Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), vertical farming and new food systems – these future-oriented topics were the focus of attention at the H4 Hotel Munich Messe on 3 and 4 September. ‘Global Food Challenges: Vertical Farming as a Catalyst for Innovation & Climate Action’ was the title of the 9th AFV Summit powered by VertiFarm. More than 30 leading international experts were invited by the Association für Vertical Farming e.V. (AVF) and Messe Dortmund to speak at the summit in the Bavarian capital. This summit was primarily about networking, knowledge exchange and knowledge acquisition – crucial factors in overcoming global challenges such as food security, the climate crisis, resource scarcity and population growth.

Dortmund, 8 September 2025 – This year's AVF Summit was characterised by professional exchanges and inspiring discussions about new concepts and partnerships. The industry presented itself as open and willing to cooperate: knowledge was actively shared – without reservation and with the clear goal of further developing vertical farming globally. A joint white paper is already in the planning stages and will serve as a central knowledge platform in the future. Christine Zimmermann-Lössl, Chair of the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF), expressed her satisfaction after the two-day summit: "Vertical Farming is rising to a new level and understanding of what is really needed, and asks the crucial question of size, customers, technology and selection of crops as well as adding new crops to the plate. Emphasizing cooperation has never been more important or widely understood within the industry and research. AVF is and will be the organization leading these developments. At the 9th AVF Summit we could feel the willingness to overcome the downward trend and got a clear signal from politics to support us."

The conference focused on topics such as the potential of vertical farming as a climate protection measure, international perspectives and success stories, trends and challenges in sustainable food production, urban agriculture, research and technology. The strong international field of participants and speakers was particularly noteworthy. Experts from the USA, Jordan, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy and other countries contributed to a diverse exchange of knowledge. Renowned speakers included Alessandro Olivieri, founder and CEO of Igrox, Besan Dahboor Engel, founder of ReVora, and Julia Rocha Romero, consultant for nature-based solutions (NbS) at the UNEP Climate Centre in Copenhagen (UNEP-CCC). Fadi Sbaiti, General Manager at Khalifa University AGX, Martin Parapatits, founder of the PhytonIq and Zelosplant Group, and Endre Harnes, Chief Commercial Officer at Avisomo, also presented their innovative findings and approaches. One of the highlights of the technical programme was the presentation by Prof. Dr Senthold Asseng. The professor shared his findings and calculations on the indoor cultivation of wheat and soy, which could make a decisive contribution to food security in the future.

This year's annual AVF Summit was supported not only by Messe Dortmund, but also by important partners and sponsors. The Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy was involved as a cooperation partner. The AVF Summit received special recognition through the participation of Minister of State Hubert Aiwanger. In his speech, the farmer thanked the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) and Messe Dortmund for promoting the topic of vertical farming.

Würth Elektronik eiSos also supported the summit as a partner, and the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich stood alongside the organisers as a sponsor. greenhub solutions GmbH, Blims Media and Direct Carbon AB were also represented with information stands on site.

The Startup Challenge once again provided an important platform for young companies in this dynamic industry this year. Exciting newcomers presented themselves to a jury of experts. The company Direct Carbon will now receive a one-year free AVF membership and will be featured in detail on the Association's channels.