Key Takeaways:
- The 5th GVF Show in Dubai focused on the role of vertical farming in improving food security in the Gulf region.
- Zayndu showcased its ActivatedAir™ seed priming technology, which enhances crop yields and reduces growing times.
- Energy costs are a significant challenge for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) in the UAE, with growers seeking energy-efficient solutions to boost productivity.
- ActivatedAir™ technology helps increase yields by up to 20%, offering a solution for expanding crop production without additional capital investment.
Food Security and Vertical Farming in Focus at GVF Show
The 5th Global Vertical Farming (GVF) Show, held in Dubai on September 10th and 11th, brought together industry leaders and government representatives to discuss the future of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) in the Gulf region. Among the exhibitors was Zayndu (Profile), whose stand attracted attention from notable visitors, including officials from the UAE’s Ministry for Climate Change and Environment. The discussions centered around improving food security through vertical farming and increasing productivity in the region’s challenging climate.
Zayndu Showcases ActivatedAir™ Technology
At the event, Zayndu presented its ActivatedAir™ seed priming technology, designed to help farmers maximize yields in vertical farming and greenhouse operations. According to Robert Woods, Business Development Manager at Zayndu, ActivatedAir™ enhances seedling vigour and germination rates, resulting in bigger yields and shorter crop cycles. This solution allows growers to either increase their output or reduce growing times, helping them achieve more crop cycles per year.
“ActivatedAir™ gets crops off to the best possible start,” said Woods. “This technology allows growers to either achieve larger yields within the same growing time or maintain the same yield in a shorter time, enhancing productivity.”
Addressing Energy Efficiency Challenges in Vertical Farming
Energy costs are a significant concern for vertical farms in the UAE, where managing controlled environments is essential due to extreme temperatures. Many growers attending the GVF Show were searching for technologies that could increase productivity without adding to their energy usage. Ollie Green, Customer Success Manager at Zayndu, noted that the adoption of advanced growing technologies is high in the region, with growers looking to optimize their facilities.
“Improving food self-sufficiency in the UAE is largely driven by vertical farms and greenhouses,” said Green. “ActivatedAir™ offers a solution by enabling growers to increase yields using the same fixed costs, which is vital in an environment where energy efficiency is key.”
Enhancing Food Security in the UAE
The UAE has prioritized the adoption of modern agricultural methods like vertical farming to improve food security. Zayndu’s ActivatedAir™ technology offers growers a way to increase their output by up to 20% without the need for additional capital investment, helping to expand the market for fresh produce in the region.
Ollie Green highlighted the potential for vertical farms to extend beyond their current markets in restaurants, hotels, and cafés into retail, further contributing to the UAE’s food self-sufficiency goals.
Zayndu Latest News
Anne Williams Joins Zayndu Board as Non-Executive Director (2024/06/24)
Zayndu has appointed Anne Williams, head of protected crops at Bayer Vegetable Seeds, as a non-executive director on its board. Williams, an industry veteran with extensive experience, emphasizes the importance of seed quality in the agricultural industry, particularly as genetic advancements intensify. She is particularly enthusiastic about Zayndu’s ActivatedAir technology, which is easy to use, green, and adaptable to different crop species and varieties. Williams highlights the advantages of faster early growth and establishment provided by ActivatedAir technology, such as reducing the growing cycle for leafy crops, boosting profitability, and improving crop management. Zayndu CEO Ralph Weir expressed excitement about Williams joining the board, recognizing her deep understanding of grower challenges and her insights into enhancing seed quality.
Expanding Team for Enhanced Market Reach (2024/05/13)
Zayndu, a leader in cold plasma seed treatment systems, is expanding in the controlled environment agriculture sector. They have hired James Seaman as the new Director of Engineering and Nathanael Dannenberg as Sales Manager. James will focus on global best practices in manufacturing, while Nathanael will initially focus on UK customers and later expand to North America and the Gulf states. CEO Ralph Weir expressed confidence in the new hires, emphasizing the need for industry experience and a visionary approach to support the company’s growth.
Appoints New Head of Engineering (2022/09/10)
Zayndu, an agri-tech startup, has hired Andrew Neil as the new Head of Engineering to scale up its Aurora seed disinfectant system. Andrew’s automotive background, along with his expertise in digital twins, will help Zayndu’s product development. The Aurora system eliminates the need for water or chemicals, making it ideal for vertical farming and controlled environments. Andrew’s appointment is a strategic move to enhance the Aurora system’s design and functionality, including the possibility of remote management and greater seed treatment capacity, preparing Zayndu for a global presence.
Plasma Tech Reportedly Increases Yields of Baby Leafs By 27% (2022/12/16)
Growers hit by energy increases could increase productivity with a novel seed treatment. Zayndu shows yield increases of 10 – 27% in the yield of herb and salad crops after treatment with its Aurora plasma tech. Autumn and winter planting in heated glasshouses will be reduced due to energy costs. The Zayndu Aurora System uses low-energy plasma tech to treat the seeds in small batches prior to planting. The treatment takes minutes to complete and produces no waste – just clean air and seeds. Leafy greens have short growth cycles with germination times of two to three weeks and 4 to 8 weeks to harvest. Shaving 1.5 days from each cycle can also increase throughput.
Zayndu Aurora Z25 Harnesses ‘Plasma Agriculture’ To Prime Seeds For Accelerated Growth (2022/06/06)
Zayndu has developed the Aurora Z25 system that uses plasma agriculture to clean and prime seeds, resulting in faster germination, healthier plants, and increased productivity in vertical farms. The treatment induces hormonal changes in the seed that can influence plant growth from seed to crops and makes its coat more permeable to water, triggering germination. The company is discussing its latest results at GreenTech Amsterdam.
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