Very interesting news about the vertical farming company Plantagon teaming up with Tongji University in Shanghai to develop food producing cities. Read all about it:
Plantagon Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Tongji University in Shanghai
PR Newswire
SHANGHAI, July 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ —
Plantagon International has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tongji University in Shanghai. The MOU states that Plantagon and the University will cooperate regarding research on town-planning issues. Plantagon and Tongji will also cooperate regarding how to integrate Urban Agriculture in the local neighbourhood, to maximize energy efficiency, environmental friendliness and consumer interests.
The MOU was signed by Professor Chen Xiaolong, Executive Vice President of Tongji University in Shanghai and Mr Hans Hassle, CEO of Plantagon International, during a formal ceremony at the Tonji University on July 4th.
“I am more than happy to co-ordinate and manage this project, together with Prof. Chen of our faculty of Agriculture at Tongji. We believe that we are in an ideal position, with our advanced research in design innovation, all agricultural areas, as well as in urban planning, to help Plantagon develop and eventually establish Urban Vertical Agriculture in China,” says Professor Lou Yongqi, Vice Dean, College of Design & Innovation, Tongji University.
“We are delighted to be able to sign this MOU with such a distinguished and reputable institution as the Tongji University and we look forward to many years of productive and successful cooperation,” says Hans Hassle, CEO of Plantagon.
The Plantagon greenhouse is designed for vertical agriculture of vegetables in urban areas. Plantagon intends to develop integrated solutions for energy, excess heat, waste, CO2 and water in cooperation with partners.
“We feel that there is a need to develop new business models and services connected to commercial projects. An important aspect is to research to what extent a greenhouse can become a focal point for consumers and producers, including food retail and grocery stores, etc.,” says Hans Hassle.