Indoor agriculture is experiencing rapid growth as drought, supply chain challenges and the scarcity of new farmland force growers to seek more efficient and sustainable growing methods. The leaders in this growing sector of agriculture will meet at the 3rd annual Indoor Agriculture Conference on March 31 and April 1, 2015 in Las Vegas to discuss the present and future of this expanding industry.
The conference will be a chance for commercial growers to see and experience new technology, meet with funders, and learn from some of the most successful companies in the industry. Agriculture technology companies, suppliers and automation companies will also have the chance to meet and mingle with leading vertical farmers and commercial greenhouse operations.
In its first three years, the Indoor Agriculture Conference has captured an international audience and attracted some of the top names in the business. Last year attendees came from as far away as Sweden, India and Israel. Vendors included LED lighting systems, nutrient delivery systems, and automated technology.
In 2015, the conference will focus on educating and inspiring established commercial growers in the indoor agriculture industry while introducing them to the newest and most innovative technologies and systems. This year’s conference is set against the backdrop of California’s severe drought, which has impacted one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions. According to UC Davis, the drought has cost Californian agriculture $1.5bn and is expected to continue through 2015. Indoor agriculture’s remarkable water efficiency and predictable delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables independent of climate or weather patterns make it a reliable source of fresh produce even in drought-stricken or arid regions.
The conference is tailored toward corporate executives from the technology, greenhouse, farming, and food and beverage industries, along with hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic startups. Organizers are expanding the conference’s vendor exhibit area this year, and it will be integrated into the main conference hall.
“Over the last three years the indoor agriculture industry has both matured and experienced remarkable growth. The technology and indoor agriculture operations that we were talking about three years ago are now a reality,” said Nicola Kerslake, founder of Newbean Capital, the owner and organizer of the Indoor Agriculture Conference. “The industry is attracting intense interest from leading technology companies, commercial growers and funders and the Indoor Agriculture Conference is a one-stop location to meet industry leaders, generate new ideas, and connect with business partners.”