A brief guide to UKUAT
Image credit: Jack Wisehall
VISION
MISSION
UKUAT engages and connects members to grow and mobilise a thriving network in the pre-competitive space.
We also work to further the CEA industry through external projects.
SCOPE
Any use of Urban AgriTech or Controlled Environment Agriculture to produce an edible or otherwise consumable product.
UKUAT operates in the UK and works in consortium with aligned domestic and international organisations.
METHOD
As a members organisation we maintain and grow the network, provide opportunities for members, facilitate collaboration within the network and beyond.
As an active participant in industry projects we work within consortia on projects to further the industry and seek to generate employment opportunities.
KEY ACTIVITY AREAS
Policy & Advocacy
UKUAT will encourage, enable and facilitate the creation of policy frameworks which meet the needs of urban agritech industry and projects. In so doing, it will give the industry a voice in wider governmental agricultural policy.
Education & Outreach
UKUAT will provide an education platform for running meaningful outreach projects, by creating, leading and delivering education sessions that inform and inspire the next generation of farmers, agriculturalists and consumers. Each member takes responsibility for being a pioneer in the Urb Ag movement and a (thought) leader in their field.
Research & Development
UKUAT will act as an informational exchange hub. Through the appropriate sharing of prior research, and collaboration on research projects, UKUAT will build a repository of knowledge, for the benefit of both existing and new entrants to the industry.
Publicity & Promotion
UKUAT will act as a platform for companies to increase their individual personal reach and to improve the image of the industry. Such a well-connected (locally and globally) body will enable both small voices and big voices to be given equal exposure/footing on the platform.
Shared Resources & Knowledge
UKUAT will act as a platform for sharing knowledge and resources between members. This will speed up research, reduce replication of work, add peer review principles to commercial research and ultimately improve legitimacy of the industry.
Funding & Consortia
UKUAT will inform members about future funding opportunities, advise on funding routes and enable joint bids to be submitted to increase their chances of success. Members will also inform one another of developments.
Events & Industry News
UKUAT will establish a presence at key industry events and provide relevant industry news about (and to) its members.
DEFINITIONS
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Any agriculture in an enclosed growing space with some degree of environmental control, such as a glasshouse, polyhouse or plant factory.
Totally Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA)
A family of CEA activities at the high-control end of the spectrum. These are generally characterised by exclusive use of artificial light and precise control of environmental conditions (e.g. air temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration) and the nutrient content delivered to the plants.
Building Integrated Agriculture (BIA)
Any farming system located on or in a building, such as a rooftop farm, a façade farm, a rooftop greenhouse, or interior vertical farm.
Urban AgriTech
All TCEA growing and TCEA technology, and all BIA.
Appropriate
Recognising the limitations of a technology, and only deploying it where there is a significant and demonstrable benefit in doing so.
MEMBERSHIP
Two-Tier membership fee:
Individuals – FREE
All other companies and organisations – £100 per year
All UK organisations working in Urban Agritech and Controlled Environment Agriculture are welcome.
All Member meetings held twice per year – in person when possible at varying locations throughout the UK.
NB: all of the above membership conditions are decided by members, and so may change over time.