The future of the planet will be top of the agenda in Glasgow next week as COP26 begins. This future will be in the hands of younger generations within a decade or two and there is an opportunity for pupils in Scotland to see up close some of the technologies that will positively impact their lives in the future.
Vertical farming is one solution that is helping have a positive impact on how we grow food and COP26 will welcome a state-of-the-art vertical demonstration farm and robot to showcase how the technology is already having a real-life impact across the world. Sited at the Sustainable Glasgow Landing on the north bank of the River Clyde at Broomielaw, agricultural innovator, IGS, has built a 5.4 m high vertical farm. It will be open from 1-12 November and dedicated tours for schools and the public are being run.
IGS will run school tours between 10.30 am and 4 pm every day from 1-12 November. There will be a Q&A for pupils and an opportunity to interact with the vertical farm, get to know and name the company robot, which helps to run the farm.
School groups and members of the public can book a tour and find out more information via the IGS COP26 website. Tour slots are available on a first-come basis and visitors can rest assured that all COVID safety measures will be observed, with the site carefully managing visitor numbers during the event.
David Farquhar, CEO of IGS said: “We believe a visit to our exhibit would be a stimulating, fun and educational experience for your school, incorporating a five-metre-high vertical farm full of crops and even a talking robot! Ultimately, it will give pupils insights into the global and local challenges around the food we eat and how technology can be used to provide a solution. “
IGS is a leading innovator in vertical farming technology based in Scotland. Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked trays indoors and will play a key role in feeding the world in the decades ahead.
What pupils will see at the marquee:
- Interactive exhibition showcasing how vertical farming can work to supplement traditional agriculture to deliver more sustainable food supply chains
- 5.4m high demonstration vertical farm filled with crops and lit by LEDs (see attached visual)
- Our talking, moving robot carrying crops and welcoming guests
Corporate sponsors for the IGS exhibition include Omron and Dexion.
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