© AquaFarm
Through the merging of the three separate events, the event organisers aim to support the growing synergy between the worlds of aquaculture, hydroponics, and algae cultivation, which are tightly linked in their goals of providing food security. The three sectors are further linked by their relationship to climate and environmental change, which affect all three.
The modification of aquatic habitats due to climate change, man-made pollution and the intrusion of new species brought in by sea trade have already had major impacts within the aquaculture industry, such as the very serious losses in shellfish production, especially clams, due to the introduction of blue crab. Farmers, suppliers and research centres are engaged in a unanimous effort to find mitigations to these phenomena.
Controlled environment cultivation, such as hydroponics, can provide a solution to many of the pressing issues associated with agriculture. It is not just a matter of saving water and nutrients and eliminating the use of agrochemicals. By disconnecting cultivation from the soil, a farm can be installed close to places of consumption, reducing the impact of the logistics chain, resulting in less pollution, energy consumption and congestion. The integration of hydroponics with aquaculture and algae production may further improve the resilience and circularity of these food production systems.
The upcoming event will showcase the virtues of vertically integrated farms, with the packed conference programme boasting sessions on climate, research and innovation, animal welfare, and the use of AI and robotics in sustainable food production.
More information concerning the event and the conference programmes can be found on the exhibition site.
