Tackling root issues in vertical farming
HAI TECH LTD is developing a solution for monitoring the health of crop roots in vertical farms. The technology could help farmers to reduce wastage, predict crop yields and increase profitability within this emerging sector of agriculture. To find out more, EIT Food’s Matt Eastland is joined by HAI TECH LTD’s Diego Corona, Andrea Izquierdo and Vasileios Tsormpatzoudis.
Synopsis
• Vertical farming is an alternative to conventional agriculture, in which crops are grown in stacked layers indoors. Leafy greens and microgreens are common crops, but farms are producing an expanding range of other fruits and vegetables. • Often located in cities, vertical farming uses artificial lighting and controlled climate conditions. In theory these farms can be much more efficient than conventional agriculture, but challenges remain and 7.2% of crops in UK vertical farms are wasted at source.
• To tackle this inefficiency, HAI TECH LTD is developing a root monitoring technology, which can monitor the health of roots – helping vertical farmers predict crop yield while optimising resources.
• Maize production could benefit from this technology because it is a nutritious whole grain crop with a complex root structure.
Listen to the latest Food Fight episodes
Revolutionising Regenerative Agriculture With Wildfarmed
Inspired by Andy Cato's awakening to agriculture's impact, Wildfarmed adopts practices like crop diversity and minimal chemical usage, promising environmental sustainability and profitability. Join co-founder Edd Lees and The Food Fight Podcast’s host Matt Eastland as they dive into regenerative farming's potential to reshape agriculture.
Unveiling the Cellular Wellness Solution with Dr. Bill Rawls
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Food Fight podcast, where Dr. Bill Rawls, author of "Unlocking Lyme” and “The Cellular Wellness Solution", shares his journey of overcoming chronic illness using food and plants. After facing the limitations of modern medicine, Dr. Rawls delved into alternative treatments and discovered a path to wellness. Join our host, Matt Eastland, as we explore the impact of dietary choices and the potential of using natural remedies to address chronic health issues.
WE Lead Food: Championing Women's Leadership in the Food System
To mark International Women's Day (IWD), The Food Fight podcast host Matt Eastland welcomes Dr. Shima Barakat and Dr. Maarten van der Kamp for a timely conversation on gender equality and women leadership within the food industry. With the 2024 IWD theme being "Inspire Inclusion,” join Matt, Shima, and Maarten to celebrate the fifth anniversary of WE Lead Food – a training programme and network to support women leaders and entrepreneurs in the food sector.