Bracknell’s IAG launches innovative new vertical farming tech
Innovation Agri-Tech Group, a Bracknell-based agricultural technology company, has unveiled the GrowFrame™ 360, an innovative new vertical farming solution.
The technology is the result of five years of research and development. IAG’s patented GrowFrame has been proven to produce a healthier root system and superior crop growth and yield than other vertical farming systems through a series a projects and trials.
As well as its commercial potential, the technology could be scaled globally to combat real-world problems facing the planet. The firm is working with charities, aiming to become the first vertical farm to take a meaningful step toward ending world hunger and malnutrition.
According to UN estimates, nearly 690 million people, or 8.9 per cent of the world’s population, are hungry. The GrowFrame can be used in areas with both minimal water supply and limited space, resisting drought and overcrowding.
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The GrowFrame does not require sunlight, nor is it dependent on weather and season, allowing crops to be grown year-round worldwide.
The technology also accelerates crop growth up to a potential 15 harvest cycles per year, whereas traditional farming may go through three to four. It can also house the equivalent of 10 acres of growing space within 135 square metres.
It is fully automated and features real-time data monitoring. Its closed loop irrigation system requires 98 per cent less water than traditional farming methods. It also eradicates wastewater by cleaning it through UV treatment, sumps and filters.
Finally, by using coco peat over soil, the GrowFrame omits chemicals, pesticides and soil maintenance.
Jaz Singh, CEO, Innovation Agri-Tech Group says: “Since the beginning of this journey, I knew the IAG technology was outstanding.
“Having seen first-hand how arable land in India was depleted by traditional open-field farming, I truly believe that Vertical Farming will become an integral part of the way we grow food around the world and feed our increasing population – especially with terrifying predictions from the UN that the number of people affected by hunger would surpass 840 million by 2030.
“We have been developing our patented flagship GrowFrame™ and have complete faith that we have developed a vertical farming solution which will be a complete game-changer.
“A genuine testament to the hard work, vision, skill and understanding from our own exceptional team. With our recent successful investment, our unswerving commitment to R&D, we are proud to showcase to the world what we have been working on behind closed doors.
“We have ambitious sales targets and can’t wait to see the reception the GrowFrame™ will have in the UK and wider global community.”
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