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Sollum Technologies and Indoor Ag-Con Announce Recipients of the Sollum Student Scholarship

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Two PhD Students Awarded Full Conference Experience at 2025 Edition of Indoor Ag-Con in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV (02/12/25) – Indoor Ag-Con and Sollum Technologies are pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural Sollum Student Scholarship to Indoor Ag-Con: Erica Hernandez and Brandan Shur. These two outstanding PhD students, both conducting research in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), will receive an all-expense-paid opportunity to attend the March 11-12, 2025, edition of Indoor Ag-Con at the Westgate Las Vegas.

Sponsored by Sollum Technologies, a leader in dynamic LED lighting for CEA, this scholarship program is designed to support the next generation of researchers and innovators by providing hands-on exposure to industry advancements, networking opportunities, and educational sessions at the largest conference and trade show for indoor and greenhouse farming.

Meet the Scholarship Recipients:

Brandan Shur is a first-year PhD student at Virginia Tech in Dr. Michael Evans’ CEA Innovation Lab, where he is focused on developing innovative crops for hydroponic greenhouse and indoor farms. His research explores how electrical conductivity levels, salt types, and nutrient solutions influence micro-dwarf tomato flavor and yield, aiming to bridge the gap between CEA and high-quality fruit production.

 

 

 

Erica Hernandez is  pursuing a PhD in Biology with a focus on plant-microbe interactions at Portland State University. The host plant she is studying is lupin, and she’s growing her research plants in several on-campus greenhouses rather than pursuing strictly field studies. Her objective is to identify bacteria that may potentially be useful in mitigating the effects of climate change.

 

 

 

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Erica and Brandan to Indoor Ag-Con 2025,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “Their work in CEA research is impressive, and we hope this experience provides valuable insights, connections, and inspiration for their future careers.”

Jenny Zammit, Vice President of Marketing at Sollum Technologies, added, “At Sollum Technologies, we are deeply committed to fostering the next generation of agricultural innovators. Erica and Brandan’s research represents the kind of forward-thinking science that will drive the future of controlled environment agriculture. We are proud to support their attendance at Indoor Ag-Con to engage with industry leaders and new technologies.”

Both recipients will receive:

  • A full-access conference pass to the 2025 Indoor Ag-Con event.
  • Round-trip airfare (coach).
  • A two-night hotel stay at the Westgate Las Vegas (room and tax included).
  • A daily per diem for meals and expenses.

This initiative aligns with Sollum Technologies’ mission to advance sustainable agriculture and Indoor Ag-Con’s commitment to fostering industry growth and education. Erica and Brandan will have the opportunity to engage with leading growers, researchers, and technology providers during the two-day event, expanding their knowledge and professional networks.

Visit event Indoor Ag-Con for event details and information on the Sollum Student Scholarship at www.indoor.ag and Sollum’s website on its technology at www.sollum.tech.

About Indoor Ag-Con:
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con is the premier trade show and conference for vertical farming, greenhouse, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Bringing together industry leaders and innovators, the event showcases cutting-edge technology, market trends, and research advancements across the CEA sector.

About Sollum Technologies:
Sollum Technologies offers the only 100% dynamic LED lighting solution that modulates the full spectrum of the Sun’s natural light to illuminate closed environments like greenhouses and research facilities. Powered by AI-driven SUN as a Service® cloud platform, Sollum’s award-winning solution delivers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency for growers worldwide.

Indoor Ag-Con Opening “CEA State of the Industry” Keynote Presented By CEA Alliance

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Press Releases.

Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) , greenhouse and vertical farming industry, proudly announces the opening morning keynote address for the March 11-12, 2025 edition at the Westgate Las Vegas.  Titled “CEA State of the Industry,” this moderated discussion will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 8 am. During the keynote, leaders of the CEA Alliance will share their views on the state of the industry, focusing on today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Growers will address the outlook for indoor vertical farming and high-tech greenhouse production, including production of leafy greens, tomatoes, berries and more.

Moderated by  CEA Alliance Executive Director Tom Stenzel, the keynote panel includes leaders across the CEA landscape: Tisha Livingston, President, 80 Acres and CEO, Infinite Acres, Skip Hulett, Vice President and General Counsel, NatureSweet and Abby Prior, Chief Commercial Officer, BrightFarms.

“The Opening Keynote is one of the highlights of Indoor Ag-Con, and sets the stage for the 2-day conference, which is jam packed with inspiring and thought-provoking sessions,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “We are honored to have three industry leaders whose expertise will provide attendees with actionable insights and a roadmap for success in this rapidly evolving industry.”

“I’m excited to moderate the CEA State of the Industry keynote at Indoor Ag-Con as it’s not just about guiding a conversation, it’s about challenging perspectives, uncovering solutions, and pushing the boundaries of what’s next in controlled environment agriculture,” added Tom Stenzel, Executive Director, CEA Alliance. “This industry moves fast, but the real impact comes when visionaries, growers, and leaders come together to shape the future of food.”

Look for more information on the day two keynote coming soon. In addition to keynote general sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from a full roster of educational programming, explore the largest expo floor in the show’s 12-year history and network at daily luncheons, breakouts, an opening day cocktail reception, and more.

For more information on the keynotes and Indoor Ag-Con visit www.indoor.ag

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 (CEA). The event brings together industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the CEA sector. 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 CEA ALLIANCE
The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance is a membership trade association representing and serving vertical farms and greenhouse producers growing fruits and vegetables in a highly controlled indoor production environment. More information is available at www.ceaalliance.com

 

Vertical Harvest Maine is Hiring!

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

New Indoor Farm in Westbrook Begins Inclusive Hiring Process

Greater Portland Maine Metro Area – January 30, 2025 – Vertical Harvest Farms, an indoor farming company focused on customized employment for people with disabilities, is excited to announce hiring in support of their new 51,000 square-foot hydroponic indoor farm in downtown Westbrook, Maine.

The farm is slated to begin producing 2.5 million pounds of fresh, leafy greens for New England consumers, the culinary community and local institutions later this year. And the company is especially excited to offer locally grown, nutritionally dense and radically delicious microgreens to the Maine community, believing that good can (and should) taste great.

Vertical Harvest is also unique for practicing customized employment, with a focus on fostering human potential and offering reasonable and appropriate accommodations for people with disabilities via its Grow Well employment model. Co-founder Caroline Croft Estay and team developed this one-of-a-kind program at its original farm in Jackson, Wyoming and has been evolving it since 2016. “We believe in the dignity of work, the power of community and that everyone deserves a fair shake at a meaningful career, growth and economic independence – which is not always accessible to people with disabilities.” says Croft Estay.

The company is currently fielding applications for their first round of hires – focused on farm leadership, operations, sales and marketing roles. Once the management team is in place, the second round of hiring will begin focused on filling the farm’s growing associates, packaging and fulfillment roles.

A list of open positions is currently available on its website. Interested applicants can sign up to be notified of future rounds of hiring as well as request any accommodations needed to support the application process. Of the milestone, CEO Nona Yehia says, “This moment is the culmination of years of effort and collaboration with our partners in Westbrook and the state of Maine. We aim to be a community farm that makes fresh, delicious produce radically accessible and where we’ve set a place at our table for everyone.”

About Vertical Harvest

Vertical Harvest is a hydroponic, vertical farming company dedicated to community-oriented farms, food and futures. In addition to their passion for local, healthy food grown sustainably, Vertical Harvest also operates on an inclusive, customized employment model with farms designed for accessibility and staffed via hiring practices developed to support meaningful employment for people with disabilities. For more information visit www.verticalharvestfarms.com and sign up for the newsletter or follow on socials at @verticalharvestfarms.

Indoor Ag-Con, Inside Grower Announce Finalists for Inaugural CEAs-Cultivating Excellence Awards

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Press Releases.

 

Winners To Be Announced At Gala Luncheon During Indoor Ag-Con 2025 Las Vegas

Indoor Ag-Con, Inside Grower magazine and presenting sponsor BPGrower.com are proud to announce the finalists for the inaugural CEAs — Cultivating Excellence Awards. This prestigious new awards program is designed to recognize and celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership within the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, spotlighting achievements across three categories: Operational Excellence, Good Stewardship, and Product Innovation.

Presented at a special gala luncheon on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the 12th annual edition of Indoor Ag-Con, held at the Westgate Las Vegas, The CEAs will honor trailblazing businesses and standout products that are shaping the future of CEA. Winners in three award categories will be announced at The CEAs gala luncheon:

 

FINALISTS:

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALISTS
Little Leaf Farms, Devens, Massachusetts & McAdoo, Pennsylvania
Nature Fresh Farms, Leamington, Ontario, Canada
Wild About Sprouts, Sacramento, California

GOOD STEWARDSHIP AWARD FINALISTS
80 Acres Farms, Hamilton, Ohio
Anu, Evansville, Indiana
Fork Farms, Green Bay, Wisconsin

PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARD FINALISTS

DRAMM – Product: CE-Line
Kappa Ag Tech – Product: Silicone Substrate
Rooted Robotics – Product: Tabletop Microgreens & Baby Greens Seeder

“The inaugural CEA Awards at Indoor Ag-Con mark a significant milestone in recognizing the innovation, dedication, and impact of controlled environment agriculture,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “We’re excited to honor the finalists and announce the winners at a special awards celebration as they are true pioneers and visionaries driving the future of sustainable food production.”

“We are excited to partner with Indoor Ag-Con to present these awards,” adds Paul Black, Publisher, Inside Grower. “By celebrating the CEA sector’s best and brightest, The CEAs help showcase the innovation and responsibility at the core of our industry. We look forward to shining a spotlight on the industry leaders and products that are making a meaningful difference.”

The CEAs Operational Excellence Award will recognize a single CEA business or one location of a multi-location business that consistently delivers quality products while distinguishing itself through innovation in production, technology, marketing, and overall strategy. Judges evaluated candidates based on their achievements in growing market share, sustaining product quality, and developing practices that set them apart in a competitive landscape.

Good stewardship is foundational in today’s CEA industry, and this award recognizes businesses that are exemplary in their commitment to environmental and community responsibility. The three finalists chosen for The CEAs Good Stewardship Award have showcased initiatives in resource conservation, recycling, and community service.

The CEAs Product Innovation Award highlights finalists from Indoor Ag-Con 2025 exhibiting company submissions representing the most innovative products that solve critical industry challenges and drive customer value.

All Indoor Ag-Con 2025 Full Access Pass Holders are invited to attend The CEAs Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from noon – 1 pm.  For more information on The CEAs and Indoor Ag-Con visit www.indoor.ag

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 (CEA). The event brings together industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the CEA sector. 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 INSIDE GROWER

Part of the Ball Publishing family of media brands, Inside Grower magazine is a leading publication for the controlled environment agriculture industry, providing news, insights, quality crop-specific growing information and timely trend data that can help operations thrive in today’s market. More information, visit www.inside-grower.com 

 

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The event brings together industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the CEA sector. 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 INSIDE GROWER

Part of the Ball Publishing family of media brands, Inside Grower magazine is a leading publication for the controlled environment agriculture industry, providing news, insights, quality crop-specific growing information and timely trend data that can help operations thrive in today’s market. More information, visit www.insidegrower.com

Priva and Blue Radix Bring Their Collaboration To Next Level

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

(Pictured Above – From left to right on the photo: Rudolf de Vetten – CPO at Blue Radix, Ronald Hoek – CEO at Blue Radix, Hans Peters – CEO at Priva, Dirk Prins – Lead Business Development Manager at Priva)

The demand for AI-driven and autonomous growing is increasing around the world. Greenhouse investors, owners and growers see the need for precise and predictable growing. And the need to cope with the increasing shortage of skilled and experienced growers becomes urgent. With the combination of Priva and Blue Radix’s solutions growers and greenhouse entrepreneurs can bring their operational results to a next level and solve the challenge of the shortage of skilled growers.

AI-driven growing is fundamentally changing and enhancing horticulture. Collaboration in data solutions across the greenhouse ecosystem is essential to integrate insights, optimize resource use, and unlock new levels of efficiency and control. That’s why the companies are combining and integrating functionalities and teaming up in commercial activities. This is laid down in a Multi-Year Agreement for Strategic Cooperation.

Read more from HortiBiz Daily.

Indoor Ag-Con 2024

Indoor Ag-Con Announces Five Educational Tracks For 2025 Conference

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Press Releases.

90+ Expert Speakers, 25 Sessions Covering Technical Grower Techniques, Operations, Market Trends, Cannabis, and Sprout Grower Insights

Indoor Ag-Con, the largest show dedicated to controlled environment agriculture, greenhouse and vertical farming, is excited to unveil its comprehensive lineup of educational tracks for its upcoming 2025 conference at the Westgate Las Vegas March 11-12, 2025. This year’s program is designed to offer in-depth insights and practical knowledge across the entire spectrum of CEA, appealing to growers, business leaders, and industry innovators alike. Recognized as a major global platform for influential thought leaders from diverse backgrounds, Indoor Ag-Con’s all-star lineup of speakers hail from farms, universities, associations, industry supplier operations and more.

The comprehensive educational program will feature pre-show Food Safety workshops on March 10 followed by the full show line-up, including 5 comprehensive tracks, live theater presentations on the show floor Expo Theater and two headliner keynotes to be announced soon.  Track sessions include:

Technical Grower Track
This track delves into the cutting-edge techniques and technologies that drive modern indoor cultivation. From nutrient management to lighting optimization, attendees will gain actionable strategies to enhance crop yields, improve resource efficiency, and maintain consistent product quality. Sessions include: “Mastering Integrated Pest Management: Best Practices for CEA Success”, “Water Wise: Maximizing Water Quality for Optimal Yields”, “Seeds to Success: Maximizing Yield from the Ground Up”, “Illuminating Success: Creating the Best Light Recipe for Your Crops” and “Nutrient Know-How: Optimizing Your Fertilizer Regimen”.

Planning and Operations Track
Focused on the business side of CEA, the Planning and Operations track helps attendees streamline workflows, scale their operations, and navigate regulatory frameworks. Experts will share their experiences in creating sustainable supply chains, managing costs and resources, and implementing best practices that ensure long-term success. Key sessions include: “Waste to Watt: Innovative Energy Solutions in CEA”, “Post Harvest Success: Mastering CEA Distribution Channels”, ”Road to Profitability in CEA: Navigating Products, Buyers, and Distribution Channels”, “Packaging the Future: Sustainable Solutions in CEA Shipping & Retail Packaging” and “Berry Profitable: Strategies for High-Yield Berry Production in CEA”.

Trends Track
The Trends track offers a forward-looking perspective on the future of indoor farming. Participants will explore emerging market opportunities, the impact of shifting consumer preferences, and the latest advancements in technology including automation and AI. This track is essential for those looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Key sessions include: “”Harvest to Hospitality: Bridging CEA with the Service Industry”, AI, Robotics, and IoT: Sowing the Seeds of Technological Transformation in CEA”, “Trends in Canada: Insights from Leading CEA Growers Across the Nation,” Expanding Horizons: Emerging Crops in Controlled Environment Agricultureand “Funding Growth: Navigating Investments in CEA”.

Cannabis Track
Back by popular demand since launching in 2024, the Cannabis track provides targeted insights into cultivation practices, product development, and compliance challenges specific to this high-value sector. Experts will address the unique considerations of cannabis production, from genetics and growing methods to packaging and branding. Key sessions include: “The State of the Industry and Future Prospects | Cannabis Crossroads”, “Precision Growth: Crop Steering Techniques in Cannabis Cultivation” “Genetic Frontiers: Innovating Cannabis Breeding in CEA”, “Intra-Canopy vs. Sub-Canopy Lighting: Enhancing Cannabis Cultivation with Advanced Lighting Strategies” and “Crafting Excellence: Ensuring Product Integrity in Cannabis Cultivation”.

International Sprout Growers Association 33rd Annual Convention Track

The International Sprout Growers Association (ISGA) will hold its 33rd Annual Convention alongside Indoor Ag-Con. Partnering with the International Sprout Growers Association, this special track highlights a comprehensive platform for exploring the latest advancements, trends, and research in sprout production. With a focus on both practical applications and forward-looking strategies, the ISGA Convention Track serves as a vital resource for those committed to excellence in the sprout industry. Key sessions include: “Sprouts Through the Ages”, “The Superfood of Tomorrow: How Sprouts Can Revolutionize Global Nutrition – for Humans and Animals Alike”, “Seeds of Change: The Future of Seed Production for Sprouting and Human Consumption”, “The International Sprout Growers Association: Cultivating the Future of Sprouts”, and “Revolutionizing Food Safety: Lessons from the Sprout Industry”.

 Indoor Ag-Con 2025 offers an unparalleled experience for learning, networking, and collaboration,” said Brian Sullivan, Indoor Ag-Con. “Our goal is to equip attendees with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape and contribute to the future of food production.”

In addition to unrivaled education, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the largest expo floor in the show’s 12-year history and to network at daily luncheons, breakouts, opening day cocktail reception, and more.

For more information on the 2025 schedule, 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

Trend Report – Indoor Ag-Con 2025

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Indoor Ag-Con, the largest show dedicated to indoor agriculture, is the place to find the latest trends shaping the future of farming. Come March 11-12, farmers, growers, ag tech leaders, suppliers, advocates and enthusiasts will converge at Westgate Las Vegas to experience an expanded Expo Hall with 200+ exhibiting companies offering the most cutting-edge products, services and tools on the market.

Indoor agriculture has reached new heights, with innovative technologies and practices, helping pave the way for a sustainable future in food production. As the world faces increasing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and urbanization, the indoor farming sector is stepping up to provide solutions to address these global issues. 

(Photos above from L-R: Thrive Agritech, VelociGro, Inc., ZGROUP USA, Priva)

Below are some of the trends shaping the indoor agriculture industry today and a selection of highlights from Indoor Ag-Con 2025 exhibitors.

Hydroponics Innovation

Hydroponics, the soil-free cultivation of plants using nutrient-rich water, has become a standard in indoor agriculture. Recently, innovations in hydroponic systems have improved plant growth rates and reduced water consumption. 

Just Vertical (Booth 1113) crafts and distributes state-of-the-art, sustainable vertical hydroponic farming systems, revolutionizing agriculture. The innovative systems empower growers, whether small-scale or large-scale, to cultivate fresh, nutrient-rich produce in any space. At Indoor Ag-Con, check out their NEW Just Vertical Grow Racks, Free-Standing Grow Racks redefine flexibility and efficiency in indoor agriculture, setting a new standard for accessibility and innovation. Unlike traditional systems that cater exclusively to experienced growers or specific scales, Just Vertical grow racks are designed to empower anyone—from beginners to seasoned professionals—on any scale. By optimizing vertical and horizontal growing spaces, our technology ensures that every inch of your operation works harder for you.

Concert Bio (Booth 841SZ-1) optimizes greenhouse crop performance‍ via the plant microbiome. They are using cutting-edge data science to identify and provide beneficial microbes to hydroponic growers – creating the ideal microbiome for their crops to thrive. Developing the ideal microbe products to enhance greenhouse crop performance. As agriculture transitions from traditional to hydroponic methods, recreating the delicate balance of microorganisms found in soil – and which plants need to thrive – has become essential for improving crop growth, quality and resilience. Their platform, developed for hydroponic greenhouses, leverages our unrivaled microbiome database to unlock a whole new level of understanding about the hydroponic microbiome and how to improve it.

Profile’s Growing Solutions (Booth 425) division offers a comprehensive portfolio of products that improve substrates and growing / soil blending operations. These product brands include HydraFiber engineered fibers; Profile Sphagnum Peat Moss and Profile Coconut Coir; Florikan controlled-release fertilizer; and a line of Quick Plug bonded media technology for propagation and food production. They now have a line of hydroponic solutions that includes HydraFiber + Coir grow bags and HydraFiber + Coir grow blocks – combining two leading substrates into one hydroponic solutions to service the CEA market with high-performing, cost-effective growing solutions. Profile will have the new hydroponic grow bags on display at Indoor Ag-Con.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices

As consumers increasingly demand sustainable food options, indoor agriculture has responded with environmentally friendly practices. The use of renewable energy sources such as LED lighting, solar and wind power is on the rise in indoor farming operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, many indoor farms now implement zero-waste practices, reusing water and recycling materials used in farming operations.

Thrive Agritech (Booth 533) is a recognized leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of advanced LED lighting systems specifically for the indoor agriculture market. By focusing on advanced technologies and energy efficient solutions, Thrive Agritech enables growers to optimize plant development, productively increase yields, and reliably reduce operational and maintenance costs. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by indoor agriculture operators, Thrive Agritech delivers on both lighting and power distribution solutions focused on lowering costs of production and maximizing profitability. Thrive Agritech’s commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and superior customer service positions their company as a trusted partner for growers looking to capture the full potential of a lighting manufacturing partner. 

VelociGro Inc (Booth 631) offers patented technology to improve the environment by replacing traditionally wasteful agricultural methods, with gel based biodegradable and compostable grow plugs and mats. They nurture growth that’s not just better for plants, but better for our planet by: Increasing crop yields by up to 40%, Reducing water usage by an average of 30%, Cutting pesticide use significantly, promoting healthier food and ecosystems and helping indoor farms to create a truly “controlled environment” by using our substrates. They are debuting the HYPERroots FT seed starter plugs, HYPERroots FT Microgreen mats, and HYPERroots Liquid at Indoor Ag-Con.

Priva (Booth 525) is a leading technology company specializing in innovative solutions for sustainable horticulture and building automation. They empower growers with advanced climate, water, and energy management systems, optimizing greenhouse operations for increased productivity and resource efficiency. Their offerings include state-of-the-art climate controllers, crop registration tools, and data-driven insights to help businesses achieve sustainability and operational excellence. With a strong commitment to innovation, Priva partners with clients to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and smart environments. Priva will showcase showcase PIM (Priva Irrigation Management), a powerful tool that helps growers optimize irrigation strategies, ensuring precise water, nutrient, and energy use, at Indoor Ag-Con.

PathoSans (Booth 629) enables customers to produce effective and sustainable cleaning and sanitizing solutions, using just salt, water, and electricity. Through on-site generation, customers can not only produce the solutions they need, when they need them, but they can eliminate the need to bring harmful chemicals into their growing environment. They help put the ‘control’ in controlled environment agriculture. At Indoor Ag-on, they will showcase the newest and smallest on-site generator, the Concentrate Compact generator. This unit is wall-mounted and by producing concentrate, it offers the most flexibility in application possibilities.

Farm-to-Table Accessibility

The growth of indoor agriculture has resulted in fresher, locally grown produce, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Indoor farms in urban areas are creating farm-to-table solutions that allow consumers to access fresh and nutritious food grown within their communities. This trend is further supported by advances in logistics and supply chain technologies, ensuring faster delivery and reducing food waste.

ZGROUP USA (Booth 615) specializes in innovative modular refrigeration solutions, offering cutting-edge Cold Storage, Blast Chiller, Blast Freezer and Ripening technologies. With over 20 years of experience, ZGROUP enhances food safety, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. Their blast chiller, which optimizes the freshness of products from farm to table, features innovative forced air cooling system that ensures rapid and efficient cooling, preserving the quality and flavor of the food. This solution is designed for easy integration into farms or packing facilities and is essential for maintaining an effective cold chain. 

Based in Etten-Leur the Netherlands, TAKS Handling Systems (Booth 231) develop, make and assemble innovative packing hall solutions and transport systems that are both modular and custom-built. Their systems can process produce such as vegetables and fruits fast and efficiently and will save you a significant amount of labor. When it comes to the automation of your packing hall or logistic system, TAKS Handling Systems has the perfect solution for every situation. Discover our versatile modular products and interesting custom fit solutions.

Sormac Inc (Booth 1003) offers the best post-harvest solutions for indoor growing. Sormac leads the ways in developing process solutions for CEA-grown products. Whether you grow your product in a greenhouse or in a vertical farm of if you use hydroponics, aeroponics or aquaponics. All products are grown gently. This gentle treatment needs to be continued after harvesting so products will look defined in the shops where they battle for the attention of the consumer. Sormac’s proven systems help customers to deliver the highest quality product.

Robotics and Automation

The integration of Robotics and Automation in indoor agriculture is revolutionizing the way food is grown, with precision and efficiency at its core. Advanced robotic systems are being deployed to automate tasks such as planting, watering, pruning, and harvesting, significantly reducing the reliance on manual labor. Sensors play a crucial role by continuously monitoring key environmental parameters such as light, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture, providing real-time data for optimizing crop growth. 

Located in Europe’s leading robotics hub, Odense, Denmark, 4XROBOTS (Booth 1114) has developed the world’s first 4-armed collaborative delta robot. Designed for modern production environments in the horticulture sector, their robot aims to improve productivity and operational efficiency. The 4X robot is capable of speeds up to 1,000 mm/second while maintaining collaborative features. This combination of high speed and safety makes it ideal for quality-driven Pick & Place applications. The robot’s 4-armed mechanical design significantly extends its physical reach, providing a larger workspace and greater flexibility. Additionally, it features intuitive programming for fast implementation and remote system access for enhanced uptime and reliability. These innovations collectively set new standards in efficiency, reliability, and operational ease for collaborative robots. 

Rooted Robotics (Booth 1032) creates innovative automation solutions for vertical and indoor farming, specializing in affordable, modular systems designed to empower small and medium-sized growers. Their products, including tabletop seeders, harvesters, and washers, streamline labor-intensive tasks while boosting efficiency and yield. With a focus on flexibility, their machines can be integrated into fully automated workflows using groundbreaking L.I.N.C. (Linearly Integrated Networked Conveyors) technology. See the new L.I.N.C. seeder, harvester, and tray/NFT channel washer at Indoor Ag-Con.

Growbud (Booth 431) provides truly wireless grow medium sensors for indoor agriculture. The Growbud software platform enhances plant cultivation by providing real-time environmental monitoring, advanced analytics, and seamless integration with Growbud’s suite of sensors. The insights provided by the platform allow cultivators to dial in irrigation controls to increase crop yield. At Indoor Ag-Con, Growbud will be debuting the Growbud Dro and Vero substrate sensors.

For more information on the 2025 exhibitors, visit Who’s Exhibiting 2025 – Indoor Ag-Con

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

 

Growing Food, Growing Cities: Lufa Farms’ Vision for Urban Agriculture

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

Lufa Farms has been shaping urban agriculture since 2011, when it built the world’s first commercial rooftop greenhouse in Montreal. Now with over 500,000 square feet of growing space, the company is working to integrate sustainable farming into urban communities. In this month’s CEA Q&A, Chief of Staff (and Indoor Ag-Con 2025 speaker!) Rachael Warner shares lessons learned from scaling urban agriculture, the impact of new technologies, and the future of rooftop farming.

Urban Ag at Scale:
Lufa Farms has grown significantly, from the first rooftop greenhouse to multiple large-scale facilities. What lessons have you learned about scaling urban agriculture while staying true to your mission?

Our journey began with the world’s first commercial rooftop greenhouse in 2011, spanning 31,000 square feet. This step allowed us to grow food sustainably where people live. Over time, we recognized that to build a truly sustainable and profitable business, scaling up was essential. Fifteen years later, with over 500,000 square feet of growing space, we’ve significantly increased efficiency. With each new greenhouse, we’ve incorporated cutting-edge technologies like LED lights, diffused glass, and Ultra-Clima growing systems. These innovations have enabled us to scale while staying true to our mission of providing local, fresh, and pesticide-free produce for the city.


Indoor Farming Milestone:
In 2023, you introduced your first-ever indoor farm alongside your rooftop greenhouses. What prompted this diversification, and how does it complement your rooftop farming model?

Our indoor farm was an exciting venture born out of opportunity when we were offered unused space in the building that was housing our greenhouse and distribution center. It allowed us to optimize that space and take on a new challenge and type of farm that, to our knowledge, doesn’t exist anywhere else. The indoor farm mirrors the single-level NFT channel system used in our Anjou greenhouse but has a much greater capacity. Its capacity is remarkable, producing up to 20,000 units of vegetables daily. While it has presented challenges, it has been an incredible learning journey, thanks to our team’s dedication to improving production quality.

Technology and Innovation:
Your latest rooftop greenhouse boasts a 40% increase in vegetable yields thanks to advanced technology. Can you share some key innovations behind this leap in efficiency, and how do you see technology shaping the future of controlled environment agriculture?

Our newest rooftop greenhouse is our most technologically advanced yet, designed to grow more food with fewer resources. Using the Ultra-Clima concept, we’ve implemented high-intensity LED lights, insulated double-paned glass, a diffused glass roof, and double curtains. These innovations have allowed us to optimize energy use, maintain precise environmental controls, and significantly increase our production yields. We believe technology is the future of agriculture, enabling us to grow sustainably with less land, energy, water, and waste while ensuring urban farms remain efficient and scalable.


Marketplace Partnerships:
In addition to growing your own produce, Lufa Farms collaborates with local farmers and food makers to offer thousands of products through your online marketplace. How has this approach expanded your impact and redefined what urban farming can achieve?

While our greenhouses provide a wide variety of fresh produce, our partnerships with over 400 local farmers and food makers allow us to offer nearly everything you’d find in a neighborhood grocery store – eggs, cheese, flour, crackers, wine, and more. These collaborations help us expand our impact, connecting customers to fresh, local, and responsibly sourced food. By combining our urban farming model with a robust network of like-minded partners, we’ve reworked urban agriculture’s role, proving it can be a comprehensive solution for sustainable, city-based food systems.


Vision for the Future:
Your vision is a city of rooftop farms. What are the next steps to make this vision a reality, and how do you envision the role of urban farming evolving in cities around the world?

Our vision is bold: to scale up and ultimately serve 10% of the Montreal population and create a replicable system in other cities around the world. We want rooftop greenhouses to become a standard feature of urban development and a no-brainer for sustainable city planning. By integrating greenhouses into cities, we aim to transform urban areas into self-sufficient ecosystems. This approach brings fresh, local, and sustainable food closer to communities while showcasing how agricultural innovation can address global food security challenges. Urban farming has the potential to reshape cities, creating greener, healthier environments and a more resilient food system for the future.

 

Learn more about Lufa Farms here.

And join us at Indoor Ag-Con March 11-12, 2025 to hear Rachael Warner as she joins other panelists for the session: Water Wise: Maximizing Water Quality For Maximum Yields, on Tuesday , March 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM PST

Forbes AI Agriculture

Sustainable Farming Enters A New Era With AI And Agritech Solutions

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

From Forbes:

There’s an emerging wave in the approach to farming all around the world, and it’s very evident at CES 2025. Several companies are represented by their home countries on the convention floor to demonstrate how they’re becoming leaders in the agritech movement, particularly in the way we can implement AI to grow crops more efficiently.

Based on its prominent presence at CES, it’s clear that South Korea, more than any of the dozens of countries and regions represented, is prioritizing getting younger generations into farming by making it more appealing to them. The country is pushing to integrate AI into vertical farming and using innovative techniques like robotics and automation to make it possible in urban areas. These AI technologies are collecting so much data that it’s bound to reduce human error and make many components of farming a lot easier to manage.

Read full story from Forbes…

Mucci and Ecoation

Ecoation Partners with Mucci Farms to Advance Greenhouse Technology

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

From iGrow News: 

Ecoation and Mucci Farms have announced a strategic collaboration to integrate Ecoation’s advanced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Yield Forecasting platform across Mucci Farms’ greenhouse facilities in the U.S. and Canada. This partnership reflects Mucci Farms’ commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology to enhance crop health, productivity, and sustainability.

“For years, we’ve sought a technology partner who understands the complexities of greenhouse operations,” said Bert Mucci, CEO of Mucci Farms. “Ecoation’s platform offers the insights we need to drive innovation and sustainability.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Ecoation has formed a strategic partnership with Mucci Farms, to deploy Ecoation’s IPM and yield forecasting platform across all Mucci facilities.
  • The collaboration aims to enhance crop health monitoring, pest management, and yield prediction through advanced digital tools and machine learning.
  • Mucci Farms will leverage Ecoation’s platform to increase productivity, reduce chemical use, and further sustainable agriculture efforts.
  • This partnership builds on years of successful collaboration and technology trials between the two companies.
  • Ecoation and Mucci Farms share a commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency, and technological innovation.

Read more from iGrowNews here…..

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