A new web app is available to calculate the light intensity and photoperiod required to achieve a certain daily light integral for plant growth for an electric light source, such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes). In the app, you enter any two of the three items to calculate the third unknown value. For example, enter light intensity and photoperiod to calculate daily light integral. The English/Spanish language app was designed by Dr. Paul Fisher of University of Florida IFAS Extension and Dr. Bruce MacKay of Thomas Baine Ltd. You can access the app here: backpocketgrower.org/constantlightlevels.asp. “Growers often do these lighting calculations…
Author: urbanagnews
Announcing the 2020 Bold Open Reverse Pitch PRESS RELEASE – The Bold Open virtual reverse pitch collaboration will flip the traditional pitch to find innovative solutions to food and ag industry challenges. The Bold Open is powered by the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, in partnership with MBOLD, and in collaboration with 18 other Minnesota food and agriculture entities. Through the Bold Open, Minnesota companies will solicit innovative solutions from entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses from around the world to address their specific industry challenges. A live, interactive web-based event on July 27 will bring together innovative industry leaders from across Minnesota to discuss…
Train yourself and your staff to make better decisions about fertilizer and plant nutrient management. Nutrient Management 1 is the second course of the award-winning Greenhouse Online Training courses offered by the University of Florida IFAS Extension. This course is intermediate level and designed for people with some experience or entry university level, who are in production, technical, or sales role for greenhouse and nursery crops. Topics covered include common nutrient problems, essential nutrients, fertilizer types, growing media, and testing (soil, nutrient solution and tissue). The course is offered in English and Spanish. The course runs from July 6 to…
Written by Blaire O’Neal, PhD, San Diego University I am excited to share the survey for my research project, “Systems Analysis of Hydroponic, Aquaponic, and Aeroponic Food Production in the United States. This research is funded by the United State Department of Agriculture and administered by myself, Dr. Blaire O’Neal, a postdoctoral fellow at San Diego State University. This research seeks to evaluate the current state of hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic urban farms in the United States, as well as its opportunities and barriers to their continued growth. We hope that gathering data directly from participants in businesses and organizations…
Willo’s personalized cultivation and delivery service brings the highest quality plant produce on Earth directly to consumers Press Release — Willo, a state-of-the-art indoor vertical farming startup, debuted a brand new direct-to-consumer delivery program in San Jose to provide the highest quality custom produce experience in the Bay Area. Founded by brothers Samuel and John Bertram, Willo’s personalized cultivation and delivery service connects consumers directly to their own plot in Willo’s local vertical farm. Willo’s substantially automated farm grows the highest quality plant produce that is uniquely safe, delicious and nutritious year-round without pesticides, herbicides or GMOs. South Bay Area residents will…
The National Science Foundation-funded research project entitled “Strategic FEW (food, energy, water) and Workforce Investments to Enhance Viability of Controlled Environment Agriculture in Metropolitan Areas” (CEA Viability in Metro Areas) seeks to help the CEA industry develop a skilled workforce that will allow it to scale. As part of this project, Anu Rangarajan’s team has conducted research to understand the workforce/labor needs of the broader hydroponics industry (greenhouse and indoor vertical farms). The project has surveyed dozens of stakeholders. In 2019, twelve industry members were brought together in an intensive Designing a Curriculum (DACUM) workshop whereby participants reflected on the skills sets…
Amsterdam, 12 June 2020 – GreenTech Americas is moving from 25 – 27 August 2020 to 16 – 18 March 2021. The current health situation in Mexico, due to COVID-19, does not provide the optimal conditions to organize GreenTech’s first show in Querétaro. RAI Amsterdam and Tarsus, as organizers, recognize the power of face to face interaction as the best environment for successful business. Due to measures put in place by the authorities, many travelers are still confronted with travel restrictions. A new date has been set to maintain the international reach and quality of the event. Opportunities and potentialGreenTech Americas in…
The new study reveals exciting findings for both consumers and vertical farming industry practices. PRESS RELEASE — Today, technology-driven vertical farming company Kalera announced the publication of a new study, “Effect of End-of-Production High-Energy Radiation on Nutritional Quality of Indoor-Grown Red-Leaf Lettuce,” conducted in partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The Kalera-sponsored study found that by using high-energy LED lighting prior to harvest, red-leaf lettuce significantly increases the production of antioxidants and especially of anthocyanins, compounds in plants that may offer health-promoting benefits by protecting cells from free radicals — exciting news for health-conscious consumers. By only…
PRESS RELEASE – Indoor Ag-Con, LLC is pleased to announce “MegaTrends In Indoor Farming,” the latest topic to join its new Indoor Ag-Conversations monthly free webinar series. Hosted by Agritecture Consulting, this panel discussion will cover megatrends in food, agtech, and vertical farming. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 at 2 pm EST, the program will be moderated by Agritecture Founder & CEO, Henry Gordon-Smith and include panelist Menachem Katz, former head of WeWork Food Labs. Additional panelist to be announced soon. “From Covid-19 to climate change to food security concerns, there are a number of factors accelerating megatrends shaping the…
As indoor agriculture has grown, finding, training, and retaining a skilled workforce has emerged as an important challenge to the industry. A unique combination of plant production, tech troubleshooting, and innovation is needed among employees managing these operations. What are the critical skill sets, and how can we create a larger pipeline of individuals trained in these skills so that they can contribute to CEA business success? At Cornell University, a group led by Professor Anu Rangarajan (Director, Small Farms Program) seeks to provide answers as part of a National Science Foundation-funded research project on CEA Viability in Metro Areas. Rangarajan’s…
PRESS RELEASE – This webinar series, named ‘Eat This’ is a close collaboration between NethWork and World Horti Center. Both organizations want to connect the horticultural sector with the world beyond horticulture. Renee Snijders and Ed Smit of NethWork will present these weekly webinar sessions. During weekly webinar sessions, thought leaders in the field of food will share his/her vision on (the future of) healthy food. Following last week’s session with Henry Gordon Smith. Dave Chen, CEO of private equity firm Equilibrium, will explain in more detail his firm’s vision on purposeful, sustainable investment in controlled environment production and…
Verlage Joins Top Execs from United Fresh, DNO Produce, BrightFarms For Virtual Panel On Produce Trends, Business Growth Opportunities For Indoor Growers Emerging From Covid-19 Pandemic PRESS RELEASE – Victor Verlage, Senior Director of Agriculture Strategy Development, Walmart, will join the panel line-up for the debut session of the new Indoor Ag-Conversations webinar series announced last week. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 3 at 4 pm EST, the program, “United Fresh Produce Association Panel: Produce Trends & Business Opportunities For Indoor Growers Emerging From Covid-19 Pandemic, ” will be moderated by United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel, and also include…
Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center Executive Director Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH will be joined by Stephen Ritz, the Founder of Green Bronx Machine and self-proclaimed CEO – Chief Eternal Optimist – of Bronx County to discuss COVID-19, food insecurity and food policy in New York City. Jun 17, 2020 09:30 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Unlocking Potential Using LED Grow Lights for Better Cannabis Yields by Hans Spalholz, PhD Traditionally, cannabis growers have relied on high pressure sodium (HPS) systems for their lighting needs. Advancements in LED technology, coupled with increased demand and the need to reduce expenses, accelerate turns and save energy, make LED fixtures a viable replacement. Despite theiradvantages, there is a learning curve as you change from HPS to LED and several things to consider. This guide will walk you through things to keep in mind, as well as detail the benefits of LED growth. Fill out the below info to download…