Vertical farming business leaders will take stock of the sector’s future at the 7th Vertical Farming World Congress on 5-7 October in central London, after a demanding year of heightened financial pressure despite the technology's evident climate benefits.

Hosted at the Bloomsbury Ballroom, the three-day Congress will bring together vertical farming operators, investors, suppliers, academics and advisers to review business models, commercial strategies, market opportunities and the latest in crop and technology innovation for the industry’s only dedicated annual international forum.

Over 20 speakers have already been announced from as far afield as Chile and Singapore, Mexico and Taiwan, alongside contributions from the main associations in Africa, Japan and the United States. There will also be an opportunity to visit Fischer Farms Technology’s manufacturing site in Birmingham and Harvest London’s Plant Room, the city’s largest vertical farm.

“All governments are now facing the combined disruptions of climate change, military conflict and trade unpredictability,” commented Richard Hall, Chair of event organisers FoodBev Media. “Many are developing policies to improve national food self-sufficiency and nutrition quality. Vertical farming can play an increasingly important role, with renewable energy sourcing, consistent year-round production, no floods, no droughts and no pesticides.

“This year’s theme of ‘Rising to the Challenge’ is designed to explore how vertical farming can best help strengthen food supplies and public health, while improving sustainability and achieving competitiveness,” he concluded.

For more information and to register, visit www.foodbevevents.com/event/vertical-farming-world-congress-2026. Discounts are available for start-up businesses and for online attendance.