Welcome to the IGS Newsroom

Hybrid farming – how vertical farming can slot in alongside traditional methods

A hybrid farming approach takes the best elements of traditional agriculture and complements them with vertical farming technology. IGS’ Senior Account Manager, Gina Mercier, outlines where we’ve seen this work best.

Tech for agriculture – how to foster an environment for innovation

IGS’ Head of Hardware, Steve Waldron, uncovers how we embed innovative practices across our engineering teams and into the wider business.

Does urban agriculture make sense? Where vertical farming fits in

IGS’ Offer Manager Chris Lloyd takes a deep dive into whether the concept of urban farming actually makes sense, and how we can build on it.

Benefits of vertical farming – increase your yield and profitability

IGS’ Head of North American Operations, Stephen Gereb, explains how growers can significantly increase yield and profit through the benefits of vertical farming technology.

Advantages of vertical farming: adapting agriculture through innovative tech

IGS’ Head of Vertical Farming Solutions, Douglas Elder, delves into the advantages of vertical farming when it comes to revitalising our systems and enabling greater food security.

Using modern technologies in agriculture for better health and food security

Does modern agricultural technology (such as vertical farming) hold the secret to food security and public health? Take a deep dive with IGS’ Offer Manager Chris Lloyd.

Artificial intelligence and agriculture: how can AI impact vertical farming? What we know so far

Read IGS’ Chief Technology Officer, Dave Scott, and Head of Data, Emily Seward’s thoughts on artificial intelligence and agriculture, and how vertical farming can benefit.

Can you grow tomatoes with vertical farming? A crop scientist’s insight.

Read IGS’ Head of Science Tanveer Khan’s insight on growing tomato starter plants with vertical farming, covering everything from nutritional value to specific nuances between varieties.

Growing strawberry runners with vertical farming – what the science tells us

Here's how we utilise the latest research to grow strawberry runners using vertical farming.

Growing lettuce seedlings with vertical farming: a crop science insight

Here’s how we take cutting-edge crop science to grow lettuce seedlings with vertical farming.

How to grow chillies with vertical farming: a crop science perspective

Interested in growing chillies vertically? Get a crop scientist’s perspective.

How we've helped Potager Farm reach new heights

We’ve been helping Potager Farm grow delicious produce for Berlin’s food scene. Here’s how.

Elevating Veganuary – how vertical farming can help cut food system emissions

Events such as Veganuary and Meatless Monday have swept the world in recent times. Here’s how vertical farming can work in tandem.

How we benefit from STEM ambassador expertise at IGS

Nurturing the next generation of STEM talent is crucial to the future of our industry. Here’s how we reap the benefits of ambassador expertise at IGS.

Can you grow Christmas trees in a vertical farm?

Swap the lights of Lapland for LEDS and precision nutrition – here's how you can grow Christmas trees using vertical farming.

How to enhance taste and nutritional value through vertical farming

Discover how vertical farming can transform taste and nutritional value through lighting, temperature, and other factors.

Five reasons why you should invest in a vertical farm

Whether you’re looking for a socially responsible investment or are a renewable energy producer interested in co-locating, we’ve mapped out five key reasons for investing in a vertical farm.

Plant Science is Beautiful – IGS collaborates with Scottish designer ahead of COP28

We’ve collaborated with Crùbag – a Scottish textile design studio and materials innovation lab focussed on sustainability and marine science – on a range of scarves to mark COP28.

IGS signs Armed Forces Covenant and receives Bronze accreditation

We’re committing to continuing to make IGS an attractive, supportive place to work for veterans, reservists and their families.

How we are making IGS a more inclusive, diverse place to work

We're channeling the innovative nature of our technology into making IGS a more inclusive place to work for everyone.

Hydroponics, aquaponics or vertical farming – which works best for you?

Hydroponics, aquaponics and vertical farming are all becoming evermore common in food production – but what are the key benefits of each, and how do they work in principle? We’ve broken down all three, alongside any environmental footprints and how they fit into modern agriculture.

How an IGS vertical farm creates the perfect growing environment for basil

Basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs and is commonly grown in a vertical farm as a seed-to-harvest crop. In this blog, we explore how an IGS vertical farm creates the perfect growing environment for basil.

Can renewable energy be used in vertical farming?

In this blog, we explore the potential of renewable energy sources to power vertical farming systems.

Building a business case for vertical farming

If you’re considering investing in vertical farming technology, this post will provide insights into how to build a business to establish the most profitable route to market.

How technology has changed farming

In this blog, we'll explore how technology has changed farming, looking into artificial intelligence, drone technology, and vertical farming. We'll also see how these advancements in smart farming have impacted efficiency, profitability, and environmental sustainability.

Are our food production systems sustainable enough

The UK farming industry faces a wide range of challenges, the resulting effect of which has exposed the vulnerabilities in our food supply chain. Is there a need for growers to move towards more sustainable farming practices? How can we increase our system's resilience and improve food security?

Will vertical farming be the future of food production

As the world's population continues to grow and concerns around climate change and dwindling resources intensify, there is a pressing need to find more sustainable and efficient ways to produce food, locally. In this blog, we'll explore the key differences between vertical farms and more traditional farming methods and how they differ within transportation, distribution, and supply chains.

The role of vertical farming in indoor crop production

Indoor farming, as the name suggests, is an approach to crop production that involves growing crops inside. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of indoor farming and how integrating vertical farms can help improve the efficiency of existing growing operations

Farming and its environmental impacts: is vertical farming the solution?

The food and agriculture industry often negatively impacts the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions, and pollutants used at almost every production stage. There is also the strain that growing food puts on our precious natural resources (such as water).

Glasshouse vs vertical farming, what's the difference?

Glasshouse farming and vertical farming are two of the most popular methods of indoor farming with controlled environment agriculture. In this blog, we will examine the differences between glasshouse farming and vertical farming and explore their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Can you grow strawberries in a vertical farm?

In this article, we explore the feasibility of growing strawberry starter plants in a vertical farm and the benefits it can offer growers.

Is AgTech and vertical farming right for my farming operation?

Is AgTech and vertical farming right for my farming operation? In this article, we will explore whether vertical farming is right for your farming operation.

Will vertically farmed tree seedlings boost our future forests?

Will vertically farmed tree seedlings boost our future forests? In this article, we explore the potential benefits of using vertical farms to grow tree seedlings and how this might support their impact on our future forests.

What crops can be grown in a vertical farm?

What crops can be grown in a vertical farm? Vertical farming is a revolutionary agricultural method that enables year-round, sustainable food production. Let's explore the crops that can be grown in a vertical farm, so you can determine whether this method of growing is right for you.

Vertical Farming: The Future of the Farming Industry

This innovative food production system can significantly increase crop yields while increasing efficiency and fortifying the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems. But what exactly is vertical farming and why is it so important?

Food’s supply chain is broken – but home-grown Agri-tech can fix it

Our food supply chain is broken. The reasons for it are complex, but put simply, the UK is exposed to several risk factors that can – and now have – combined to produce acute shortages on our shelves. Something needs to change urgently; and technology may – at least in part – have the answer.

Sustainable agriculture: is vertical farming the answer?

Sustainable farming isn't just about maximising profits; it also focuses on the thoughtful and effective use of non-renewable resources throughout the farming process. By prioritising sustainability, farmers can produce nutritious, healthy food while improving their own standard of living and reducing their impacts on climate change. ‍

How to manage rising energy and operational costs with vertical farming technology

Across the world, the price of oil, gas and electricity is rising. So what can CEA and glasshouse growers do to remain productive, financially viable, and meet their ESG targets in the current climate?

How to future-proof your farm: Addressing the industry’s challenges for long-term commercial viability

Growing environmental and economical demands mean the industry is calling for new technologies. How can this be used for long-term viability & the future of farming?

Guarantee a consistent crop supply and meet shifting market demands with vertical farming

Emerging technologies have the potential to help us serve regional market demands, but how can we take advantage of them?

An unstable economy could accelerate UK vertical farming adoption

The falling pound doesn’t necessarily equal problems in all aspects of the agricultural industry. There may be an opportunity to make local produce more accessible. So, what can farmers do to ensure commercial viability in these turbulent times?

The age of autonomous growing has begun

In this article, we examine the cause of labour shortages, as well as what it means for businesses and the general public. We will delve deeper into a new wave of automation within the agricultural sector as a remedy for these problems

Food system resilience with vertical farming

Emerging technologies like vertical farming are what the agricultural sector needs to tackle food system resilience issues head-on, what issues can be solved?

UK Government recognises vital role of vertical farming at Downing Street’s ‘Spring Showcase'

IGS exhibited at 10 Downing Street’s ‘Spring Showcase’, an event to celebrate the most exciting and innovative tech businesses in the UK food and agriculture industry.

OneFarm unveils plans for its first UK vertical farm installation

Sustainable food producer OneFarm has announced its plans to deliver a 6,400m2 vertical farm in Newmarket, Suffolk. The farm will be delivered in partnership with indoor agritech specialist, IGS Limited, and is funded by both public and private investors.

A machine for growing: looking at IGS' technology differently with Delivery Rank

CEO of IGS, David Farquhar, recently sat down with Sarah Kirton from Delivery Rank to talk all things IGS and discuss how our vertical farming solution can help transform the food production industry, making it more sustainable and helping combat issues with food security across the world.

IGS awarded the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label

IGS has been awarded the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” label, an award for clean and profitable solutions. IGS successfully demonstrated that its solution can create jobs and generate profit while also reducing polluting emissions and preserving natural resources.

IGS demonstrates vertical farming at COP26

For two weeks in November 2021, IGS took up residence on a formerly derelict site on the Broomielaw in Glasgow’s city centre, constructing a 5.4-meter-tall demonstration vertical farm to showcase our technology to conference delegates, politicians and members of the public.

Recipes for success - propagating perfectly every time

Join us as we talk to Archie Gibson, Executive Director at Agrico UK, unpacking the process behind seed potato production and the ways in which technology such as vertical farming can help to streamline the development of new and more resilient varieties.

Therme wellbeing resorts to include sustainable vertical farms thanks to new IGS partnership

IGS has signed a partnership deal with wellbeing food and nutrition business, Therme RPC, bringing a unique new concept branded ‘Therme IGE’ (Intelligent Growth Ecosystems), which will enable sustainable and locally grown, nutrient-rich fresh produce to be available to the many millions of guests that visit Therme’s locations every year.

Chance for Scottish pupils to see how their food will be grown in the future

Vertical farming comes alive at COP26

Vertical farming comes alive at COP26 with IGS

Step inside a new farming future

Class above the rest: IGS to develop academic partnership outreach with appointment of Chris Horne

IGS, the leading agritech business takes another strategic step forward as it welcomes on board Chris Horne.

IGS wins the Scottish Engineering Award 2021

IGS has been named ‘Company of the Year’ at the Scottish Engineering Awards in 2021. The winners were announced during a gala dinner at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel, marking a return to a physical awards ceremony after the pandemic disrupted the usual way of celebrating.

Intelligent Growth Solutions wins 2021 AgTech Breakthrough Award

Annual awards programme recognises innovation in agricultural technologies around the globe

IGS wins Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture “Best in Class” award

IGS has been recognised at the 2021 Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture’s ‘Best in Class’ awards, taking home the title of Best Indoor Production System (starting $500k and up).

IREP launches new agri-tech venture, supported by IGS tech solutions

International Real Estate Partners (IREP), a Dubai-based multidisciplinary asset management services firm, has announced the launch of IREPfarm, a bold new venture that will offer an innovative, practical, knowledge and sustainability-driven approach to the worlds of real estate and agri-tech solutions in the UAE and wider GCC region.

Strategic appointment of Gonçalo Neves bolsters IGS industry expertise and opportunities for growth

IGS, the leading agritech business takes another strategic step forward as it welcomes on board vertical farming specialist and industry veteran Gonçalo Neves.

Recipes for success – a precise approach to growing

Join us as we talk to IGS Plant Scientist Dr Csaba Hornyik about how the precision technology and high levels of control within an indoor vertical farming environment are impacting on plant science and the potential this brings for food production.‍

Webinar: When is a Farm not a Farm?

Watch an interview with Gordy Wills as he explores how vertical farming could offer greener and more sustainable ways of producing food in the future.

IGS wins Growth & Scale award at Fieldays

IGS has been awarded the ‘Growth and Scale’ prize at the Fieldays Innovation Awards.

IGS welcomes new cohort of Saltire Scholarship interns

Today, IGS has welcomed a new intake of summer interns as part of the Saltire Scholar Internship programme.

IGS scoops top accolade at Made in Scotland Awards

IGS’s commitment to innovative technology development has been recognised at the 5th annual Made in Scotland Awards, hosted by Scottish Business Insider.

IGS appoints first CFO to augment leadership team and support global expansion

Appointment of Sarah Willis will bolster readiness for rapid growth.

IGS joins industry experts speaking at BioDundee International Conference

CEO of IGS, David Farquhar, spoke at the 20th annual BioDundee International Conference earlier this week.

IGS enters UAE market, signing deal with Madar Farms to enhance food security in the GCC region

IGS has signed a partnership deal with AgTech R&D experts and growers, Madar Farms, bringing its vertical farming technology to the UAE for the first time. Based in Abu Dhabi, Madar Farms has already developed a range of premium quality indoor grown crops to supply into the local UAE retail market and this deal will allow it to scale its operations.

Bringing future talent to Agriculture 4.0

We discuss the emerging influences on education and skills development across Agriculture and Horticulture with two senior leaders from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). We speak to Professor Fiona Burnett (FB), Head of Connect for Impact in SRUC’s Knowledge and Information Hub and Ruth Vichos (RV), Lecturer in Horticulture, about the evolution of Agriculture 4.0, and how technology is impacting skills evolution and teaching mechanisms.

Skills for life – what is needed in the agritech sector

When considering the scope for digital innovation within the agricultural sector, there is perhaps nobody better placed to share their hopes and ambitions for the future than Polly Purvis OBE. She joins us both as an expert in all things digital, but also as a colleague, having stepped into the role of Director of the Scottish Food Incubator Network with IGS in 2019.

IGS chooses to challenge for International Women’s Day 2021

IGS celebrates International Women's Day by embracing the #ChooseToChallenge theme for 2021.

IGS sets up (work)shop at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc

IGS to use 5,000 sq ft space to refine customer delivery ahead of international deployment of its vertical farming systems.

IGS makes strong start to 2021 with appointment of globally experienced Chief Operating Officer

Andrew Lloyd’s appointment demonstrates strategic growth trajectory for tech business.

What makes a good light for growing vegetables and fruits?

Nearly all vegetables and fruits need light to grow. Whether the source is the sun or artificial lighting in an indoor horticultural environment, plant growth is affected by light intensity, spectrum, and duration. Explore how a precision-controlled environment can deliver optimal light for growing vegetables and fruits.

IGS shortlisted in FoodTech 500

IGS has been named amongst the shortlisted companies in the 2020 FoodTech 500, compiled by Forward Fooding.

Silver for IGS at British Farming Awards

IGS is delighted to have been awarded silver at the 2020 British Farming Awards in the Agri-Tech Innovator of the Year category.

Success factors for scaling vertical farming operations

David Farquhar, CEO of IGS, joins the discussion around what is required to scale vertical farming operations in Asia-Pacific and beyond. The group discusses how to meet local market demands with quality produce and how it requires the most efficient and sustainable technology solutions.

Rising from the ashes – the revival of hospitality

We talk with Peter Lederer, Chairman of Hamilton & Inches, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Taste Communications, to gain his insights into the hospitality and food sectors and the impacts they are experiencing currently. We look at the opportunities that these challenges may present, and the necessity for innovation to keep a vitally important part of the economy alive.

Passionate about provenance – from India to Scotland with love

We talk to Praveen Kumar, Executive Chef Tabla Restaurant and food producer, about his approach to cooking, food production and the importance of having the very best and freshest ingredients available on your doorstep.

Watch | Project Legend: Food & Drink in Dundee and Angus

"It’s farming… but not as you know it! Intelligent Growth Solutions is working with the James Hutton Institute to use technology to bring farms into the future! #ideasbecomelegend"

IGS signs significant export deal with Jungle to supply French retail market

Scottish technology to create one of Europe’s largest vertical farms.

Pairing the future of food production with Fettercairn whisky

David Farquhar, CEO of IGS, visited Fettercairn Distillery to present to malt whisky writers about the future of food and drink in Scotland.

Full scale production of growth trays begins

IGS has reached a significant milestone as our growth trays have officially gone into full-scale production, supported by our assembly partners Greenfold Systems Ltd.

#inspiredbyVIBES: IGS visits Scottish Parliament for VIBES Awards celebration

Following on from IGS' win in the 'Innovating Scotland' category at the 2019 VIBES Scottish Environment Business awards in November, CEO David Farquhar was invited to visit the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh this week to take part in a panel discussion alongside representatives of some of the other award-winning Scottish companies.

Food for thought: Scotland’s leading role in vertical farming discussed

Scotland’s world-leading role in the vertical farming movement will come under the spotlight this month, in the latest in a series of VisitScotland public talks aimed at building a platform for attracting future business events.

IGS completes deal with Vertegrow to build Scotland’s first commercial vertical farm

New vertical farming operator to adopt IGS agritech platform in Scotland.

The Sunday Post: 'Indoor Farmers Reveal Crop-Shelf Revolution

Indoor farmers reveal crop-shelf revolution experts hope could help solve global food crisis.

The quest for the perfect veg

Holyrood: Driving a green food recovery

"In Scotland, we have an opportunity to look more closely at our national food strategy and consider indoor agritech more thoroughly" says our CEO, David Farquhar, in the latest edition of Holyrood magazine.

Scottish response to global food security profiled at UAE summit

Representing IGS, CEO David Farquhar travelled to Abu Dhabi last week to attend the prestigious invitation-only 2020 Milken Institute Middle East and Africa (MEA) Summit.

The Economist: "Growing higher: New ways to make vertical farming stack up"

From the outside, it looks like a tall, metal-clad barn. But step in, through a large airlock designed to keep out the bugs, and a kaleidoscopic scene emerges. A central aisle is flanked by two pairs of towers. Each tower is stacked with a dozen or so trays on which are growing strawberries, kale, red lettuce and coriander.

Dundee community groups supporting vulnerable locals with vertically grown veg

Community groups across the Dundee area have been delivering fresh produce to local residents who have been most heavily impacted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The produce has been grown by IGS in Scotland’s first vertical farm based at the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie.

Double the brainpower means twice the success for 8-year-old twins

Eight-year-old twins Heidi and Marissa recently visited IGS' demonstration facility in Invergowrie to see a real life vertical farm after they built their own model for a school project.

Is urban farming the future?

CEO of IGS, David Farquhar, travelled to the Netherlands recently to attend an exploratory workshop on Urban Agriculture at Wageningen University and Research.

IGS attends Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Week in Singapore

IGS at Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Week in Singapore with a clear message of collaboration

IGS announces referral partnership with IREP in Middle East

IGS is delighted to announce a referral partnership agreement with International Real Estate Partners (IREP), the international facilities management firm. The agreement is specifically focused on indoor vertical farming for the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets.

The Scotsman: Lightbulb Moments IGS Feature

IGS named amongst winners of Super Connect for Good 2020

IGS has been named winner in the AI for Good category of the Super Connect for Good 2020 competition, sponsored by Microsoft for Startups.

IGS named as a 2020 Red Herring Top 100 North America Winner

IGS Limited, has been named amongst the winners of Red Herring’s Top 100 North America 2020 event, which recognises some of the world’s most exciting and innovative technology companies.

A bigger slice of the pie – the growth of urban agritech

We join MarkHorler, Chair for UKUAT, to discuss the UK’s part to play in the expansion of agritech in a local and global context, and considers more broadly the opportunities being brought to bear for this emerging agricultural approach.

Nurturing a sustainable UK agricultural evolution

As a global business addressing global issues, we believe inclusivity and diversity are equally as important. However, IGS is a UK-based company and there are specific considerations for the sectors in which we operate and provide solutions that we have to address as we consider the impacts of COVID and the approaching Brexit era.

How horticulture under glass can benefit from IoT technology

Horticulture can make a valuable contribution, particularly if it is implemented in controlled environments such as greenhouses or polytunnels. And this contribution can be significantly enhanced if internet of things (IoT) technology is used to improve the performance, efficiency, and crop yield of horticultural production.