REFAB 2018: High-tech Strategy for a Sustainable Biomass Supply

New conference in Cologne, 1 and 2 October 2018, highlights advanced technologies for food and biomass production of the future.

The conference “Revolution in Food and Biomass Production” (REFAB) in Cologne on 1-2 October 2018 will bring together all future-oriented experts from companies, start-ups and research to have a look at the future of food and biomass production.

What high-tech strategies are emerging on the horizon to sustainably supply a growing world population with healthy food – and at the same time provide industry with sustainable biomass for environmentally friendly products? The conference gives a unique opportunity to meet the pioneers and forerunners of the future of food and biomass production.

From REFAB 01/02/18 Press Release by nova-Institut GmbH.

“For the first time in history, we understand in detail how a healthy soil works, what role bacteria and fungi play in the nutrient uptake of plants and trees. We know how to achieve healthy and productive soils with biostimulants while nitrogen-fixing bacteria will reduce the use of additional nitrogen. Precision farming with Artificial Intelligence (AI), robots and drones can help to fertilise and protect plants more efficiently and with lower environmental impacts. Latest gene editing technologies can improve plant ingredients and make better use of solar radiation with an updated photosynthesis system.

Mariculture or marine farming is about to become an important sector. This means the cultivation of marine organisms for feed, food and other products in the open ocean and enclosed sections of the ocean, in tanks, ponds or raceways filled with seawater. Forestry will supply a wide range of chemicals and bio-based products in biorefineries, including environmentally friendly textile fibres.

With indoor farming in our kitchens and vertical farming on an industrial scale, healthy food can be produced efficiently and locally. Insects, algae and bacteria can be used to develop new sources of protein. Bacteria can even digest CO2 to produce feed proteins for aquaculture. Institute for Ecology and Innovation 

Organic farming as well as smallholders will also strongly benefit from many of these new developments and increase their efficiency while respecting their original ideals and principles. Food and biomass production will be possible even under the most extreme conditions: In dry areas, “greening the desert” will become reality through solar technology, deep water or desalination plants as well as hydroponics. In the icy north, productivity can be increased through LED lighted greenhouses and some technologies will even enable food production in space stations, on the moon and on Mars.”

Please find information on the Call for Papers, sponsoring opportunities and other important details on this website. www.refab.info