Category: News

Agricultural farming methods are continually adapting and changing. Modern farming has created numerous ecological side effects including an overconsumption of water and a reliance on chemical fertilisers, GMOs and pesticides. As these side effects grow, so does the need for agricultural change. Innovation Agritech Group (IAG) is an aeroponic vertical growing technology company that produces green produce through sustainable practices, using less space and fewer resources than traditional farming.

IAG approached London based, Inspired Marketing agency, for a brand refresh with the aim of visually communicating the brand as an innovator of the agricultural growing space. The aim was to create a corporate identity that translates and pays tribute to both the agricultural and technological focus of the brand. Existing competitor branding is led by singular narrowed vision in approaches, with expansive white space and cliché branding that lacks in both narrative and identity. The communication of the vertical farming sector can become oversaturated and difficult to digest. Therefore, the emphasis was put on creating clear recognisable branding that assists in the communication to consumers and partners.

The reliance on expansive whites and vibrant greens became a consistent convention in vertical farming during its infancy and resulted in a blur in brand identity across various companies within the sector. Accordingly, Inspired Marketing agency’s brand development for IAG targeted the conventions of the existing industry whilst refreshing the approach to reflect IAG as an innovator in its sector.

The lively colour palette presents IAG at the forefront of vertical farming as a pioneer of the agritech space. Deep green tones pay homage to the agricultural produce whilst vibrant greens represent technological innovation and a modern twist on shades conventionally used within the tech sector. The collation and merging of the deep greens and vibrant greens act as visual narrative for the journey of the agricultural space and the process of modernisation of the sector in transferring previous agricultural practices into modern innovative farming methods.

Shape and colour are utilised as a visual tool throughout for brand consistency and continuity. The use of form and shape is subtle yet highly conscious. The shapes act as subtle visual narrative to reinforce the brand purpose whilst sustaining brand identity. The shapes include the IAG leaf in a stacked manner to reflect the modularity of the GrowFrame™ and IAG technology. The use of design choices such as this are intentional and contribute to a conscious holistic brand approach.

IAG represents both innovation in new technology as well as the advancing of previous agricultural practices. The brand approach reflects the modernisation of farming and IAG’s place as a future-facing agricultural brand.

The Future of Farming.

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British agricultural technology company, Innovation Agritech Group (IAG), is announcing the launch of its GrowFrame™ 360 vertical farming solution. The much anticipated, innovative technology is the result of committed and rigorous R&D since 2017 and is set to take vertical farming to the next level, revolutionising the way we produce crops both in the UK and globally.

Since IAG’s conception, the dedicated team has been working to create the most optimised vertical farming system in the world possible. IAG’s patented system, the GrowFrame™, has been refined to result in a highly precise growing process using the very best technology developed with carefully selected British partners. Drawing on each trial completed, every project documented and the support of its professional partners, the new GrowFrame™ has been proven to produce a healthier root system, superior crop growth and yield.

Alongside commercial opportunities, the technology can be used on a global scale to help with real-world problems facing the population on daily basis. IAG is working with charities to become the first vertical farm to take a tangible step towards ending world hunger and malnutrition. Current estimates from the UN show that 8.9% of the world’s population, which equates to nearly 690 million people, are hungry. By developing a drought resistant solution, IAG’s GrowFrame™ can be put to work in both countries with minimal water supply, as well as in urban populations with limited space, to help tackle the challenge head on.

The IAG GrowFrame™ 360 top five:

• No climate dependency – the IAG GrowFrame™ doesn’t require sunlight and eliminates weather and seasonal dependency, allowing crops to be grown any time of the year, from anywhere in the world
• IAG’s exclusive technology accelerates crop growth to potentially 15 harvest cycles per year, compared to the three-to-four of traditional farming
• The GrowFrame™ 360 solution is fully automated and managed from a Human Machine Interface (HMI), with real-time data monitoring. The system is also scalable, allowing businesses to upscale when ready
• The closed loop irrigation system uses 98% less water than traditional farming. What’s more, once completing the loop, water is cleaned using UV treatment, sumps, and filters, before going through the process again, eradicating waste
• The GrowFrame™ uses coco peat over soil, meaning no chemicals, pesticides, or soil maintenance 

Jaz Singh, CEO, Innovation Agritech Group says: “Since the beginning of this journey, I knew the IAG technology was outstanding. Having seen first-hand how arable land in India was depleted by traditional open-field farming, I truly believe that Vertical Farming will become an integral part of the way we grow food around the world and feed our increasing population – especially with terrifying predictions from the UN that the number of people affected by hunger would surpass 840 million by 2030.

We have been developing our patented flagship GrowFrame™ and have complete faith that we have developed a vertical farming solution which will be a complete game-changer. A genuine testament to the hard work, vision, skill and understanding from our own exceptional team. With our recent successful investment, our unswerving commitment to R&D, we are proud to showcase to the world what we have been working on behind closed doors. We have ambitious sales targets and can’t wait to see the reception the GrowFrame™ will have in the UK and wider global community.”

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• IAG invests in the team as it realises the strategic plan for 2022.
  

Agricultural technology company, Innovation Agritech Group (‘IAG’), is continuing to invest in its exciting growing team with two new appointments this summer. Matt Taylor and David Farley are both joining IAG to hasten projects as it transitions to revenue, as Commercial Assistant and Consultant Advisor respectively.Matt Taylor joins IAG as Commercial Assistant with over 20 years of experience under his belt, having managed national accounts for global brands such as PlayStation, Mercedes, and Toshiba. Matt, who is passionate about how tech can be used as a force for good, has been searching for the last 10 years to find a scale-up tech company which is focused on mitigating climate change and improving our environment for future generations, without having to reduce choice or availability. Working at IAG gives Matt the opportunity to combine the skills that he has honed over the last 20 years alongside working for a business that champions his personal ethos.

As Commercial Assistant, Matt will support the operating board of directors, focus on identifying commercial opportunities and developing excellent relationships with suppliers and partners. This will position him as crucial member of the team as they take the leap to the next level.

Alongside Matt, David Farley is also joining the IAG team this summer. David is a highly experienced and commercially astute agri-business professional. Having worked at senior levels across all areas of the fresh produce supply-chain, he has experienced every stage from field to fork, working within businesses such as Del Monte & Greenvale AP.

 

Across his extensive career, David has worked with a number of Agri-tech clients, where his experience, knowledge and network have combined to add considerable value through fresh insight and perspective. Delighted to be joining IAG, David is looking forward to exploring the commercial scale-up opportunities to expedite the IAG model and enable the supply of cost-effective, sustainable exciting, quality produce.

 

Jaz Singh, CEO, Innovation Agritech Group comments, “It is a key time for the business right now – we’re in the run up to a big moment in terms of the launch of a new product as well as the business transitioning to revenue. Ensuring we have the right team to take us to the next level is crucial – everyone here at IAG has been working so hard to date, we want to make sure we build on that and continue to strengthen.

 

“Having Matt & David join the company is going to be a fantastic boost to our existing team. They both will bring so much valuable experience, I have every confidence we will continue to develop the business, inviting new talent to the team will enable us to be in the best possible position to launch on a global scale.”

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Agricultural technology company, Innovation Agritech Group (‘IAG’), has today announced it is creating an Advisory Board, appointing Professor Tracy Lawson and Dr Chris Foulds as the two founding members. IAG is currently in the R&D phase of business, having developed its patented “vertical framework of aeroponic growing modules” called the IAG GrowFrame™ – a fully-scalable, flexible technology based on a modular system which uses Indoor Vertical Aeroponics instead of a more traditional vertical farming hydroponic system.

As the IAG team gears up to fulfil its orders and launch-to-market in Q3 of 2022, Professor Tracy Lawson and Dr Chris Foulds will both be joining the newly formed IAG Advisory board.

Professor Tracy Lawson is a professor in the Plant Productivity group and Director of Plant Phenotyping at Essex University and recognised on the Clarivate World Highest Cited list in both 2020 and 2021. Professor Lawson takes her place on the Advisory Board with over 25 years’
experience in photosynthesis research, during which she has published over 135 peer review papers/book chapters, all since obtaining her first degree in Applied Biology in 1993 from the Liverpool John Moores University and PhD from the University of Dundee in 1997.
Professor Lawson’s research focuses on the stomatal control of atmospheric gas entry into the leaf, associated water loss and the mechanisms that regulate this process. As part of this research, she is also optimising lighting recipes for TCEA/vertical farming environments to increase productivity and reduce resource input such as water and energy.

Dr Chris Foulds, who has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Bristol, brings nearly 40 years’ experience in the food and drinks industry, with the last 25 years in fresh produce. During his career, Dr Foulds has held the position of Technical Director of G’s Marketing, Vitacress Salads and Flamingo Fresh Produce, and has worked on several retailers’ codes of practice for food safety in the field and
factory. Dr Foulds was Technical Chairman of the Chilled Food Association and founder member and chairman of their Produce Working Group and is known for his work in simplifying food safety issues, and technical compliance for growers especially for non-UK sources.

Jaz Singh, CEO of Innovation Agritech Group, comments on the appointments: “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to both Professor Tracy Lawson and Dr Chris Foulds as members of our Advisor Board at IAG. As we transition from R&D focus to strategic commercial growth later this year, the ongoing support of both members, who bring a huge bank of knowledge, exceptional expertise, and an embedded technical understanding of our industry will be invaluable. They will be vital and valued in their support of the existing team of industry specialists. Their input will help us further develop as a business and enable us to be confident to advise our clients along the way.

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Innovation Agritech Group (referred to as IAG herein) recently hosted Vertical Farm Daily at its 10,000- square foot purpose-built aeroponic facility in Berkshire, west of London. IAG aims to make vertical farming accessible by designing scalable, flexible technology based on a modular system. To do so, IAG has patented its “vertical framework of aeroponic growing modules” called the IAG GrowFrame™.

Focus on removing barriers to entry
There are many benefits to vertical farming compared to traditional farming methods. Unlike many vertical farming technologies which rely on hydroponic systems, IAG specialises in Indoor Vertical Aeroponics, which means they use up to 95% less water than conventional farming, and 70% less water than in hydroponics.

All this is part of IAG’s mission to make vertical farming and the future of farming more accessible, by helping growers design, build and manage vertical farms that balance operational and capital expenditures. By using aeroponic irrigation and closed loop water recycling to provide water and highly precise nutrients, businesses will be able to capitalise on up to 17 harvest cycles per year – all with
healthier root systems and superior crop growth.

“Our technology is modular, and therefore suitable for a variety of different business models across a whole host of industries. Each IAG GrowFrame™ has ten panels with 325 holes, equipped with its own irrigation system, dialable LED lighting, automation, and sensors. This means we have the ability to create tailored solutions based on individual business needs.” explains Jaz Singh, founder, and CEO of
Innovation Agri-Tech Group.

For a product like rocket, that equates to around 500kg produced per panel, per year. IAG’s understanding of which crops will thrive and create the greatest return on investment, alongside its commitment to working with clients to conduct feasibility studies, creates a genuine point of difference from other vertical farming technology.

“It can be scaled up to include hundreds of our patented IAG GrowFrame™ or work just as effectively for smaller businesses that don’t need such high quantities of crops produced,” explains Jaz. “We hope the technology we’re creating will allow the grower to quickly see the return on their investment.”

“The key for us is to help our clients scale up and expand in a controlled manner and identify the areas where spending a little more upfront can be beneficial in the future. Taking LEDs as an example, you can spend a lot in capital expenditures upfront and experience reduced operating costs. Or you can purchase a lower-cost light which may be less efficient, thus cost you more in operating costs,” explains Jaz.

Red Tractor certification to guarantee food safety
IAG is also breaking barriers with the Red Tractor certification, a food safety certification in the UK. IAG was one of the first vertical farms to receive this certification and passes the benefit on to its partners by performing yearly audits to ensure compliance, then helping its partners become certified. With the Red Tractor certification, vertical farms have increased access to UK supermarkets and can receive a higher
price for their products.

Bringing vertical farming to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals

In addition to its various food projects underway, IAG is also collaborating with cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. This further demonstrates the flexibility of IAG’s patented IAG GrowFrame™ technology and the wide reach of vertical farming.

This interview and article was first written by Rebekka Boekhout for Vertical Farm Daily, and published
on 11th May 2022.
For the full original article, please visit: https://www.verticalfarmdaily.com/article/9426129/we-are-
building-a-technology-that-allows-the-grower-to-quickly-see-the-return-on-their-investment/

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Is he or she recognisable as a farmer? Checked shirt, muddy boots, body warmer, lots of talk about the weather and how to get hold of a good agronomist – metaphorically speaking… Or is the new generation of vertical farmer recognisable at all? Does he or she install the same trust of tradition dictated by years of photos ‘in the field’ flasks of tea and sheaves of wheat?

Are they optimists? Realists? Or misguided?

Well, from my short experience of this alternative additional way of farming, these new researchers, growers and scientists are a very diverse bunch – bringing with them some pretty novel ideas and clever science. Some may have been advocates for alternative farming for donkey’s years and seen as hippie kibbutz types living in a tie dye world.

There are the technology buffs, who are excited by light spectrums and purple basil, and those affiliated to a university or research institute investigating new viable plant species. Then there are the investors – suited and booted – looking to support and shore up sustainable food supply for the future by presenting, supporting and chasing funding grants and bursaries.

Who does that leave? Well, people like me who are fascinated and compelled to work through it, in it and with it – keen to get the crops growing, find new markets and influence consumer perception where possible, capitalising on the year-round nature of these environments to grow funky stuff, no need to talk about the weather (which is a shame as it is a passion of mine!). Innovation Agri Tech (IAG) host tours – accessible for all – we will talk to anyone who are interested in hearing about some really refreshing stuff happening with controlled environment farming at the moment; from our technology to the crops we grow and supply.

All the knowledge in focus for vertical farmers, whether it be hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics or anything inbetween, has been borne from the knowledge gained from traditional farming, ecology and sustainability. These, I think, are the drivers from the beginning of time – from when the first crops were grown. It’s just that these brave entrepreneurs are talking nutrient mist rather than mud.

Urban farming has the ability to support and shore up elements of the current sustainable farming debate, lots written about ‘new world’ farming is anecdotal – traditional farmers who may feel these technological advancements threaten their livelihood and ancestral home. With technology comes data, there is harmony in practice if we join forces. Vertical farming has sustainability at its core; with regards to soil and tillage, we are soil-less, water usage – ours is cleaned and recycled, pesticides – none required, entomology – bees can be pivotal to pollination indoors or out… The ingredients are there.

Farm diversification, education and succession – all have a place with the new look vertical farmer – boxes ticked, companies like IAG do not take away, we add to the ecology and sustainability debate with our heads held high.

Hybrid farms is another aspect of my new world and knowledge, wouldn’t it be the pinnacle of ecological biodiversity to be able to see a one site farming collective on the landscape – wind, sun, earth, water, light, bees, fruit, salad, crops?

I would really love to know why so many types of urban or vertical or urban farming are seen as an ‘also ran?’ No one method of UK food production has all the answers, no ‘one size fits all’ lets celebrate a bit of diversity – I would prefer to call these new-fangled approaches as the perfect complement,  maybe like cheese and wine or coffee and cake…

 

Kate Brunswick writes of herself “As a small child, I spent all my time outside. My parents were farmers in Hampshire when I was born, as farm managers to Sir John Peel, the Queen’s gynaecologist, and then later for themselves. I felt that the land was my calling. When it came to a decision post A-levels, my parents assumed if I went to ag college, that any time, energy and money they had invested in me would result in me driving tractors, riding horses or milking cows. The plethora of alternative courses which were available, just didn’t seem to appear on the horizon. I found myself on the next best course- biology with a major in plant and animal physiology. A management trainee position at Vitacress Salads was the first port of call; moving from the technical side of the business to a more commercial focus when I realised that I had a lot of say and working in a lab was not my future. Skills learned took me from salad, to bulbs, cut flowers, fine foods and organic dairy – working with the multiples along the way. This year I joined Innovation Agri Tech, pioneers of vertical farming, as Relationship Manager. This follows a career break, (loosely named) whilst raising three boys, starting a community magazine and assisting small local business start-ups, did I say it was a break?… I have two horses, two dogs and numerous chickens – I still strive to spend as much time outside as life allows.”

Header image courtesy of Innovation Agri Tech. All Rights Reserved.

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