Insights on vertical farming | ONE

On 11 November 2020, ONE Food, Drink & Agriculture explored the technology, environmental benefits and economics of vertical farming with businesses at the forefront of its development in Aberdeenshire - Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) and Vertegrow.

The North East Scotland Food & Drink Network webinar examined the latest developments in indoor farming and how vertical farms can expand the range of crop output, to provide year-round supplies for retail, hospitality, catering and food processing.

The emerging sector involves crops grown in stacked indoor systems and could become a key component in the long-term agricultural mix. Aberdeenshire is the location of one of Scotland's first large-scale vertical farms. More than £1.4 billion has been invested in vertical farming globally since 2014.

Vertegrow is an early adopter of vertical farming technology on a commercial scale and is building one of the first large-scale vertical farms in Scotland. The investment represents a diversification of their existing arable farm at Waterside in Aberdeenshire, which grows barley and rye for brewing and distilling. Under the banner “Plants, People, Planet”, Vertegrow is focussed on growing in a way which is both environmentally and financially sustainable.

Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) has developed one of the most advanced vertical farming systems, which harnesses many of the technologies that underpin the fourth industrial revolution, to create much more sophisticated growing environments.

Copies of the presentations delivered by Polly Purvis from IGS and Graeme Warren of Vertegrow are provided below, along with a recording of the webinar and a link to a video of the IGS demonstrator facility.

The North East Scotland Food & Drink Network is delivered by Opportunity North East (ONE) in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council. For further information, contact Elizabeth Mathie.

Vertical farming webinar recording

Video of IGS vertical farm demonstrator