Re-Nuble CEO, Tinia Pina, was recently invited to speak on the Root Zone Panel discussion at GreenTech 2024. The panel discussed the challenges and opportunities in the agriculture sector, mainly focusing on the importance of growing media and sustainable practices. One speaker emphasizes the need for a unified, positive narrative around the significance of growing media in resource efficiency while acknowledging that individual stakeholders may struggle to influence consumer behavior. Another participant highlights the shift in agricultural discussions toward plant-based nutrition, pointing out that producers will face the challenge of significantly scaling up production as the global demand for food increases, particularly fruits and vegetables.
The conversation also touches on the critical role of policy in shaping agricultural practices. One participant raises concerns about overly specific governmental mandates, such as the push for electric vehicles, which might stifle innovation in other areas. They suggest that policies should focus on broader goals, encouraging diverse approaches rather than enforcing a single solution. Several speakers noted that the agricultural sector must advocate for its sustainability and food security contributions to inform effective policymaking.
The panelists expressed the importance of raising awareness about controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and its benefits to garner support from policymakers. They argue for a collaborative storytelling approach to effectively communicate the advantages of sustainable practices, emphasizing that a fact-based understanding is necessary for decision-making at the policy level. Furthermore, they highlight the need for more significant investment in biobased and biodegradable materials to enhance sustainability.
Lastly, the substrate market is anticipated to increase by 400%, attributed to factors such as indoor growing systems and global population growth. Participants agree that the agricultural sector must adapt to meet these demands while overcoming legislative barriers that hinder the adoption of recycled materials.
Wwatch the full FTS CEA Panel below! .
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