Author: urbanagnews

Enabling seamless and rapid data sharing between sensors and Source Amsterdam — Source.ag, the provider of AI solutions for vegetable growers, today announces the release of Source APIs. The latest addition to the offering allows for instant data exchange between sensors in greenhouses and Source.ag solutions. The first release of Source APIs, Source API for Sensors, allows growers to level up their data accuracy and get access to a centralized overview. The solution also enables greenhouse growers to scale operations easier, faster and cheaper with various supported sensors, and further improve growing strategies with in-depth insights. Source API for Sensors…

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The ADVANCEA project team would like to invite our stakeholders to visit our project greenhouse for learning how artificial intelligence (AI) is used for greenhouse environment control at the Ohio State University’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (CEARC) in Columbus, OH. Learn about our ADVANCEA project! Our tomato greenhouses are operated using Koidra’s artificial intelligence (AI), wireless sensor technologies, and OSU’s innovative crop management strategies. Meet ADVANCEA researchers and collaborators!AJ Both (Rutgers); Peter Ling (OSU); Murat Kacira (Arizona); Changhyeon Kim (OSU); Chieri Kubota (OSU); Ketut Putra (Koidra); Ken Tran (Koidra); and Niels van der Geest (Delphy) Tour the OSU CEARC modern greenhouses!The CEARC is located on the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory at 2515 Carmack Rd., Columbus, OH 43210. Please park in the gravel…

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USDA announced the selection of 17 new grant recipients for more than $5.2 million in Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) grants through the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). WASHINGTON, July 1, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $5.2 million in 17 new grants that support urban agriculture and innovative production. Grant recipients, including community gardens and nonprofit farms, will increase food production and access in economically distressed communities, provide job training and education, and allow partners to develop business plans and zoning proposals. These grants build on $46.8 million invested in 186…

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At Village Farms Fresh, we are committed to fostering connections among our community, education, and sustainable agriculture. Over the past six months, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with local school districts in the Big Bend region of Texas to provide captivating greenhouse tours for students. With visionary support from the Big Bend Conservation Alliance (BBCA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural and natural heritage of our region, Village Farms Fresh has offered enriching educational experiences to young learners. This collaboration has extended our reach across five schools: Presidio Elementary, Marfa Middle School, Fort Davis Elementary, Terlingua Elementary,…

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Join us on July 17 for OHCEAC’s 3rd Annual CEA Conference:  “Advancement in CEA Automation and Crop Management” Controlled Environment Agricultural Research Complex (CEARC)The Ohio State University; Columbus, OH, USA In-Person Registration: $180Online Registration: $115Please visit the OHCEAC conference website to register. Conference Keynote Speakers Dr. Dimitrios “Dimi” ApostolopoulosCarnegie Mellon University”Robotics for Agricultural Applications at the National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University” Dr. Silke HemmingWageningen University & Research, the Netherlands“Can We Reach Autonomous Greenhouses in the Future? Dr. Erik RunkleMichigan State University”Keys to Successful Application of Horticultural Lighting” Dr. Eldert J. Van HentenWageningen University & Research, the Netherlands”Why Robots Are…

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Have you heard about the National Urban Agriculture Conference happening Aug. 4-6 in Detroit, MI? Through the conference, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, along with lead organizer NUag Initiative, seeks to build stronger connections between USDA programs and those working in urban agriculture. The conference features bus tours of urban farms in Detroit; information on USDA resources; listening sessions and presentations; and information on beneficial tools, training, resources, and efforts to expand local and regional food systems. Approximately 500 attendees are expected, including USDA employees, urban farmers; educators and administrators; business and nonprofit leaders; and retail and wholesale companies. A…

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Globally, there is significant attention on food security, safety, and the role of technology in making horticulture more sustainable. GreenTech Amsterdam was the epicenter of the horticulture industry last week. Despite the challenges facing the industry, innovation continues to thrive, with numerous high-tech examples such as picking robots, automated sorting machines, and drones showcased on the show floor. The event saw a remarkable growth of 5% in visitor numbers compared to 2023, attracting over 12,200 attendees. GreenTech was held from 11 – 13 June at RAI Amsterdam. A total of 119 countries attended the trade show. The top 5 countries…

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Researchers, growers, and manufacturers convene to share expertise and research under the theme of dynamic lighting.  ITHACA, NY June 14, 2024 – The Cornell University Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering (GLASE) consortium is thrilled to announce the 2024 GLASE Summit will take place on November 6, 2024 at the Hotel St. Paul in Montréal, Quebec in Canada. The theme of the 2024 GLASE Summit is Exploring Dynamic Lighting. Registration is limited to 100 attendees. To secure your spot in Montreal, select the Register Now button on https://glase.org/glase-summit-2024/ and choose Individual registration for $100 or bundle individual GLASE membership and 2024 GLASE Summit registration for $250. Growers,…

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Yesterday marked the opening of GreenTech Amsterdam 2024 at the RAI Convention Centre. With one day to go, topics such as ‘Urban food supply’, ‘Reducing food waste’ and ‘Farmer training’ will be discussed in various knowledge sessions. Vision Stage: Technology Stage: Medicinal Plants/ Vertical Farming Stage: Medicinal Plants: Vertical Farming Stage: NL Pavilion: More information at: https://www.greentech.nl/amsterdam/. Registration policy VisitorsGreenTech is offering a 3-day entrance ticket for €120 excl. VAT per person. More information and registration at https://www.greentech.nl/amsterdam/tickets. GreenTech AmsterdamGreenTech Amsterdam is held from Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 June 2024. The exhibition is a global meeting place for all horticultural technology…

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The winners of the GreenTech Awards were announced at the opening of GreenTech Amsterdam 2024. Koppert wins the Concept Award for product: Koppert’s Digital Assistant. And Blue Radix wins the Innovation Award for product: Integrated Autonomous Climate & Irrigation Control. GreenTech Amsterdam will be held till Thursday 13 June 2024 at RAI Amsterdam. Egon Janssen (chairman jury) explains why: “Artificial Intelligence and data science are developing really fast. The winners of the concept and innovation award show that this new technology can help to improve sustainability and reduce labour shortage. The jury was impressed by the scalability of the winning innovation and concept, which can result…

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A key to successful crop production is correctly managing fertilizers. Nutrient Management Level 1 is part of the award-winning Greenhouse Online Training program offered by the University of Florida IFAS Extension (UF). Join the over 990 growers from around the world who have successfully completed this course and received a certificate of completion from UF (you could be #1000!). Rated 4.5 out of 5 by grower participants, with a 90% graduation rate last year! Nutrient Management 1 is designed for people with some experience or entry university level, who are in production, technical, or sales role for greenhouse and nursery…

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Norfolk, VA – Whites Nursery & Greenhouses, Inc., a well- established commercial greenhouse and wholesale nursery in Chesapeake, VA, has announced that it will be liquidating its assets after many years of serving the mid-Atlantic region. The company has entered into an agreement with Second Bloom Auctions to facilitate the sale of its greenhouse structures, equipment, and nursery supplies. Founded in 1956 by Norm and Hetty White, White’s Nursery has been a cornerstone of Chesapeake, VA, for over six decades. Known for producing high-quality potted flowering plants and annuals, White’s recently decided to wind down its wholesale greenhouse operations due…

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DALLAS—June 4, 2024—In a move to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of horticultural practices, Hort Americas announced today an exclusive partnership with Meteor Systems to distribute their HDPE floating rafts in North America. Meteor Systems’ HDPE floating rafts are easy to clean and exceptionally durable, outlasting traditional EPS rafts by four to five times. This longevity reduces the need for replacements, minimizing landfill waste and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. “Our goal continues to be focused on offering products that last, and we feel this is our best option for cost-effective, sustainable solutions at this point in time,” said Chris…

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Village Farms Fresh has been growing in greenhouses in North America for the past 35 years. The company operates high-tech growing facilities in the remote Big Bend Region of far west Texas, USA, as well as facilities in Canada in the picturesque Cascadian region of British Columbia. Village Farms Fresh also has a number of partner growers throughout Mexico and for this reason, the company considers itself a “North American-based company” with almost 500 acres in total of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) greenhouse facilities all known for producing an exclusive line of tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper varietals. However, it…

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