and celebrate  diversity in the industry. Growers, engineers, and business leaders across the indoor farming industry  at all levels of organizations need more opportunities to connect in this increasingly remote world.  The Vivid Canopy interactive workshop hosted by GLASE features a panel of diverse professionals  from sectors of the CEA community led by Women in CEA followed by a networking round robin  activity led by Eden Green Technology and Re-Nuble.  

8 What’s New: Be The First to Experience Product Debuts 

Indoor Ag-Con is the place to check out the latest products, services and technologies in the industry.  Must see debuts include: NGS’ patented rotational system for strawberries which doubles normal  tabletop production, Pure Life Carbon’s first re-usable, carbon sequestering, soilless growing  medium for the controlled environment agriculture market, Royal Gold’s new All-purpose fertilizer  and new 70/30 Coco-Perlite Blend, FG41S’s Modular Flat-Pack Buildings shipped factory-direct  to Customer and Klasmann-Deilmann’s genuine innovation for modern horticulture: Nygaia which  will be handed out in test kits.  

9. Take a Seat in the Expo Hall Theater for Mini Sessions

While browsing 200+ exhibitors, stop by the ever-popular Expo Theater where industry leaders take  the stage for 45-minute presentations addressing hot topics in the industry. From “Sowing  Innovation: Virginia’s Vision for Controlled Environment Agriculture” featuring a Fireside chat with  Matthew Lohr, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of the Governor of Virginia to  “USDA’s Growing Vision for Controlled Environment Agriculture” featuring a distinguished panel  featuring United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) representatives, the Expo Hall will be  buzzing. 

10. Viva Las Vegas 

Indoor Ag-Con will once again call Las Vegas home for the 2024 event and there is no shortage of  things to do, see and hear in Sin City. From the Sphere Experience to Carrie Underwood’s residency  to America’s Got Talent Superstar Live, take some time to explore Las Vegas while at Indoor Ag-Con.  

For more information, please visit www.indoor.ag. 

ABOUT: 

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical  farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all  sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food  crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag. 

GreenTech is all about innovation and knowledge exchange. To give an extra impulse to the sector and help growers and breeders with innovative solutions, the start- and scale-up challenge was organized for the fourth time by GreenTech Americas. It gives young and innovative companies from the Netherlands a direct entrance to the Latin American horticulture market and brand exposure also in case they are looking for investors or partners.

Winner and entries

Quantified Sensor Technology is a wireless sensor manufacturer for Hort- and Agricultural markets. The sensors are affordable, easy to install and operate and provide growers with tools to reduce water consumption. The detailed insights provided will enable growers to improve yield and quality at the same time. The sensors can operate stand alone in low-tech greenhouses or can be connected to climate and irrigation computers in mid-tech or high-tech environments. Currently Quantified serves customers in Europe, the America’s, Australia and Africa. 

In addition all entries deserve to receive an honourable mention: Corvus Drones, Moleda, Flavour Shield, A-Grow Tech, CE Line International, FOTONIQ and Saia Agrobotics. The entries were judged on the degree of innovation, level of sustainability, presentation and suitability for Mexican and Latin American market.

Prize

Quantified Sensor Technology has won a flight ticket to Mexico and a booth at the show. They are also able to pitch their innovation or business idea at a timeslot on the GreenTech Stage during one of the three days of the show.

Jury

The jury consisted of Wendele van der Wiele (Netherlands Embassy in Mexico), Frank Hoogendoorn (Netherlands Embassy in Mexico), Steven Büter (NBSO), Annie van de Riet (AVAG), Bernardo Carranza (UTEQ) and Mariska Dreschler (GreenTech). They selected Quantified Sensor Technology as it is: “Useable for different technological levels”, “An option for existing platforms and offers an affordable and sustainable solution”, “Also, they have great opportunities for the Mexican Market”.

About GreenTech Americas

GreenTech Americas is part of the GreenTech portfolio and focuses on Mexico as well as the rest of the Americas. The goal is to meet the specific needs of growers, breeders and suppliers. GreenTech Americas enables a greater exchange of knowledge, experiences, and success stories of the horticultural industry in this region. The show is organized by RAI Amsterdam and Informa Markets. Please find more information at www.greentech.nl/americas/.

About GreenTech Amsterdam

GreenTech Amsterdam will be held from Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 June 2024. The exhibition is a global meeting place for all horticultural technology professionals with the focus on the early stages of the horticultural chain and the current issues growers face. GreenTech is supported by AVAG, the industry association for the greenhouse technology sector in the Netherlands. More information via www.greentech.nl or follow Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram or YouTube.

In this compelling keynote presentation, attendees will discover the foresight from industry leaders as they share their predictions, strategies, and unique perspectives on the emerging trends that will shape the landscape of controlled environment agriculture. Attendees will gain valuable insights to stay ahead in this dynamic field and be part of the conversation that is charting the course for the future of sustainable and innovative food production.

This panel joins the Indoor Ag-Con 2024 headliner keynote line-up, which also includes the opening morning kick-off session with Paul Sellew, CEO, Little Leaf Farms and the day two morning keynote from Adam Bergman, Global Head of Agtech for Citi. These all-star leaders and keynotes will engage and inspire attendees.

“We are excited to bring this panel of CEA industry leaders to our keynote stage to offer insider tips and predictions shaped by real world experience. The keynote will provide key takeaways about the future of indoor agriculture, as it holds tremendous promise as a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by traditional farming methods,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con.

In addition to Indoor Ag-Con’s Keynotes, the event will feature educational panels, sessions and other presentation formats aligned in several Conference tracks. Attendees will also enjoy quality networking events and explore an expanded expo floor bringing together 200+ suppliers and service providers representing the top names and emerging leaders in the controlled environment agriculture sector. For more information on the full line-up of sessions, exhibitors and events, please visit www.indoor.ag.

Daniel Malech, Board Chair, CEA Alliance & SVP, Plenty
Dan chairs the Board of Directors of indoor agriculture trade association the CEA Alliance, with a focus on developing category-wide metrics and guidelines as well as policy advocacy. Dan is also the SVP of Strategy & General Counsel at Plenty, where he oversees corporate strategy, legal, compliance, government affairs and sustainability. His work helps drive scale for the indoor vertical farming company, including structuring and closing on multiple industry-leading strategic partnerships and financing rounds.

Jim DiMenna, Red Sun Farms
Jim DiMenna is the President of Red Sun Farms, one of the largest vertically integrated high-tech greenhouse vegetable growers with ownership of each stage of the process; seed selection, to plant growth, to harvesting, packaging and distribution. Red Sun Farms has over 800 acres throughout Mexico, USA and Canada. Born and raised in Leamington Ontario, the produce business has always been a part of Jim’s life. As a teen, he worked his way up from the packing room into sales and marketing before starting his own firm J-D Marketing in 1990. In 2001, Jim formed JEMD International along with Golden Jem Farms, to meet the industry call for better direct-line connections between the retailers, distributors and growers. In 2008, Jem D International merged with Agricola El Rosal, and was rebranded as Red Sun Farms.

Viraj Puri, Gotham Greens
Viraj Puri co-founded Gotham Greens, a pioneer in indoor agriculture and a leading fresh food company. A Certified B CorporationTM, Gotham Greens farms with the future in mind, delivering long-lasting and delicious leafy greens, herbs, salad kits, salad dressings, dips and cooking sauces all year round to retail, restaurant and foodservice customers. Over the past decade under Viraj’s leadership, Gotham Greens has grown to be one of the largest and most commercially successful indoor farming companies in the world with more than 500 employees and 13 high-tech greenhouse facilities across nine U.S. states. Prior to Gotham Greens, Viraj led start-up enterprises in the United States, India and Malawi focused on sustainable agriculture, green building, renewable energy and environmental design.

Matt Ryan, CEO, Soli Organic
As CEO, Matt Ryan’s focus is on strengthening the company’s competitive advantages and achieving scaled topline growth. Prior to his role at Soli Organic, Ryan served as the chief marketing officer and chief strategy officer at Starbucks where he developed and executed marketing and strategy plans, managed the food and beverage portfolio and led all other marketing, product, brand, and consumer functions. As the head of brand management for The Walt Disney Company, he oversaw the company’s brand management, brand development, franchise management, customer data, and CRM. Ryan currently sits on the Board of Directors for Kaiser Permanente. He received a Bachelor of Arts in history from Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude.

About Indoor Ag-Con
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag.