Growing food in polar regions one topic for global forum

The focus on how to feed the world’s growing population from a limited arable area is usually on Africa and other tropical or arid countries.

However, how to produce food in the polar regions is the topic of one of the innovators at next week’s Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) in Abu Dhabi.

Scientists from the University of Arizona will share their experiences of operating a food growth chamber at the NSF Amundsen-Scott New South Pole Station for nine years.

This semi-automated plant growing facility utilises high intensity discharge lighting, atmospheric carbon dioxide enrichment, and a recirculating hydroponic nutrient delivery system, to produce salad and fruit crops for station personnel.

Representing Ireland at event is Dr Edmond Harty, CEO of Dairymaster, explaining how the Co Kerry company’s MooMonitor can be clipped onto any cow to monitor and report on its physical condition, giving the farmer accurate information on its fertility cycle.

At GFIA, 150 speakers will have 15 minutes each to convince the audience that their innovation can change the way we feed the world.