The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) promotes enclosed and largely controlled cultivation systems. These include, for example, indoor farming, vertical farming, controlled environment agriculture, or sheltered farming. Interested companies and research institutions can submit their project outline to the project sponsor BLE in the innovation funding program by January 24, 2024, at 12:00.
The notice is not limited to plant systems but also includes feed, algae, fungi, bacteria, fish, and mollusks. However, pure aquaculture systems, as well as classic ruminant, pig, and poultry farming, are excluded.
Regardless of seasons
Ideally, the mentioned forms of cultivation counteract land consumption in urban areas. But there are also opportunities in rural regions, for example, in converting empty buildings and facilities.
Future-oriented production systems make it possible to ensure consistently high product quality and yields, primarily by decoupling production from seasons and climate. Targeted regulation and controlled conditions can also control the growth and properties of the cultures.
Economically viable concepts are required
The processes and products to be developed should also be practical from the point of view of economic efficiency. In the best-case scenario, energy and material cycles should be closed.