Vertically Urban is thrilled to unveil its latest horticultural lighting innovations: Horti-Blaze Tunable and Odyssey Tunable, designed specifically for vertical farms and glasshouses. Representing the culmination of extensive research and development efforts at their UK-based factory, these products incorporate advanced technology that revolutionizes the way growers control light spectra, providing unparalleled customization tailored to each crop’s unique needs.

INTRODUCING HORTI-BLAZE & ODYSSEY TUNABLE SPECTRUM

Horti-Blaze Tunable, part of the Horti-Blaze family, is engineered for vertical farms and other space-constrained growing environments. With its wide beam angle and high-power output, this luminaire minimizes the number of fixtures required for optimum coverage. An innovative addressable ‘data-over-power’ system allows for individual luminaire control via a single cable connection, simplifying installation compared to traditional systems.

Meanwhile, Odyssey Tunable combines advanced dynamic spectrum technology with the power of a ‘high bay’ top light, offering unmatched versatility in greenhouse environments of any size. With seamless adaptability and robust performance, Odyssey Tunable sets a new standard for greenhouse lighting solutions, empowering growers to achieve exceptional results with ease.

ENHANCED TUNABLE LIGHTING CAPABILITIES

Each luminaire features four independent channels of control, allowing growers to effortlessly manipulate the wavelengths and proportions of the output spectrum. Unlike traditional fixed spectrum lighting systems, tunable lighting allows growers to tailor the light spectrum to the specific needs of different plants. Furthermore, tunable lighting enables the implementation of sophisticated lighting schedules, adjusting the light spectrum and intensity throughout the day and the plant’s life cycle.

The enhanced far-red capability of Vertically Urban’s tunable spectrum luminaires allows full exploitation of the photosynthesis-boosting effects of those longer wavelengths, while carefully controlling levels to avoid the adverse effects that over-exposure can bring.

ENERGY SAVING TECHNOLOGY

In addition to enhancing crop growth, tunable lighting offers significant energy-saving benefits. By dynamically adjusting the light spectrum based on energy prices, growers can capitalize on energy-efficient spectra during peak demand periods, thereby reducing operating costs without compromising crop quality or yield. This agile energy management not only improves profitability but also promotes sustainability by reducing overall energy consumption.

A GAME CHANGING TUNABLE TECHNOLOGY

“We’ve witnessed a surge in interest in tunable spectrum products, with farm operators seeking to maximize the versatility of their facilities while minimizing energy usage,” said Andrew Littler, CEO of Vertically Urban. “The ingenious technology packed into Horti-Blaze and Odyssey Tunable ensures unparalleled spectrum control with important enhanced far-red capability.”

Vertically Urban’s plant scientist, Dr. Phoebe Sutton, said, “Tunable lighting enables the implementation of sophisticated lighting schedules tailoring the light spectrum to the specific needs of the plant at different times.” She added, “The additional Far Red (FR) capabilities of the Tunable spectrum luminaires allow full exploitation of the Emerson effect to optimize plant growth, and the ability to control the timing of flower and fruit production.”

Overall, tunable lighting represents a game-changing technology in indoor agriculture, offering unparalleled flexibility, efficiency, and control over the growth environment. Vertically Urban invites growers to experience the future of cultivation lighting with Horti-Blaze Tunable and Odyssey Tunable. Elevate your crop production with precision, efficiency, and versatility like never before.

MORE INFORMATION

The post NEW TUNABLE SPECTRUM LUMINAIRES first appeared on Vertically Urban.

FLUORESCENT BAN

The latest phase of this transition sees us bid farewell to the trusted fluorescent tube, with most falling foul of the ban as we’ve navigated 2023, and the rest soon to follow.

PLAN FOR CHANGE

Many growth chambers and controlled environment facilities across the UK and Europe still happily bask in the steady glow of fluorescent tubes. It’s crucial for all organizations to check their light sources and plan the switch to LED, ensuring that research and commercial programs don’t face disruptions due to unscheduled downtime.

LED VS FLUORESCENT

The move to LED may be enforced, but the shift comes with a host of benefits:

LIGHTING THE FUTURE

When you’re ready to make the change, Vertically Urban offers a meticulously crafted range of advanced LED luminaires with proprietary spectra to suit various scenarios. For growth chamber conversion, our latest innovation, Horti-Blaze, stands out with its low profile, wide beam angle, and high PPF output.

ENQUIRE NOW

If you’re ready to discuss your options for the switch or seek enhanced functionality compared to the previous generation of LED lights, don’t hesitate to get in touch at hello@verticallyurban.com.

Let’s illuminate the path to a brighter, more sustainable future together.

The post Switch to LED as Fluorescent Tubes Bow Out first appeared on Vertically Urban.

Vertically Urban, the renowned horticultural lighting manufacturer, is thrilled to announce the arrival of their latest cutting-edge innovation, Horti-Blaze. This state-of-the-art, high-powered LED grow light has been meticulously crafted to cater to the evolving needs of modern vertical and indoor farms, promising unrivalled efficiency, sustainability, and versatility.

POWERFUL AND EFFCIENT GROW LIGHT

Developed in the United Kingdom, leveraging the latest advancements in LED technology, Horti-Blaze debuts with three exclusive spectra, each delivering industry-leading efficiencies. With more ground-breaking options already in the pipeline, Horti-Blaze offers an ideal solution for every farming operation. One such upcoming addition, available later in the year, is a fully tunable spectrum version that will feature individually addressable fixtures with power and control via a single cable.

While prioritizing efficiency and efficacy, the design team at Vertically Urban has also kept a keen eye on reducing installation time and costs. The result is not just a luminaire that is effortlessly “plug and play” with lockable quick connects, but also a lighting system that requires up to 33% fewer luminaires and 75% fewer drivers compared to other popular alternatives, making it an unparalleled choice for many installations.

“…Horti-Blaze truly is a game-changer…”

Andrew Littler, CEO (Vertically Urban)

KEY FEATURES

• HIGHER PPF & WIDER BEAM ANGLE
  • Achieve the same coverage with fewer luminaires in most cases.
• LOWER INSTALL COST
  • Extended maximum run lengths reduce the need for additional drivers and electrical connections.
• REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION
  • Industry-leading efficiencies minimize energy usage, leading to significant energy cost savings.
• INCREASED RECYCLABILITY
  • The luminaire boasts a fully recyclable body and refurbishable parts, reducing end-of-life waste.

LOWER INSTALL COSTS

“We have received an overwhelming response from customers who have had the opportunity to experience pre-release samples of Horti-Blaze. They are particularly impressed by the simplified installation,” said Business Development Director, Jon Potter. He further added, “The significant reduction in required electrical connections translates into substantial cost savings during the lighting installation process.”

“Our design team has always been committed to pushing the boundaries of efficiency and efficacy, and they have once again excelled with Horti-Blaze. Combined with the emphasis on simplifying installation, Horti-Blaze truly is a game-changer,” exclaimed Andrew Littler, CEO of Vertically Urban. He continued, “I take immense pride in offering our customers the potential for both energy and installation cost savings with a single product.”

LAUNCHING AT GREENTECH AMSTERDAM

Vertically Urban has chosen the prestigious GreenTech Amsterdam event as the stage for the grand unveiling of Horti-Blaze and even an early sneak peak of the tunable variant. Attendees can get an exclusive first look at this remarkable luminaire by visiting the Vertically Urban stand (05.160VF) starting from Tuesday 13^th June. For those unable to attend the show, the Vertically Urban team welcomes inquiries through their various communication channels, and they will be delighted to arrange personalised demonstrations.

The post INTRODUCING HORTI-BLAZE first appeared on Vertically Urban.

FEED THE WORLD

With the world’s population set to rise to around 9.8 billion by 2050, it is thought that global food production must increase by around 70% to ensure food stays on everybody’s table. At the same time, we are already losing traditional farmland at an alarming rate mostly because of pollution and climate change.

UK based Agri-tech manufacturer Vertically Urban and global tech leader Microsoft both believe that Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), not only has the power to play a pivotal role in ensuring food security for future generations but believe they can bring about significant improvements in the efficiency and quality of the process.

DEVELOPING HORISS WITH MICROSOFT AI

The two companies are working together to develop Vertically Urban’s AI-based CEA control platform HORISS. The aim of HORISS is for it to be an intelligent control system that autonomously monitors and reacts to environmental and physical changes within the growing area, ensuring crops are grown to exact specification, using precisely the resources required.

Andrew Littler (AL), Vertically Urban’s CEO, sat down with Jens Hansen (JH), General Manager (EMEA) of Data & AI at Microsoft, to discuss Microsoft’s partnership with Vertically Urban and how AI has the power to accelerate the new farming revolution in controlled environment agriculture and secure adequate food supplies for future generations.

THE INTERVIEW

AL: Thanks for hosting us here at Microsoft HQ Jens, it’s great to be able to sit down and discuss working together on our plans for the future!

I think it’s fair to say that farming wouldn’t be the first thing in people’s minds when they hear the name Microsoft. Why is this area of interest to a company that, it’s fair to say, people would often associate with the workplace?

JH: First of all, let me start by saying how incredibly excited I am about the partnership of Microsoft and Vertically Urban.

To answer your question, fundamentally Microsoft believes that technology is a powerful force for good and has the potential to create novel solutions to many of humanity’s issues. In addition, we think that it’s important to ensure those solutions, in turn, lead towards a sustainable future where everyone has access to the benefits and opportunities created by them.

What is a more important use of technology than to ensure humanity has the fundamental resources to thrive both now and in the future?

With both that and the goals of the HORISS platform in mind, I think we’re talking about a very relevant topic today, food security.

What is a more important use of technology than to ensure humanity has the fundamental resources to thrive both now and in the future?

Jens Hansen, General Manager (EMEA) of Data & AI at Microsoft

AL: Food security has always been a topic of conversation, the empty shelves seen in many places during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated to everyone the fragility of our fresh food supply chain in its current form.

While this, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine are probably the biggest reasons we’re all talking about food security right now, many other factors will  impact our ability to feed humanity.

If you look at drought, climate change, population growth, these are all things that are (also) changing the dynamic of the way we grow and produce our food. It’s evermore become the forefront of our mind that we must grow indoors to fulfil the demand that’s there.

JH: Ultimately it sounds like we need to get ready almost for the future, in terms of population growth but also other factors that we might not be able to control, right?

If you navigate that space and look at what Vertically Urban is doing, what do you see as some of the key enabling factors that you’re driving with the company?

AL: We see it as a full package. We can offer sensing, we can offer software (HORISS), we can offer hardware, to enable all these farms of the future to become the providers of our food.

JH: I know that the team are super excited to work with your organisation on that. So basically, the HORISS software, if I understand this correctly, monitors the growth process in the plant and adjusts the environmental parameters, and that is even like, intelligent in a way?

In a nutshell, what we’re looking for is an optimisation that maximises crop yield, whilst minimising resource use, and AI helps that optimisation.

Andrew Littler, Vertically Urban’s CEO

AL: Correct Jens. I mean essentially if you look at the AI technology using sensors, camera vision, algorithms, what it’s effectively doing is monitoring how crops are performing and making sure that what’s happening is they’re getting fed the right nutrient dose, they’re getting the right amount of light and all the other things that are required to achieve the desired growth.

Microsoft’s AI capability will excel in the processing and analysis of the vast amounts of data collected by the HORISS system. The aim is to identify trends and patterns in the data that allows us to not only recreate conditions that result in the most desirable end crop, but eventually to automatically spot and remedy issues occurring during the growth cycle, crucially, well before they would be spotted by a human resulting in minimal impact to the final harvest.

The more data HORISS harvests and incorporates into the model, the earlier it’ll be able to detect issues and the more effectively it’ll be able to remedy them in a timely manner reducing waste of resources or indeed failure of the whole crop.

In a nutshell, what we’re looking for is an optimisation that maximises crop yield, whilst minimising resource use, and AI helps that optimisation. How can you see the way that Microsoft can help us enable (that) in the future?

JH: Good question. I mean Microsoft, first and foremost, we’re a platform company right, so we’re trying to be always at the cutting edge in terms of you know new developments in these fields, including various AI technologies from you know, vision to object recognition to other sort of subdomains in that space. But I think ultimately also we have a responsibility to partner with companies like yours, to bring this to the market together, and enable scenarios that in your case, actually are for the better, you know for the good! Yeah, that’s why I’m really excited to see a partnership like ours come to life right.

AL: We’re really excited to be working with Microsoft too!

JH: So far, we’ve talked about satisfying demand in terms of raw volume, but in most cases, the final crop also needs to taste great for it to be classed as a success. We all enjoy eating tasty food, right?

Machines and computers obviously can’t taste a crop directly, that’s the domain of humans, so it’s vital that we find other ways to ensure that whatever we grow also tastes as desired.

This is a great example of a specific challenge HORISS and Microsoft AI can take on, isn’t it?

AL: Indeed, creating a proxy for taste is both the most challenging and interesting part of the process. In other words, can we find a set of growing conditions that guarantees a great tasting harvest? Furthermore, can we get to a point where we know the specific influence of each of those variables?

Within a HORISS-controlled CEA system, there will be a detailed record of the conditions that each crop experienced over its lifetime. If we flag the outcomes as desirable and undesirable, those datasets can be combined and analysed by Microsoft’s AI. Over time, the system will be able to calculate growing conditions that not only ensure an optimal crop yield, but ensure it’ll look and taste desirable too.

Ultimately only humans can decide if that last part is a success or not.

JH: Absolutely, it’s important to remember that whilst AI is a powerful tool, it is not a panacea for everything nor is it a total replacement for humans, if anything it takes on the more repetitive and intensively analytical tasks, freeing up humans to do other, more complex work that AI just isn’t suited to.

For instance, if we look at the relatively simple concept of picking an apple from a tree. A human can easily navigate stray branches and leaves, assess the ripeness and adapt to the strength of a stalk. Plucking the bounty from the tree with relative ease and in many cases without really looking. AI-controlled robots struggle with this task as there are too many variables that don’t fit within a pattern, the apples may be hidden behind a branch or leaf; An apple may look ripe from one direction but not another; Two identical-looking apples may have different stalk strengths, etc.

AL: Good point…I think it’s easy to get carried away with what you see in the movies compared to what is actually possible in the real world!

One of the reasons that CEA is particularly suited to AI control is that the regular layout is regular making sensors much easier to locate and removing many complex variables from consideration. This makes it much easier to collect valid data and therefore truly useful outputs.

What would you say is the dream end goal of Microsoft’s AI involvement with Vertically Urban, HORRIS, and the wider CEA industry?

JH: We’d love to see a future where all of humanity has a reliable and sufficient food supply, that is both tasty and nutritious. All done with less waste and minimal impact on the environment.

AL: Absolutely! I think food waste is not talked about enough, I remember recently seeing a statistic that around 19% of all lettuce grown in the UK ends up going to waste which is crazy.

There’s a lot of investment by the big supermarket chains in the CEA sector, especially in vertical farms to secure supply. It’ll be interesting to see how smartly they utilise them to reduce waste too.

They (supermarkets) already use the power of AI to predict shopper behaviour and control their procurement and distribution network. Integrating an AI-controlled smart vertical farm into that supply chain would allow produce to be grown only as required which has a huge potential impact.

JH: Indeed…it’d be great to see less produce going to waste for sure!

Our conversation has really been an eye opener and I look forward to learning more as time goes on.

AL: It has been a pleasure speaking with you too, thank you for your insights into the place of AI in the CEA industry.

We’re certainly looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with you and Microsoft.

JH: Likewise. A pleasure to chat to you too.

The post THE POWER OF AI IN INDOOR FARMING first appeared on Vertically Urban.

VERTICALLY URBAN & LETTUS GROW JOIN FORCES WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK TO HELP FIX OUR FOOD

Horticultural lighting experts, Vertically Urban, and aeroponic farming innovator, LettUs Grow, have been collaborating to boost the research capabilities of an award-winning vertical farm in York. Known as ‘Grow it York’, the facility is home to a research team headed by Professor Katherine Denby from the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) at the University of York.

Housed in one of LettUs Grow’s state-of-the-art DROP & GROW container farms, Grow It York sits at the heart of the city as part of an outdoor community space called SPARK^*. Grow it York was born out of the broader ‘FixOurFood‘ programme to investigate the role that vertical farming can play in creating positive change within our food systems, benefiting our health, environment and economy.

FIXING OUR FOOD

FixOurFood is a research collaboration between several academic institutions. It aims to transform local food networks and develop regenerative systems that will create a fairer and more sustainable future for food production, retail, and consumption. These aims perfectly align with both Vertically Urban and LettUs Grow’s company missions.

Over recent months, teams from both companies have been working tirelessly to retrofit the Grow it York farm. The facility now features a full complement of tunable spectrum Horti-Blade grow lights alongside an enhanced version of Ostara^® farm management software. This joint investment, funded by Vertically Urban and LettUs Grow respectively, will greatly increase the scope of the research that can be conducted by the facility, boosting the potential overall impact of the programme.

Professor Katherine Denby added, “The installation of Vertically Urban’s tunable spectrum lights, coupled with the upgraded Ostara^® farm management software, is a significant advance for our vertical farm research. It means we can not only look at varietal selection for vertical farms but also look at how changing the intensity and spectrum of light impacts the yield and quality of crops. With Dr Daphne Ezer’s computational biology group, for example, we are looking at how a gradual sunrise might benefit yield.”

EXCHANGING DATA AND EXPERTISE

The mutually beneficial partnership will see the ongoing free exchange of expertise and data. The overarching aim is to inform the development and deployment of LED lighting in vertical farms to create positive changes within food systems – benefiting health, the environment, and the economy.

“The University of York is a world-renowned research institution right on our doorstep, so I’m truly excited about the opportunities that this relationship brings,” said Andrew Littler, Vertically Urban’s CEO. He continued, “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this point and I couldn’t think of a better partner than LettUs Grow to work with and I look forward to seeing the relationship blossom as we go.”

Ben Crowther, Chief Technical Officer at LettUs Grow, added, “Grow it York was one of our first DROP & GROW farms and with this upgrade, the research it generates has the chance to truly impact the vertical farming industry.” He added, “earlier this year we announced our partnership with Vertically Urban to install Horti-Blade as standard in our DROP & GROW container farms, and this collaboration strengthens those ties. Horti-blade lights have incredibly good efficiency and form factor, helping us achieve our goal of producing powerful, impact-driven products for our customers.”

READ MORE:

The post VERTICALLY URBAN TEAMS UP TO HELP FIX OUR FOOD first appeared on Vertically Urban.

VERTICALLY URBAN LAUNCH HORTI-BLADE HE, AN OPEX-BUSTING VERSION OF THEIR POPULAR LED GROW LIGHT

Vertically Urban’s ever-popular Horti-Blade family of luminaires is set to welcome a new member to the fold, designed to reduce the operating costs (OPEX) of vertical farm lighting.

Known as Horti-Blade HE, the new model represents a leap forward in output and energy efficiency. This innovation consumes up to 26% less energy to achieve a given PPFD when compared to a standard installation. Currently only available in limited proprietary spectra but with efficacies up to 3.8 μmol/J, the team are working hard to bring the energy-saving potential to other spectra soon.

BIG SAVINGS ON OPEX

Andrew Littler, Vertically Urban’s CEO, said: “Whilst all our Horti-Blade models have been developed with energy efficiency in mind, the new ‘HE’ model takes this focus to a new level. As a result, we can now slash lighting OPEX for our growers by up to 26% through changing the luminaire alone.” He added, “Furthermore, when Horti-Blade HE is deployed alongside the latest plant science findings and an intelligent AI-based farm control system, such as our upcoming HORISS platform, additional savings in overall OPEX are a real possibility.”

“…we can now slash lighting OPEX for our growers by up to 26% through changing the luminaire alone.“

Andrew Littler, CEO (Vertically Urban)

UNCOMPROMISING DESIGN

Like the rest of the family, Horti-Blade HE is an ultra-slim, advanced LED grow light, designed for vertical and indoor farming applications. Manufactured in the UK by Vertically Urban’s dedicated team, each member of the Horti-Blade family is just 8mm thin and combines the latest in LED technology with custom optics to ensure the maximum number of useable photons reach the crop.

THE HORTI-BLADE FAMILY

With the addition of the OPEX-busting Horti-Blade HE, there are now four distinct models in the family. Horti-Blade S features output optimised for lower mounting heights and is particularly suited to less intensive growing conditions, such as microgreen cultivation or seedling propagation.

Optimised for overall light output and uniformity, Horti-Blade H features PPF levels up to 30% higher than our S model and is most suitable for situations where maximised yield and crop uniformity are paramount.

The final member of the family, Horti-Blade Tunable, is ideal for research applications, or where a wide variety of crops are to be grown. Four individually controlled and fully dimmable channels, allow precise tuning of each section of the output spectrum to the needs of the crop.

START YOUR JOURNEY

“With OPEX being such a huge topic at the moment, we’re truly excited to add Horti-Blade HE to the family and in turn offer our growers the chance to save big on their energy bill,” said Jon Potter, Vertically Urban’s Business Development Director. He continued, “we’d love to show you the potential of Horti-Blade HE, so get in touch and we can begin your journey with us!”

The post THE OPEX-BUSTING HORTI-BLADE™ HE first appeared on Vertically Urban.

This article was originally published by Menzies as an ‘Insider Interview’ in the October 2022 issue of their Manufacturing Magazine and newsletter.

Vertically Urban design and manufacture a range of high-quality horticultural LED lights for vertical farms and glasshouses. We spoke to their Marketing Manager, Neil Arden, to understand more about the company and the significant increase in the popularity of vertical farms.

DEMAND FOR LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD

Vertical farms have seen a real increase in demand over the last few years, due in no small part to market pressures in the food supply chain. We all saw the empty shelves at the start of the pandemic. This was followed by the War in Ukraine, with increasing petrol prices putting supply chains under considerable pressure. These challenges, combined with climate change, are driving both individuals and businesses to take more responsibility for their actions – including sourcing food locally and reducing mileage. This creates a strong position for local farming and in particular vertical farms. These can be situated next door to supermarkets, flats, etc. – and are so discreet, that often no one knows they’re there!

‘Why ship iceberg lettuce from Africa when you can grow it in Yorkshire?’

WHAT MAKES VERTICALLY URBAN UNIQUE?

Vertically Urban has embraced advances in LED technology, creating innovative and increasingly efficient products. For example, their Horti-blade which, at only 8mm thick, is the thinnest luminaire on the market, an important feature in vertical farms where space is at a premium. Fully encased in food safe polyurethane resin, the Horti-blade is protected from water ingress and is easy to keep clean. It’s also one of the most effective and efficient grow lights available.

The company has also invested heavily in plant science and have both an in-house plant scientist and a fully featured development grow lab. This has been crucial in the development of their proprietary ‘lighting recipes’ that can tune growth to the exact customer specification.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, the team at Vertically Urban is now utilising its experience to create an advanced cloud-based artificial intelligence control system for vertical farms. The goal is for HORISS, as it is known, to eventually be able to monitor and control every aspect of the vertical farm environment, detecting issues with growth early on and taking remedial action to ensure a successful crop. This degree of AI control will unlock the potential of future farms, producing consistently reliable crops using as few resources as possible and with minimal human input.

Crucially, unlike larger and less agile corporates, Vertically Urban have the capacity to work in partnership with their customers to create a bespoke package for each project. They have a genuine focus on design and innovation and work hard to produce some of the best products on the market.

UK MANUFACTURING

In the experience of Vertically Urban, UK manufacturing remains well-regarded around the globe and the hunger for British-made products shows no sign of waning with customers willing to pay the premium price that it attracts, over products from the far east for example.

Vertically Urban proudly manufacture all their products in their state-of-the-art factory not far from Leeds. Their commitment to quality is evident, working with only a selected group of tier 1 suppliers they ensure that the best available components are used to manufacture their luminaires at every stage of the process. This obsession with quality is one of the reasons why they are rapidly building a reputation as one of the most trusted companies in the industry.

The client base of Vertically Urban is extremely varied, ranging from traditional farmers to tech investors with no engineering or growing experience, from local individuals growing in a garage to multimillion pound mega projects based all around the world.

THE FUTURE OF VERTICAL FARMS

Whether it’s a supermarket chain building resilience in their supply chain, or a restaurant owner trying to become more self-sufficient and reduce costs. One thing is constant…we need to keep up with the demand for food and keep people fed now and looking to the future, ‘there is a big shortfall between the amount of food we produce today, and the amount needed to feed everyone in 2050.’ (WRI, 2018). Estimates vary, but it is thought that we’ll need to increase what we grow by up to 70% to account for this higher demand, against the backdrop of traditional farmland being lost to climate change at an alarming rate.

“Any way you look at it, by 2050 we need to be able to feed 9 billion people sustainably across the globe.”

Vertical farming is very much seen as a part of the solution to this conundrum and the revenue for global vertical farms looks set to increase exponentially over the next few years – from around £3 billion now, it is expected to be worth over £30 billion by 2030.

The biggest concern around vertical farms has always been the energy required to run them, but recent advances in both LED and renewable energy technology have opened the door to economic and ecological viability. In recent years, there has been an explosion in the popularity of vertical farms, in particular with large, well-known companies looking to invest for a variety of purposes. For example, M&S is collaborating with an agri-tech firm to bring fresh crops to its London stores. Ocado has invested in the region of £17m to develop vertical farms to grow herbs and leafy greens next to its distribution centres and Emirates Airlines has recently opened the biggest ever vertical farm in Dubai to service its catering department.

Any way you look at it, by 2050 we need to be able to feed 9 billion people sustainably across the globe. Vertical farming and the wider controlled environment agriculture sector is emerging as the most promising solution with the potential to not only grow the sheer amount of food required but also growing it exactly where it is needed.

The post MENZIES MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE first appeared on Vertically Urban.

We’d be nothing without the wonderful team of people who work here at Vertically Urban Towers.

You may have already met some of them, but we’d like to introduce you to them all properly.

Each Wednesday we’ll be posting a little introduction to a member of our staff members, so why not swing by and say a big #humpdayhello to them!

This week, meet Melissa Astley, one of our Directors! Mel keeps us all in line when it comes to anything finance related.

NAME: Melissa Astley

JOB TITLE: Director

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE COMPANY?
From incorporation

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO
I deal with all the finance operations within the business, producing the accounts, financial planning and cash management. I also deal with HR and payroll.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
No two days are the same which keeps things exciting.

HOW DID YOU END UP HERE?
I was a founder member of sister company Vexica, so have had a front row seat as Vertically Urban has evolved from the initial idea, to the rapidly growing company it is today.

WHAT’S THE COOLEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
That I am part of a company that can make a real difference in the world, changing the way that people get the food to their plates.

WHAT MAKES YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF CEA?
I am excited to see how our technology is being used all over the world to create vertical farms and how Vertically Urban develops as a key player in this quick growing industry.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

FAVOURITE PLANT?
Lupin (Lupinus).

COFFEE OR TEA?
I love both and will drink them however they come.

NEXT ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Travel the world as a Flashpacker (a posh backpacker).

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Spending time with my family and friends.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Look both ways.

WHICH TWO CURRENTLY LIVING FAMOUS GUESTS WOULD YOU INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY AND WHY?
Professor Brian Cox as his knowledge would make for a great conversation and I would have to admit I was a D:ream fan…they were one of the first concerts I went to! Steven Fry would be my second guest as he is really interesting and intellectual, he seems like he’d also be up for a good laugh.

The post MEET MELISSA ONE OF OUR DIRECTORS first appeared on Vertically Urban.

We’d be nothing without the wonderful team of people who work here at Vertically Urban Towers.

You may have already met some of them, but we’d like to introduce you to them all properly.

Each Wednesday we’ll be posting a little introduction to a member of our staff members, so why not swing by and say a big #humpdayhello to them!

Today Plant Scientist, Phoebe Sutton, emerges from the undergrowth! Phoebe and her team ensure everything we do is underpinned by science. If you want to talk plants…she’s got you covered!

NAME: Phoebe Sutton

JOB TITLE: Plant Scientist

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE COMPANY?
16 Months

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO
I conduct research in our Grow Lab, which involves growing plants under our spectra, collecting, analysing and presenting data. I stay on top of current trends in the field and advise both the design team and clients on spectral choices.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It’s an exciting time in Controlled Environment Agriculture with huge amounts of innovation and potential to be explored. I enjoy working at this cutting edge; pushing our development in the industry and working with companies who are equally as passionate. 

HOW DID YOU END UP HERE?
My journey to Vertically Urban began in Bristol where I completed both my undergrad and masters degrees in Biology, in between which I assisted on a summer project with a small vertical farm start up. This experience piqued my interest and drove me to undertake a PhD project which examined the potential for LED lighting to increase nutritional content of plants grown in a vertical hydroponic system. From there I was discovered by Vertically Urban and haven’t looked back since!

IS THERE A COMMON QUESTION/MISCONCEPTION THAT YOU HEAR FROM CUSTOMERS THAT YOU’D LIKE TO ANSWER HERE?
A common misconception is that we know everything there is to know about plants, when in reality there is a lot still unknown.

Often the research has not yet been done on a particular crop or plant, and even then the results can vary between cultivar and cultivation system. We can of course make an educated assessment, especially on crops that are commonly grown, but much of the industry is uncharted territory which offers many opportunities.

WHAT MAKES YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF CEA?
CEA represents a huge opportunity to improve sustainable food production worldwide. Yet, there is so much to be explored, discovered and optimised. It’s a researcher’s dream! But as a multidisciplinary enterprise, collaboration is essential. So I’m excited to see the results of those collaborations and what we in the industry can create together.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

FAVOURITE PLANT?
Iris (iris).

COFFEE OR TEA?
TEA! Milk, no sugar please.

NEXT ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Iceland or Norway.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Crafting, be that cross stitch, crochet, or DIY.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Count your blessings.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TOLD YOU HAVE A CELEBRITY LOOKALIKE? WHO WAS IT?
Natalie Dormer.

WHICH TWO CURRENTLY LIVING FAMOUS GUESTS WOULD YOU INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY AND WHY?
Sir David Attenborough, who has inspired generations of nature lovers including myself, and Russell Brand, to share the insights he gained to become the person he is now, and also for comedic value!

The post MEET PHOEBE OUR PLANT SCIENTIST first appeared on Vertically Urban.

We’d be nothing without the wonderful team of people who work here at Vertically Urban Towers.

You may have already met some of them, but we’d like to introduce you to them all properly.

Each Wednesday we’ll be posting a little introduction to a member of our staff members, so why not swing by and say a big #humpdayhello to them!

Today our Operations Director, Steve Thompson, steps into the spotlight! Steve has the unenvious task of overseeing everything related to the production and delivery of our products. If you have a problem Steve can fix it!

NAME: Steve Thompson

JOB TITLE: Operations Director

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE COMPANY?
Since founding.

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO
Overseeing the whole operations process from the procurement of materials to the manufacturing of products, to the delivery of a quality product to the customer in agreed timescales. Ensuring all operational processes are smooth, efficient and meet company objectives.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The day-to-day life of working in a manufacturing company and the variety of challenges this brings along with the job satisfaction of overcoming these challenges.

HOW DID YOU END UP HERE?
5 years ago, I was asked by CEO Andrew Littler to join Vertically Urban’s sister company, Vexica, at a time when they were growing rapidly. Previously I’d spent 25 years at Powerlite Lighting Solutions, another commercial lighting company, initially as Production Manager and latterly Production Director, gaining experience and overseeing the manufacturing processes.

WHAT’S THE COOLEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Being part of a new, exciting and developing horticultural lighting market.

WHAT MAKES YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF CEA?
The opportunity to produce consistent, high-quality produce all year round, local to the area where it is to be consumed. The reduction of food waste and carbon emissions transporting food products grown with traditional methods and locations.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

FAVOURITE PLANT?
White Rose (rosa × alba)

COFFEE OR TEA?
Coffee. Strong, white, no sugar.

NEXT ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Going to the Ashes series in Australia 2025.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Playing Golf, Watching Cricket, Hiking, Socialising.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Always treat others as you would have them treat you.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TOLD YOU HAVE A CELEBRITY LOOKALIKE? WHO WAS IT?
Yes…Freddie Mercury!?

The post MEET STEVE OUR OPERATIONS DIRECTOR first appeared on Vertically Urban.