AVF in collaboration with GRAIN International (Singapore) presents the Advanced CEA Farming Course (certified by AVF).

• Venue: AgX/Aerofarms Abu Dhabi, Dubai
• April 10th-13th, 2025
• International Lecturers from US, Singapore, Germany and UAE

The Advanced CEA Farming Practices and Agri-Management Course, is a 4-day intensive program designed to equip professionals with cutting-edge skills in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and Vertical Farming. Covering global vertical farming trends, AI-driven smart farming, financial planning, business models, and biosecurity protocols to ensure disease-free farming environments, the  course blends theoretical learningwith practical applications by expert-led sessions. Participants will also gain hands-on experience through an exclusive field trip to a state-of-the-art VF facility, providing real-world exposure to next-generation farming solutions.

Course Details:

DAY 1: April 10th, 2025 (9:30–16:00)

Topic 1: Global Overview of Vertical Farming

• Status quo of VF around the world 
• Regional market analysis
• Technology adoption rates
• Investment landscapes

Topic 2: Sustainability and Standardization of VF in the UAE: Case Studies

• Challenges faced by VF/smart farming/CEA growers – opportunities
• Best practices for sustainable farming and SIF certification
• Local success stories – case study on SIF certification
• Implementation challenges
• Market adaptation strategies

Topic 3: Advanced Crop Production Strategies

• Advanced plant nutrient optimization
• Nutrient management for VF
• Optimizing Crop stress responses – production of bioactive compounds in VF
• Quality optimization techniques

DAY 2: April 11th, 2025 (9:30–16:00)

Topic 4: Crop Dwarfing Techniques

• Strategies for crop optimization
• Space efficiency methods
• Growth regulation techniques

Topic 5: Novel Technologies for VF & Building-Integrated Agriculture

• Quantum-dot films for spectral modification
• AI in VF
• Vertical Farming in Space
• Smart building integration

Topic 6: Farm Biosecurity

• Maintaining disease-free growing environments
• Protocols for infection control and plant health
• Monitoring and tracking systems
• Risk management strategies

DAY 3: April 12th, 2025 (9:30–16:00)

Topic 7: Vertical Farming Business Models

• Deep dive into VF business strategies
• ROI analysis
• Market positioning
• Scaling strategies

Topic 8: Farm Economics

• Comprehensive cost analysis and budgeting
• Breakeven points and revenue modelling
• Financial planning and technology upgrades
• Public-private partnerships

Topic 9: Learning from Industry Experts/Leaders

• Panel Discussion
• Industry insights
• Future trends
• Q&A session

Topic 10: Design Thinking Workshop

• Interactive session on VF challenges
• Problem-solving methodologies
• Innovation frameworks
• Group presentations

DAY 4: April 13th, 2025 (Full Day)

Field Trip to Local VF Facility

• Experience cutting-edge VF technologies on-site
• Practical demonstrations
• Technology implementation review
• Operational insights
• Best practices observation
• Q&A with facility managers

For more information and registration click here.