Course Details

Urban and Vertical Farming Systems Training Course

Introduction

As global populations increasingly concentrate in urban centers, the challenge of providing fresh, nutritious food sustainably becomes ever more pressing. Traditional agriculture often struggles with limited arable land, long supply chains, and environmental impacts. Urban and Vertical Farming Systems offer innovative solutions to these challenges, bringing food production closer to consumers, reducing transportation costs and emissions, and optimizing resource use through controlled environments. These advanced farming methods, which include hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics, utilize technology to grow crops in stacked layers or within city limits, often in repurposed buildings or small urban spaces. Our intensive 5-day "Urban and Vertical Farming Systems" training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and strategic insights required to design, establish, and manage successful urban and vertical farms, contributing to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development in urban environments.

This comprehensive program will delve into the diverse methodologies of urban and vertical farming, covering everything from nutrient delivery systems and environmental controls to energy efficiency, pest management in confined spaces, and market access strategies. Participants will gain in-depth understanding of how to assess site suitability, select appropriate technologies, manage resource inputs effectively, and navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of producing food in urban settings. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in conceptualizing and implementing urban and vertical farming projects that are both environmentally sound and economically viable, fostering a new era of localized and sustainable food production.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "Urban and Vertical Farming Systems" training course is ideal for a diverse group of individuals and organizations interested in sustainable food production within urban contexts. This includes:

• Aspiring Urban Farmers and Entrepreneurs: Looking to start their own urban/vertical farming ventures.
• Existing Farmers: Seeking to diversify or transition into urban and controlled environment agriculture.
• Agronomists and Agricultural Consultants: Advising on advanced farming technologies.
• Urban Planners and Architects: Integrating food production into city design.
• Community Developers and Activists: Promoting local food systems and community gardens.
• Restaurant Owners and Chefs: Interested in sourcing ultra-fresh, hyper-local produce.
• Educators and Researchers: Exploring innovation in agricultural science and technology.
• Investors: Evaluating opportunities in the agri-tech and urban farming sectors.
• Government Officials and Policymakers: Developing food security and urban sustainability initiatives.
• Environmental Advocates: Focused on reducing agriculture's ecological footprint.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Urban and Vertical Farming Systems" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core concepts, benefits, and challenges of urban and vertical farming.
• Differentiate between various soilless culture systems: hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics.
• Design and plan an urban or vertical farm, considering site selection, crop choice, and system type.
• Implement effective environmental control strategies (lighting, temperature, humidity, CO2) for optimal plant growth.
• Manage nutrient solutions, water quality, and pest/disease control in closed-loop systems.
• Evaluate the energy requirements and economic viability of different urban farming models.
• Understand market access strategies, distribution, and branding for urban-grown produce.
• Develop a preliminary business plan for an urban or vertical farming enterprise.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Urban & Vertical Farming

• Defining Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming: Concepts, history, and global trends.
• Drivers for adoption: Food security, sustainability, land scarcity, consumer demand for fresh produce.
• Benefits: Reduced land use, water efficiency, year-round production, reduced food miles, local employment.
• Challenges: Energy consumption, initial investment, technical expertise, pest management.
• Overview of different urban farming models: Rooftop gardens, indoor farms, community gardens, vertical farms.

Module 2: Soilless Culture Systems: Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Aeroponics

• Hydroponics: Principles, types (DFT, NFT, DWC, Ebb & Flow, Wick, Drip), nutrient solutions, media.
• Aquaponics: Principles, integration of aquaculture (fish) and hydroponics (plants), nitrogen cycle, system balance.
• Aeroponics: Principles, nutrient mist delivery, benefits, and advanced applications.
• Comparative analysis of soilless systems: Pros, cons, and suitability for different crops.
• Hands-on examples and demonstrations of small-scale systems.

Module 3: Environmental Control & Plant Physiology

• Lighting: Importance of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), LED technology, light spectrum, photoperiod.
• Temperature & Humidity: Optimal ranges for various crops, HVAC systems, ventilation.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Enrichment: Role in photosynthesis, CO2 monitoring and delivery systems.
• Airflow and plant health: Preventing mold and promoting growth.
• Basic plant physiology relevant to controlled environments.

Module 4: Nutrient Management & Water Quality

• Essential plant nutrients in soilless systems: Macro and microelements.
• Formulating and managing nutrient solutions: pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC) monitoring.
• Water source selection and treatment for soilless systems.
• Water quality parameters: Dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, heavy metals.
• Recirculating systems: Water efficiency and waste reduction.

Module 5: Crop Selection & Production Cycles

• Identifying suitable crops for urban and vertical farming (e.g., leafy greens, herbs, strawberries, microgreens).
• Understanding different growth cycles and optimal harvesting times.
• Seedling propagation, transplanting, and spacing in vertical systems.
• Crop scheduling for continuous production and yield maximization.
• Integrating data from sensors to optimize growth cycles.

Module 6: Pest, Disease & Biosecurity Management

• Common pests and diseases in controlled environments (e.g., aphids, thrips, powdery mildew).
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for urban farms: Biological control, sanitation, physical barriers.
• Biosecurity protocols: Preventing pathogen and pest introduction.
• Monitoring and early detection techniques.
• Organic and safe pest control options for urban settings.

Module 7: Energy Efficiency & Economic Viability

• Energy consumption in vertical farming: Lighting, HVAC, pumps.
• Strategies for energy efficiency: LED advancements, renewable energy integration.
• Financial modeling for urban and vertical farms: Startup costs, operational expenses, revenue projections.
• Calculating Return on Investment (ROI) and payback periods.
• Grants, subsidies, and financing options for urban agricultural projects.

Module 8: Market Access, Distribution & Business Development

• Identifying target markets for urban-grown produce (restaurants, retailers, direct-to-consumer, institutions).
• Branding and value proposition for locally grown, fresh produce.
• Distribution logistics: Last-mile delivery, partnerships.
• Marketing strategies: Social media, community engagement, certifications (e.g., local, organic).
• Developing a preliminary business plan outline for an urban/vertical farm.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com