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Managing a vertical farm

Short

Vertical farming (indoor farming without daylight) is a development that takes horticulture to another level. With Light Emitting Diodes (LED) it is possible to offer plants the perfect light conditions, while other climatic factors are also completely controlled. The course is about the practical applications of vertical farm management.
Start
To be scheduled
Duration
4 days
Language
English
Location
's-Hertogenbosch,Venlo,

About the course

HAS green academy has more than 10 years of experience in successfully growing crops exclusively lit by LED in both research and large-scale production cells. We now offer a production management course to share our knowledge and experience with professionals from horticulture and related industries with special interest in vertical or city farming.

Result after the course

After taking the course Managing a vertical farm you know all about:

  • Which crops are interesting to grow in a vertical farm and their yield.
  • How to sow, germinate and transplant/space different crops.
  • Characteristics of and cultivation in different substrates.
  • Optimal climate settings.
  • Building a vertical farm.

About the course

Content of the course

The course consists of 4 days. Each day is held at a different location and has a different theme:

Day 1: Crops, varieties and yield potential - Brightbox Venlo

This module describes crops which are potentially interesting to grow under LEDs in a vertical farm, including varieties and yields.

Some crops will be harvested, weight will be determined and calculations done for yield. Light will be measured under different (LED)-lights with different devices (from a simple cell phone app to a spectrometer) for light measurement and a protocol for light measurement will be used. 

Day 2: Seeds, sowing, substrates - HAS 's Hertogenbosch

During this module you learn how to sow, germinate and transplant/space different crops and learn about alternative methods. Also attention is paid to different substrates for sowing and plant raising. Also on this day we focus on characteristics of and cultivation in different substrates in combination with water delivery systems like aeroponics, hydroponics, dry hydroponics, ebb-and flow, Nutrient Film Technique.

Day 3: Climate setting and building a vertical farm - Naaldwijk

In this module optimal climate settings are discussed in terms of light quality, intensity, (day) length and integral, temperature, humidity, CO2 level, air speed. Also, you learn everything about building a vertical farm. What factors you should take into account? What are the do’s and don’ts? We will see very high tech farms and also more low tech farms. 

Day 4: Business case, hygiene and sanitation, post harvest - location to be determined

You will learn about general hygiene practices and why they are necessary. Both plant diseases and pests and human bacterial diseases will be discussed in relation to hygiene protocols and disinfection methods. Plant physiology before and after harvest will be compared, so that becomes clear how to treat the products after harvest. Packing, packaging materials and storage temperatures are also part of this module.

We will also visit Philips GrowWise, a modern research center based on the Eindhoven High Tech Campus. On this last day of the course we will teach you how to calculate your business case based on data and calculations of Philips and partners.

For who

This course is developed for everyone who is working in or will start a vertical farm.

Guidance

This course is taught by experienced HAS lecturers. HAS green academy has her own vertical farming facilities. Also, several partners will be visited to gain further practical knowledge and we offer different network opportunities in the evening with suppliers of climate chambers, light, software, climate computers , etcetera in vertical farming.

After enrollment, we will discuss with you your wishes and we will invite the partners.

The course offers a good balance between overview of the sector and in-depth knowledge on certain topics. Because of this, I have developed an understanding which makes it easier for me to coordinate with different experts within the vertical farming sector.
Joris Goossens
Participant

Practical information

What do you need to enroll in this course? And what else is good to know?

Good to know

Start and course dates

New course dates are to be determined. Please contact our projectmanager if you want to be held up to date.

The duration of the course (excl. the online part) is one intensive course week.

Requirements

To enroll in this Bsc+ level course, you should at least have:

  • Successfully finished the online course Growing without daylight, or;
  • Comparable knowledge acquainted via other courses or practical experience. Please discuss this with the course leader.
Completion of the course

After successfully completing the course you will receive a certificate of participation from HAS green academy.

Course price
Investment
€ 2.795,00
excl. VAT

Price specification

Course price
€ 2.495,00
Catering arrangement
€ 300,00
Total price
€ 2.795,00
excl. VAT

All amounts mentioned are excluding VAT. Training costs, including course material, are exempt from VAT. All other costs are charged with 9% VAT.

The basic course is included.

Any bank/administration fees are for your own account.

Questions? Please get in touch with us!

Sustainable development goals

  • Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production