US: AVF Washington summit to focus on policy challenges for vertical farming

The Association of Vertical Farming (AVF) organizes the annual AVF Summit event to engage policymakers, thought leaders, industry experts, entrepreneurs and scientists via an interactive, dynamic discussion platform. The Vertical Farming sector in agriculture is in a nascent state of development. Engagement with local, state, and federal government, particularly as the Congress looks ahead to the 2018 farm bill, will be critical to ensure that the US takes positive steps to encourage the widespread adoption of Vertical Farming, and to keep pace with exciting new developments seen across Europe and Asia.

The challenges are discerning and developing yet-to-be-built business models, penetrating markets, and working with government to incent positive change to streamline processes and establish standards and best practices. As with any pioneer period, things are hazy and unclear – food safety, advanced technology, novel food production, science, innovation, new architecture, and government recognition must all be considered as important components of the global trend. In an industry that is already spurring a new generation of entrepreneurs, Vertical Farming has the power to help transform the existing food supply chains by attracting future farmers that can innovate with technology and bold risk taking.

These change makers need supportive policies to pave the way for mainstream adoption and market entrance. The upcoming US Farm Bill provides an opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions in policy such as streamlined access to the USDA, tax incentives for farmers, manufacturers, and developers alike, novel new food production systems in commercial and residential zoning, tax incentives for efficient food production in suburban spaces, investment in research and development, connecting rural agriculture with metropolitan areas for education and mentorship – to name a few of the crucial issues before us.

The AVF and its partners announce the following speakers at the upcoming summit:

Keynotes

Sonny Ramaswamy NIFA
Bob Van Heuvelen VH STRATEGIES/URBAN AG COALITION
Stan Vangilder SOUTHERN COMPANY
Roberta Andersen GLOBAL GAP
Gertjan Meeuws HERE THERE AND EVERYWHERE
Travis Williams FLUENCE BIOENGINEERING
Eric Ijtema CERTHON
Charles Wilson WORLD FOOD PRESERVATION CENTER
Natasha Snellens PRIVA
Dr. Bob Whitaker PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION
Wim Grootscholten RIJK ZWAAN

For more information and participation, register here. Space is limited, live streaming is also available.