IGS Limited 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.
IGS, which manufactures vertical farming solutions, was one of three technology businesses invited to participate in this year’s event, which was attended by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and fellow ministers.
The agritech business used an immersive VR experience to demonstrate to Boris Johnson and other invited VIP guests how IGS’ industry-leading growth towers are revolutionising the indoor growing market. Members of IGS’ team gave the Prime Minister a virtual tour of the business’ Crop Research Centre in Dundee, showcasing the wide range of crops that can be grown in its precision-controlled environment including herbs and leafy greens, chilies, edible flowers and even tree seedlings.
Vertical farming is just one of the new sustainable methods of farming that is being introduced to help the agriculture sector meet net-zero goals, in line with the pledges made at COP26. IGS’ vertical farming systems offer a greater crop yield while recycling up to 95% of the water used, and have been designed to be used alongside and complement traditional farming methods.
Speaking at today’s showcase, IGS Chief Operating Officer Andrew Lloyd said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be invited to 10 Downing Street for this year's Spring Showcase. We’re seeing a lot of companies innovate in the food and agriculture industry and it’s an honor to be recognised as a vertical farming leader in this year’s cohort.
“Vertical farming solutions, when used alongside traditional farming methods, can - and should - play an important role in reducing emissions in agriculture while also supporting food security initiatives. We were delighted to have the opportunity to highlight this to the Prime Minister and to showcase IGS’ ambitions for the future.
“With that in mind, we hope that Government takes seriously our proposal to change how vertical farms are recognised with regards to planning so that we can speed up the process of getting them built around the country and provide fresh, sustainably and locally-sourced food for all British citizens.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Malcolm Offord, said: "It's so exciting to see the fruits of the vertical farming technology, pioneered by Scottish firm Intelligent Growth Solutions, on display at Downing Street's spring showcase.
"At their facility in Dundee recently, I could see first-hand how they're embracing this new technology to work hand-in-hand with traditional farming methods to ensure the UK's food industry remains a world-leading force. We are making the most of our natural resources and scientific expertise to deliver tangible results and protect our future food security."
While at the showcase, Andrew Lloyd used the opportunity to discuss some of the major challenges affecting sustainable agriculture and the adoption of vertical farming. These included:
“I choose to challenge because as an engineer I believe more diversity leads to more creativity.”
“I choose to challenge because we need women’s skills and insights at ALL levels in the workplace.”
“I choose to challenge because I think women should always support other women and because inequality is still a major problem in some countries around the world.”
“I choose to challenge because encouraging challenge breeds genuine innovation across our business.”
"I choose to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage constructive challenges from all."
“I choose to challenge to address imbalance.”
“I choose to challenge because we need to celebrate women's achievements and drive positive change in gender balance both in the workplace and our everyday lives.”
“I choose to challenge because everyone deserves the chance to achieve their full potential.”
