Messe Dortmund will be holding its second international VertiFarm buyer-meets-seller show for next-level farming and new food systems between 26 and 28 September 2023. As the world's only industry forum for tomorrow's urban food supply systems, VertiFarm offers a wealth of information on controlled production systems for vegetables, fruit, salads, herbs, alternative protein sources, microgreens and medicinal plants as well as new developments in fish and insect farming.

Dortmund, 16 May 2023 – Following its successful début, VertiFarm – the informative international show focusing on next-level farming and new food systems – will be back from 26 to 28 September with a detailed range of products and services for decision-makers and players in the agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industries. Visitors will discover new approaches and fresh ideas for one of the global challenges of our time: ensuring sustainable future supplies of local, healthy, fresh foods. The show's conceptual and technical sponsors include the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF), the Westphalia & Münsterland branch of the North Rhine Westphalia Retailers' Association, the Retail Industry Climate Protection Campaign, the Westphalia & Lippe Agricultural Association and the German Pharmaceutical Industry Association (BPI).

Wide variety of propositions from Germany and Europe

Exhibitors from Norway, Sweden, Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, North and South America, Asia and beyond will be presenting trends, new technologies and systems related to new-style cultivation techniques and giving a good overview of the worlds of aquaponics and hydroponics. For example, leading drive and control equipment specialist Bosch Rexroth AG will be showcasing its technical automation expertise, and innovative production systems for agriculture in controlled environments will be presented by British international Vertical Future Ltd whilst Dutch greenhouse technology specialist Priva Horticulture BV will be in attendance with innovative products and applications ranging from process computers and sensors to cloud-based automation software. Also travelling from the Netherlands will be CE-Line BV, demonstrating its special expertise in water and nutrient management for greenhouse horticulture. The vGreens Holding GmbH Germany stand will also be combining technological innovation and sustainability for the production of premium fruit and crops, and INDO Lighting Ltd from the UK will be presenting lighting systems designed to aid optimum growth. Information on a sustainable alternative for future decentralised supplies of fresh sea fish will be provided by Seawater Cubes GmbH.

7th International Summit of the Association for Vertical Farming e.V.

As with the début show last year, the two-day summit of the Association for Vertical Farming will be held once again as part of the show. This convention organised by the world's leading (and first ever) non-profit organisation in its field will see well-known scientists joining investors and representatives from industry and government on 26 and 27 September 2023 to discuss and inform audiences on the three main subject areas of:

Science & Research – highlighting how far the science of vertical farming still is from reality and how research and industry can be linked to understand the current challenges of industry and identify what gaps need filling.

Technology & Sustainability – next-level farming and new food systems focusing increasingly on new technologies, examining the possibilities for sustainable use of technical concepts and tools with the potential to help businesses increase the yield and quality of plants, and to reduce costs.

Food & Cities – indoor and vertical farming are indispensable when it comes to enabling comprehensive urban supplies of nutritious, healthy foods. But what do cities need to make this happen, and what is the vertical farming industry (already) able to deliver? Establishment of a city network as a blueprint will be discussed.

Attend the AVF Summit with an early bird discount and save nearly 50%! Tickets to the convention will be available until 20 June at the early bird rate of EUR 280 (instead of EUR 500). They also include admission to VertiFarm on the two days. For AVF members, participation costs EUR 200.

>>> Convention tickets

Do your bit to help shape the show's supporting programme

Like the launch event, the second VertiFarm will also include an extensive supporting programme including instructive knowledge modules, some of which will be interactive. In addition to experts from agriculture, science and industry as well as representatives of various start-ups, suppliers also have the opportunity to enrich the stage programme with exciting technical or keynote talks on the given focus topics.

>>> Call for papers

Become an exhibitor

Businesses wishing to present their products and services at VertiFarm can get information and register online here:

>>> Information, prices, stand sizes and other offerings