That's a wrap on the Indoor AgTech 2024 edition! With highlights on how to resolve the growing pains of energy and OPEX, we've seen numerous insightful conversations on how to tackle that in a CEA operation. Luckily, there were various cases where both greenhouse operators and vertical farms have shown that there is potential for the market, especially in the US, in retail. Therefore, many operators are optimistic about the future of CEA.
Upping the posing game! Skytree was all about Cumulus as they brought their carbon removal device to show off to the visitors
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Roaming on the exhibitor floor, it came to light that the Scandinavian and Eastern European markets are not sitting still when it comes to new projects that are on their way. Despite the UK vertical farming market making lots of noise in the past two years, this market seems to be biting its tongue a bit. Furthermore, the Asian market is seeing new projects popping up despite the 'recent hiccups' in the Singapore market. Added value in this market is the pesticide-free aspect of the produce.
As for the North American market, there have been some farms that might have failed, but the producers still standing seem to have adapted and pivoted their business models to prevent that worst-case scenario from happening to them as well.
The Scala sisters drove to the show from their West Loop office to talk about their community programs with Freight to Plate. Jacqueline and Mary Scala are pictured here.
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Luckily, the greenhouse industry has seen a slight growth in projects again. Mainly in Canada, the USA and Mexico, whereas a few projects are ongoing in North Africa and the European market.
Challenges will always stay and be, the off-takers of the product, so the consumers. Are they prepared to pay the price for what CEA produce is sold at in stores? What's the value add, and what inputs have gone in to come to that price so that both operator and consumer are met?
Arnold de Kieviet (Oreon) got Priva sandwiched by Bill Whittaker and Dennis Louwen
The Vertical Future team was all about their Diana software for vertical farms