Scottish-based agritech business IGS was in the Middle East last week taking part in a debate on how the world's food supply can be scaled up to feed its burgeoning population.

IGS supplies 'plug-and-play' vertical growing technology to indoor farms, and claims it can enable the efficient production of food in any location around the world. In comparison to glasshouse production, the company reckons that its 'Total Controlled Environment' technology is capable of delivering yields of 225% and labour savings of up to 80%.

Company CEO David Farquhar attended the 2020 Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit to join a panel of experts for a session looking at global food security, where he highlighted the potential of vertical farming, as well as the challenges still faced by the sector and the importance of increasing its credibility.

After speaking alongside guests including United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Food Security Mariam Al-Muhairi, chairman and CEO of Fresh Del Monte Produce, Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, and HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, founder and CEO of KBW Ventures, Mr Farquhar commented: “It was an honour to receive the invitation to attend this remarkable summit and to represent Scottish innovation on a global stage, where such vital discussions are taking place.

"It is no secret that the global population is rising at an unprecedented rate and our ability to grow healthy food reliably is under mounting pressure. It is vital that we act now to ensure that we are putting systems in place and adapt our behaviours to develop a sustainable route forward.

“This was a hugely exciting opportunity for IGS to join some of the most influential people in the world to profile our platform and met other people with bright ideas. It is essential that we talk honestly about the role of technology in agricultural development and the opportunities provided by vertical farming to exist alongside traditional agriculture for future generations.”