What does AVF mean in FARMING & AGRICULTURE

The Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) is a non-profit think tank and NGO dedicated to promoting the growth of vertical farming worldwide. Founded in 2015, AVF works to empower communities and organizations around the world to embrace the benefits of this technology and further its development.

AVF works to increase awareness about vertical farming, foster dialogue between industry experts and stakeholders, and research ways to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of growing food in controlled environment agriculture systems such as vertical farms. We also provide educational materials, host events and webinars, collaborate with governments, support start-ups, conduct market research, offer consulting services, licenses technologies and advocate for public policies that support vertical farming initiatives.

Vertically farmed produce requires significantly less land than traditional agriculture due to its efficient use of space. It is typically grown in an enclosed environment which helps protect crops from external factors such as pests or unfavorable weather conditions. This helps reduce pesticide usage while allowing an even temperature year round. Due to its proximity to urban areas it can be produced with little transportation costs resulting in fresher produce with greater nutrient density than traditionally grown produce at supermarkets. Vertically farmed food also has a later harvest date meaning it can reach consumers faster for consumption

Controlled environment agricultural (CEA) systems use advanced techniques such as hydroponics or aeroponics in order to create precisely controlled environments in which plants are able to grow quickly and healthily without relying on sunlight or soil. In addition to increasing production yields year round these systems require up significantly less water compared traditional agricultural methods while conserving natural resources

To get started with your own vertically farmed production you have to familiarize yourself with the basics of CEA systems and develop your business plan accordingly. From there you should find out what local regulations exist regarding setting up a structure that produces food commercially before sourcing supplies such as lights, air filtration systems etc.. Additionally forming partnerships with other industry stakeholders could be beneficial especially if you are just getting started

Plenty of resources on different aspects related to Vertical Farming exist online including detailed articles about the technology itself, scientific studies, information regarding government regulation, examples of successful implementations and lists of potential investors should you want help funding your project. Additionally AVF offers both free and premium content on these topics that can be accessed through our website.

By switching from conventional agricultural practices towards controlled environment agriculture solutions farmers will be able to drastically reduce their carbon footprint through several ways including reduced energy consumption due to adequate insulation, lower water usage by recirculating water sources instead using new ones each time, decreasing electricity needs by using LED lighting instead natural sunlight or reducing chemical inputs by replacing them with biological solutions. Ultimately all these efforts result in lower greenhouse gas emissions helping combat climate change

In theory almost any type of crop that requires low-light levels or is seasonally available throughout certain periods would be able adaptable within a CEA system allowing farmers grow plant varieties they wouldn't otherwise have access too. Amongst those most commonly suitable species include lettuce, herbs, kale & spinach but root vegetables like potatoes & sweet potato as well leafy greens like cabbage & Swiss chard can also be successfully farmed this way.