Munich to host AVF Summit 2025 focusing on scalable vertical farming solutions for climate resilience
The ninth edition of the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) Summit is set to take place on September 3 and 4, 2025, at the H4 Hotel München Messe in Munich, Germany. Organised by the AVF in partnership with Messe Dortmund, the event promises to be a pivotal gathering of global experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, each united by a common ambition to advance vertical farming as a sustainable solution to escalating global food security and climate resilience challenges.
Under the banner "Global Food Challenges: Vertical Farming as a Catalyst for Innovation & Climate Action," the Summit highlights the increasing urgency to develop scalable, resource-efficient agricultural methods. Vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) are poised as transformative technologies capable of addressing persistent issues such as food insecurity, dwindling natural resources, and the adverse effects of climate change on traditional farming systems. AVF Chairwoman Christine Zimmermann-Loessl emphasises the young sector’s vast potential to foster climate-resilient food systems, framing the Summit as a collaborative effort to translate this promise into practical, impactful solutions.
The event’s comprehensive two-day agenda is carefully structured around six key focus areas: global success stories, the sector's contributions to climate resilience, emerging food production trends, the evolution of urban food systems, innovation from startups, and the pivotal role of science and technology in driving growth. This broad scope ensures a rich exchange of knowledge and perspectives, spanning from visionary international pioneers to regional innovators and established industry players.
Noteworthy speakers confirm the Summit’s global reach and regional engagement. Among them are Julia Rocha Romero from the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, Professor Silvana Nicola of the University of Turin, and AVF Vice Chairman Joel Cuello from the University of Arizona. The event also benefits from strong regional representation, featuring Bavarian State Minister Hubert Aiwanger, researchers from the Technical University of Munich, and delegates from the Bavarian Research Alliance, who provide insights into local innovations and support mechanisms.
While the Summit celebrates the potential and progress in vertical farming, it does not shy away from addressing the sector’s significant commercial and technical hurdles. Energy consumption and scalability remain critical concerns, particularly given the high automation and climate control demands of indoor farming. Angelika Bauer, Head of Trade Fair and Exhibition Services at Messe Dortmund, acknowledges the dedication of companies tackling these challenges and underscores the importance of providing them with robust support. Zimmermann-Loessl adds that achieving economically viable and sustainable production is a challenge best met through increased cooperation and transparency across the industry.
In addition to the conference proceedings, the AVF Summit offers participating companies the opportunity to establish a presence with promotional stands, fostering further visibility and connection within the vertical farming ecosystem. Early registration is encouraged as the industry and allied sectors prepare to converge and contribute to shaping the future of agriculture through innovative, climate-aligned practices.
As the vertical farming sector approaches a critical phase of growth and maturation, the 9th AVF Summit stands out as a significant platform for knowledge transfer, networking, and strategic collaboration. By bridging diverse stakeholders and catalysing joint action plans, the event aims to propel vertical farming into a new decade of impact, innovation, and sustainable food production.