Argus Supports Industry Associations
Over the years Argus has been proud to forge many partnerships with different industry organizations and partners. Below are a few of the organizations that we collaborate with and support:
Floriculture Research Alliance (FRA)
The Floriculture Research Alliance (FRA) is a collaboration between leading researchers and companies to develop research-based solutions to floriculture industry problems and disseminate new knowledge in the production of floriculture crops.
Argus contributes by providing knowledge and expertise to the working groups and training sessions hosted by FRA. Recently Argus contributed to the development of FRA’s Climate Management Course to help experienced growers take their environmental control knowledge to an expert level. Course topics covered included photoperiod and supplemental lighting, plant energy balance, photosynthesis, controlling growth and flowering, propagation, vapor pressure deficit, and environmental control systems.
Association of Education and Research Greenhouse Curators (AERGC)
Formed in 1985 the Association of Education and Research Greenhouse Curators (AERGC) is an active network of professionals involved in the management and operation of plant growth facilities at institutions of education, research, and outreach.
Argus has been a longstanding supporter of the annual AERGC meeting and regularly participates and shares ideas to facilitate plant growth research.
The Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC)
The Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) is a multidisciplinary education, research, outreach, and extension program of the University of Arizona on controlled environment agriculture. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is the production of plants and their products, such as vegetables and flowers, inside controlled environment structures such as greenhouses, vertical farms, and growth chambers. By using CEA, growers produce high-value crops at maximum productivity in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.
Recently Argus & Conviron were selected as recipients of the CEAC Mission Award. Over the years both companies have been active with CEAC's outreach and professional development programs at short courses and by participation as technical presenters to help inform and educate on cutting edge technologies on environmental control systems, growth chambers and various applications.
North Central Extension & Research Activity–101 (NCERA-101)
North Central Extension & Research Activity–101 (NCERA-101) is a committee of the USDA organized to help plant scientists understand how to use controlled environment technology effectively and consistently. The committee holds meetings annually, which are hosted by one of its members. A major activity at the meetings has been the exchange of information on new technologies and challenges in controlled environments.
Argus and Conviron have been actively involved with NCERA for many years and in 2004 Conviron had the honor of being the Chairperson of NCERA.
The UK Controlled Environment Users’ Group (CEUG)
The UK Controlled Environment Users’ Group (CEUG) comprises managers of controlled environment facilities, other interested users of controlled environments from university departments, research institutes and companies concerned with research on plants and representatives of manufacturers of controlled environment cabinets, rooms and glasshouses, most of whom are in Europe (British Isles and continental Europe).
Argus and Conviron have been an active supporter and participant in the UK-CEUG meeting for several years running.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
Working together with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Argus established the annual Argus Control Systems Award. The award provides $1,000 annually to a deserving student enrolled in the Diploma in Horticulture Technology, Sustainable Production Horticulture Specialization program.
The Resource Innovation Institute (RII)
The Resource Innovation Institute (RII) is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership advancing climate resilience. RII provides resource efficiency education, training and verification services, in collaboration with CEA producers, researchers, governments, utilities, and the design and construction sector.
Argus is a proud contributor to RII and recently contributed to developing the Best Practices Guide Water Circularity.