Event Details

This symposium aims to evaluate the current state-of-the-art in urban agriculture systems, drawing on the experience of invited speakers in specific areas, and seeking synergies in the efficient use of resources.

Possibly driven by accelerated rural to urban migration, there is increased academic and industrial interest in growing food in cities, to shorten the food chain and provide societal benefits ranging from engendering a sense of community to a heightened awareness of food production. Urban agriculture takes many forms, from outdoor allotments to low-technology outdoor protected structures to high-technology indoor plant factories. As technological investment in urban agriculture grows, increased emphasis is placed on crop resource use efficiency to enhance its economic competitiveness.

This webinar is organised by N8 AgriFood and Lancaster Environment Centre, and hosted by Professor Ian Dodd of Lancaster University.

Speakers at this webinar

1. Professor Jess Davies, Lancaster University - Rurban Revolution. Read the Lancaster University article - Researchers explore potential for an urban agriculture revolution in the UK.

2. Jens Thomas, Farm Urban - Growing the human dimension: societal benefits. Read the N8 AgriFood article - Digital learning environments for urban growing and their effects on attitudes towards farming and food.

3. Henry Gordon-Smith, Agritecture Consulting - How to design your new urban farming venture from your home computer. Visit the Agritecture Consulting website.

-- Coffee break -- for some much needed time away from your screen

4. Peter Lane, Chair of the Vertical Farming Network - The realities of vertical farming. Read Peter Lane's LinkedIn profile.

5. Dr Gabriela Toledo-Ortiz, Lancaster University - Illuminating the future of vertical farming: photobiology and vertical hydroponics to produce nutritious and sustainable cultivars. Find out more about Dr Toledo-Ortiz.

6. Dr Elisa Lopez-Capel, Newcastle University - Assessment of growing media for urban agriculture. Find out more about Dr Lopez-Capel. This project is a collaboration between Durham University and Newcastle University.

7. Dr Francisco Perez-Alfocea, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia - Improving nutrient use efficiency of tomatoes. Find out more about Dr Perez-Alfocea.

For further information in advance of the webinar, please contact Caroline Wilcock: caroline.wilcock@n8agrifood.ac.uk