Vertical Farming Podcast
Vertical farming is a revolutionary approach to produce production leveraging controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technology and systems in innovative ways. It facilitates production of huge quantities of nutritious and quality fresh food without relying on favorable weather, high water usage, skilled labor, and high soil fertility. This ensures reliable yield and consistency in crop production year-round with climate control, and no effects of external environment factors such as diseases, pests, or predator attacks. Join Harry Duran, Host of the Apple-recommended Podcast Junkies and Founder of FullCast, as he explores the world of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). Tune in every week for...
S12 E159 · Fri, March 28, 2025
S12E159 Conner Tidd/Just Vertical - Democratizing Indoor Farming: Mission Unveiled
Have you ever wondered how to grow fresh produce year-round, even in the harshest climates? I sat down with Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical, to discuss the innovative world of indoor farming and how it's changing the way we think about food production. Conner's journey into vertical farming began with a desire to make a tangible impact on food security and sustainability. With a background in environmental law and restaurant experience, he saw the potential for indoor farming to address issues of food waste and accessibility. Just Vertical started as an academic project and evolved into a company offering both consumer and commercial vertical farming solutions. We delved into the challenges of developing user-friendly indoor farming systems, from early prototypes built with Home Depot materials to sleek, furniture-like designs that fit seamlessly into homes. Conner emphasized the importance of making vertical farming technology accessible and easy to use, whether for home growers or large-scale commercial operations. The conversation also touched on Just Vertical's expansion into commercial projects, including partnerships with educational institutions and humanitarian efforts. Conner shared insights on the future of vertical farming, the need for innovation in seed development, and the importance of collaboration within the industry. If you're curious about the future of food production and how vertical farming could revolutionize agriculture, don't miss this enlightening conversation with Conner Tidd. Listen now to gain valuable insights into the world of indoor farming and its potential to address global food challenges. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:09 Conner’s restaurant experience and food waste 10:55 Origin story of Just Vertical 21:23 Variety of crops grown on living walls 25:01 Accessibility and ease of use focus 29:48 Global projects and ideal farming partners 33:56 Innovation in vertical farming seeds 36:18 Addressing AeroGarden closure and industry outlook Tweetable Quotes "We always say everything's fixable as long as we know about it. And that's, you know, we emphasize that with employees now. But even early days, like the first few indoor gardens we sold, like, watch the leak, they spilled onto people's floors. Like we short circuited stuff. The worst thing we could have done would have been to kind of shirk responsibility and try and hide from those customer calls." "Our big thing that we always push is accessibility and easy use in this technology. We view our role as understanding all the really cool science that goes into making great LED lights, great control systems, great nutrients and integrating that into a package that is easy for farmers to use and
S12 E158 · Fri, March 21, 2025
S12E158 Kirk Taylor/Land Betterment - From Abandoned Mines to Thriving Farms: Vision
Ever wondered how to revitalize struggling communities while promoting sustainable practices? I had the pleasure of speaking with Kirk Taylor, co-founder of Land Betterment Corporation , about their innovative approach to community development and sustainable agriculture. Kirk's background in accounting and finance, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to tackle the challenges faced by transitioning communities in areas like Kentucky, West Virginia, and southern Indiana. We discussed Land Betterment 's unique projects, including the transformation of abandoned industrial sites into housing solutions and the development of container-based farms in partnership with Anu. Kirk explained how their 20-foot shipping container farms, equipped with advanced automation technology, are revolutionizing local food production. These compact, efficient units are being deployed in various settings, from restaurants and grocery stores to universities, addressing food security issues and promoting education in sustainable agriculture. Throughout our conversation, Kirk emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and community-driven solutions. He shared examples of how Land Betterment works closely with local communities to identify their needs and develop tailored solutions, whether it's creating affordable housing or repurposing land for agricultural use. We also touched on the company's involvement in sustainable fertilizer recycling and their commitment to circular economy principles. If you're interested in innovative approaches to community development, sustainable agriculture, or the intersection of business and social impact, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in to hear Kirk Taylor's insights on creating positive change through entrepreneurship and technology. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 11:31 ReElement Technologies: Recycling battery elements 16:31 Innovative housing solutions using shipping containers 22:20 Partnership with Anu for container farming 28:43 Applications for container farms in various industries 34:34 Building a diverse board for Land Betterment 39:50 Balancing opportunities and allocating time effectively Tweetable Quotes "We understood that we were not a nonprofit. We wanted to create a business that made sense financially. But we also wanted our investors and our partners to understand that we were making decisions not just for t
S11 E157 · Fri, March 07, 2025
S11E157 Mat Halter/TerraFerm - Transforming Beer Waste into Vertical Farm Gold
Ever wondered how beer brewing could revolutionize vertical farming? Mat Halter, founder of TerraFerm , is turning brewery waste into a game-changing resource for indoor agriculture. Mat Halter, a plant scientist turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from researching biofuels to developing an innovative system that captures CO2 from brewery fermentation for use in vertical farms. His patented technology promises to significantly boost crop yields while reducing carbon footprints. In this episode, Mat discusses the challenges of bringing a new idea to market, from conducting initial experiments to seeking partnerships with breweries. He reveals how his spinach trials resulted in an astounding 89% increase in yield, far surpassing typical carbon dioxide enrichment results. We also explore the intersection of craft beer culture and sustainable agriculture, Mat's approach to team building as a first-time founder, and the potential for this technology to transform both the brewing and farming industries. If you're curious about innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture or the unexpected synergies between different industries, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how Mat Halter is brewing up a greener future for vertical farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:37 Early career in plant science and biofuels 10:43 Initial idea for carbon dioxide enrichment 15:36 Patent process and prototype development 21:40 Current status and plans for pilot project 27:51 Challenges as a first-time founder 32:32 Building a team and seeking mentorship 36:07 Potential brewery partnerships and marketing 38:38 Where to learn more about TerraFerm Tweetable Quotes "The advantage we have is, in theory, a never-ending supply. So we can use carbon dioxide enrichment at whatever set point we want - high, low, medium, whatever. We can take it as high as metabolically the plants will allow." "What am I missing? Again, I am a first-time founder. This is the first business I've started. What don't I know? I don't know what I don't know. It's a constant battle to learn more about strategies for starting a business, for seeking funding." "San Diego is a great place to be for beer. There's a lot of small to medium range breweries out here. Very high density. I'm hoping to make contact with a couple of them and eventually find one that sees the vision I have for this and wants to come along." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.terra-ferm.com/ LinkedIn - <a href="
S11 E156 · Fri, February 21, 2025
S11E156 Rick Langille/Harvest Today - Harvest Wall 2.0: Engineering the Next Generation of Farming
Ever wondered how vertical farming could revolutionize food production and make fresh, flavorful produce more accessible? In this enlightening conversation with Rick Langille, CEO of Harvest Today , we explore the cutting-edge developments in vertical farming technology and their potential impact on the future of agriculture. Rick shares exciting updates on Harvest Today's progress, including the launch of their Shopify site and upcoming innovations in their Harvest Wall system. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and customer-centric approaches in the vertical farming industry, highlighting the need for diverse crop solutions beyond just lettuce or strawberries. Rick's insights into the company's expansion into international markets, particularly in India and the Middle East, showcase the global potential of their technology. We delve into Harvest Today's partnerships and technological advancements, such as their collaboration with Ecoplume for AI-driven plant growth monitoring and their work with Rooted Robotics for automated cleaning solutions. Rick also discusses the company's plans for cost reduction, including strategic manufacturing decisions and the potential establishment of a private equity fund to support farmers. If you're curious about the future of sustainable agriculture and how vertical farming is evolving to meet global food demands, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from an industry leader and learn how Harvest Today is working to make fresh, flavorful produce more accessible through innovative vertical farming solutions. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:05 Industry outlook and diversifying crop offerings 9:43 Harvest Wall's unique microbiome approach 15:28 Navigating challenges and maintaining patience 20:13 Manufacturing partnerships and cost reduction strategies 25:31 Developing a super app for wellness 31:00 Success story of small-scale vertical farm Tweetable Quotes "We need to be much more broad spectrum. We need to be able to address diets that are more than lettuce." "The harvest wall was really based around the plant biology of rooted plants. Because as we vertically irrigate or we use hydroponic technology in order to feed plants, hydroponics never allows a true microbiome to get going." "Quality is number one, though. Always, always, always. This isn't a toy." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.harvest.today/ LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvest-today/" rel="noopener noref
Bonus · Fri, February 14, 2025
Dickson Despommier - A Vertical Farming Podcast Tribute
In this special tribute episode of The Vertical Farming Podcast , I honor the life and legacy of Dr. Dickson Despommier, the visionary who laid the foundation for vertical farming as we know it today. His book, The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century , completely changed the way I thought about food production, sustainability, and the future of agricultureReading it in 2019 was a turning point for me—it was the spark that led to the creation of this podcast. Over the years, I’ve spoken with over 150 CEOs and founders in the industry, and so many of them cite Dr. Despommier as a major influence on their work. His vision of growing food in urban skyscrapers was once considered radical, but today, it’s shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Though he’s no longer with us, his ideas continue to inspire, and it’s up to all of us—researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors—to carry his vision forward. This episode is my way of saying thank you to a man whose ideas changed my life—and the world. Additional Social Tributes Marc Oshima on LinkedIn Nona Yehia on LinkedIn Honoring Dr. Dickson Despommier: The Visionary Who Planted the Seeds for Vertical Farming’s Future - Henry Gordon-Smith Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Resources Mentioned The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century , by Dickson Despommier - https://amzn.to/3QhWWyY Connect With Us VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/ VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod Subscribe to our newsletters! AgTech Digest - https://agtech
S11 E154 · Fri, January 24, 2025
S11E154 Jessica Fong/Common Farms - Microgreens and Mega Dreams: Inspiring Journey
Ever wondered how to start a vertical farm in a city with limited space and resources? Jessica Naomi Fong's journey with Common Farms in Hong Kong is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and customer-focused growth. Jessica Naomi Fong, Founder and CEO of Common Farms, shares her inspiring story of launching a vertical farming business in Hong Kong just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With a background in the restaurant industry and manufacturing, Jessica leveraged her unique perspective to create a thriving microgreens and specialty greens business in one of the world's most densely populated cities. In this episode, Jessica delves into the challenges of starting a vertical farm from scratch, including educating customers, building relationships with chefs, and adapting to market demands. She discusses the importance of keeping systems simple, focusing on customer needs, and continuously improving product quality and diversity. Jessica also touches on the future of Common Farms, including their focus on functional foods and the nutritional benefits of microgreens. She shares insights on growing as a CEO, the importance of building a strong team, and the value of collaboration within the indoor farming industry. If you're interested in the intersection of urban agriculture, culinary innovation, and entrepreneurship, this episode offers a wealth of practical insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Jessica turned challenges into opportunities and built a successful vertical farming business in an unlikely environment. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:07 Starting a business during COVID 10:22 Origin story of Common Farms 15:05 Building relationships with chefs 26:20 Customizing produce for chefs 32:31 Focusing on functional food 43:10 Tough questions for entrepreneurs 46:42 Collaboration in indoor farming Tweetable Quotes "We were very methodical about that. But then again, we had to test the market. Do people want microgreens? What microgreens do they want? How do they want them? What's the crop diversity? How much diversity do we need? What's the price point?" "I created this scenario and this character and that future of the business. And that was the mission. That was the goal for me." "We can't do this alone. We really welcome anyone that's developing anything to reach out to us. We're constantly in the experimental stage, which means we're always incrementally making improvements and we can't figure all of this out on our own." Resources Mentioned Website - <a href="https://commonfarms.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank
S11 E153 · Fri, January 10, 2025
S11E153 Per Lysaa/Intravision Group AS - Gravity Flow: The Secret Behind Automated Indoor Agriculture
Ever wondered how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing indoor farming? I've got the inside scoop on the latest innovations that are changing the game. In this episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, host Harry Duran sits down with Per Lysaa, CTO and co-founder of Elevate Farms and founder of Intravision Group AS. With over two decades of experience in photobiology and LED technology, Per brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation about controlled environment agriculture. Per shares his journey from architecture to pioneering LED applications in plant growth, discussing the development of Elevate Farms' patented gravity flow system. This innovative approach allows for highly automated, large-scale production of leafy greens at commodity pricing, potentially disrupting traditional farming methods. The conversation delves into the challenges of scaling vertical farming operations, the importance of partnerships in innovation, and the potential for machine learning and AI to further advance the industry. Per also touches on the global water crisis and its implications for future food production, highlighting the critical role vertical farming could play in addressing these challenges. If you're curious about the future of food production and how technology is shaping sustainable agriculture, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain insights from one of the industry's leading innovators and discover the potential of vertical farming to address global food security challenges. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:22 Early Work with LEDs and Photobiology 10:09 Space Research and Plant Growth 15:52 Cannabis Research and LED Advancements 20:29 Founding Elevate and Business Strategy 25:21 Balancing Roles in Two Companies Tweetable Quotes "Plants have light receptors. So they are able to detect from far red through red, green, blue, up to the UV. And whenever they detect, the combination of spectrum and intensity sets off a chemical process in the plant that directly controls morphology and what we call primary and secondary metabolite processes." "I read Peter Drucker, the guy who invented management theory and quality management, and he said that the purpose of a business is the creation of customers. It's not about shareholder value or maximizing return on investment, it's about creation of customers." "We are facing a global water crisis which will greatly impact and disrupt how we make food on this planet. And 2030 and onwards, it's going to look bad. Countries in Asia, Africa, parts of Europe, parts of North America are really badly positioned." </blo
S11 E152 · Sun, December 29, 2024
S11E152 Simon Wardle/Gooddrop Ltd - Sustainable Cotton: A New Era in Vertical Farming
Ever wondered how vertical farming could revolutionize the cotton industry? I sat down with Simon Wardle, CEO of Gooddrop, to explore this groundbreaking concept. Simon Wardle brings a unique perspective to vertical farming, combining his background in design with a vision for sustainable cotton production. As the leader of Good Drop, he's spearheading an initiative to grow cotton in controlled environments, potentially transforming the textile industry. In this episode, we delve into Good Drop's ambitious plans to create a closed-loop system for cotton production. Simon shares insights on their progress, from container-based experiments to plans for a pilot facility, and discusses the challenges of reinventing the cotton supply chain. We also explore the broader implications of this innovation, touching on topics such as energy sustainability, the potential for localized production, and the hurdles of disrupting a centuries-old industry. Simon offers a candid look at the realities of bringing a new concept to market in the vertical farming space. If you're curious about the future of sustainable textiles and the role vertical farming could play, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Simon's fascinating journey and the potential impact of vertically farmed cotton. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:42 Collaboration and Industry Insights 06:00 Thanksgiving and Cultural Differences 12:00 Design Background and Transition 24:00 Challenges and Innovations 30:00 Leadership and Team Building 36:00 Industry Disruption and Future Plans Tweetable Quotes "We're not just growing the raw material, we're going to convert it. And with that we're then going to a third party supply chain to deliver product. Working with dyeing companies, weaving companies, fabrication companies, designers as a proof of concept." "There's expertise at many milestones that I have an overall understanding of these things. I have lots of curiosity about these things, but true expertise in the relevant areas - we need to go and get that." "We don't want to be restricted to the UK borders, though, once we get going. We want to build these things wherever they need to be built and scale, scale, scale, and see what we can do about helping the climate, turn it around somewhat, be part of that movement to try and make a difference there." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.good-drop.com/ LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/simon-w-09900827 Connect With Us VFP LinkedIn
S11 E151 · Mon, December 16, 2024
S11E151 Daryl Urbanski/Best Business Coach - Agrocapsules & Oasis: A New Era in Vertical Farming
Are you tired of the rat race and dreaming of a self-sufficient lifestyle? In this episode, I chat with Daryl Urbanski, a seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for personal sovereignty. Daryl's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful business strategist is nothing short of inspiring. With over 17 years of experience in helping businesses thrive, Daryl has now turned his focus to innovative housing solutions. We dive into the concept of the Oasis Biohome, a revolutionary approach to off-grid living that promises self-reliance and sustainability. Daryl shares how these homes can be built quickly and affordably, offering a path to freedom from traditional utility dependencies. We also explore the potential of vertical farming within these homes, providing fresh produce right at your doorstep. Beyond housing, we touch on broader themes of personal freedom, the importance of self-reliance, and the challenges of modern living. Daryl's insights into the future of sustainable living are both thought-provoking and practical. If you're curious about breaking free from conventional living and embracing a more independent lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen. Click to hear more about how you can take control of your future! Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 14:00 Self-Reliance and Business Philosophy 26:00 Challenges and Opportunities 32:00 Steps to Building an Oasis Home 38:00 Sovereignty and Sustainable Living Tweetable Quotes "Everything I'm not made me everything I am." "A job is just a business with one customer, your boss, and one product, your time, and that's not scalable." "We farm food crops for food. People herd livestock for meat and profit. Governments farm people." Resources Mentioned Website - https://members.bestbusinesscoach.ca / & https://wonderfulstructures.com/oasis-bio-homes/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylurbanski/ Connect With Us VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbo
S11 E150 · Fri, December 06, 2024
S11E150 Alexander Jaworski/GreenHub - Building a Sustainable Future: The Story
Are you curious about how vertical farming could revolutionize agriculture and address global food challenges? Join me as I explore this fascinating topic with Alexander Jaworski, co-founder of GreenHub , who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in sustainable agriculture and innovative farming solutions. Alexander Jaworski, a passionate advocate for vertical farming, shares his journey from growing up in a small German town to becoming a leader in the field of sustainable agriculture. With a background in finance and a deep commitment to creating sustainable solutions, Alexander has dedicated his career to transforming the way we think about food production. In our conversation, we dive into the intricacies of vertical farming, discussing its potential to provide fresh produce in urban areas and its role in addressing food security issues worldwide. Alexander explains how GreenHub's innovative systems are designed to support research and development, helping to optimize growing conditions and improve crop yields. We also touch on Alexander's experiences in Latin America, the challenges of starting a business in the vertical farming industry, and the importance of collaboration and data sharing among industry players. His insights offer a unique perspective on the future of agriculture and the potential for technology to drive positive change. Ready to learn more about the future of farming and how it could impact your life? Click to listen and discover the transformative power of vertical farming with Alexander Jaworski. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 05:44 Starting the Aquaponics Project 17:36 Industry Challenges and Opportunities 30:49 Leadership and Mentorship 35:31 Future of GreenHub and Vertical Farming 38:03 Collaboration and Data Sharing in the Industry Tweetable Quotes "I never wanted to be part of the agricultural sector, but then my co-founder got me into the topic, and it became important to me." "We realized the price point customers wanted was around €2,000, but our system would have cost at least €10,000, so we pivoted from a B2C to a B2B product." "It's always great to see the initial reactions of young students when you talk to them about vertical farming, because most of them haven't heard about it." Resources Mentioned Website - https://greenhub.eu/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-jaworski-796b00188/ </
S11 E149 · Thu, November 28, 2024
S11E149 Gretchen Schimelpfenig/GLASE - Building Resilient Solutions for CES and the Importance of Sustainability
Are you still manually turning your greenhouse lights on and off? Discover how integrated control systems can revolutionize your vertical farming operations. Join me as I sit down with Gretchen Schimelpfenig, a leading expert in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. With a background in high-performance buildings and sustainable design, Gretchen has carved out a niche in energy efficiency for greenhouses and indoor farms. Her journey from aspiring sustainable designer to a key player in the CEA industry offers valuable insights into the intersection of energy and agriculture. In our conversation, we explore the transformative potential of integrated control systems in vertical farming. Gretchen shares her experiences and findings from a California-based study, highlighting the untapped opportunities for energy monitoring and smarter control strategies. We delve into the challenges and innovations within the industry, emphasizing the importance of blending traditional and modern technologies to drive progress. Beyond the main discussion, we touch on the significance of diversity in the CEA industry, the role of conferences in fostering connections, and the evolving landscape of vertical farming. Gretchen also shares her thoughts on the future of the industry and the trends shaping its growth. Curious to learn how you can optimize your vertical farming operations and stay ahead in the industry? Click to listen and gain insights from Gretchen's expertise and experiences. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:38 Early Career Path 10:01 Role in CEA 20:15 Data Sharing Challenges 26:17 Upcoming Conferences 33:17 CEA Industry Trends 45:20 Nutritional Value in CEA Tweetable Quotes "I always saw myself as a translator, taking best practices from building design and energy management and applying them to the CEA industry. It's been a pleasure to learn and share knowledge across these fields." "As a woman in STEM, I've always pushed for more representation. I believe in lifting others up and being a voice that offers a new perspective, especially in an industry that often sees the same types of people on panels." "The challenge is making the work I do pay for itself, especially when costs are high. I strive to ensure that my contributions, whether through rebates or grants, ultimately make projects more affordable for growers." Resources Mentioned Website - https://gretchenschimelpfenig.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gschimelpfenig/</
S11 E148 · Fri, November 08, 2024
S11E148 Floris Berghout/Viemose DGS - From Greenhouses to Global Impact - The Journey
Are you ready to explore the intersection of technology and agriculture with insights from a seasoned expert? Join me as I sit down with Floris Berghout, CEO of Viemose DGS, a leader in the horticulture industry. Floris brings a wealth of experience from his journey through various roles in horticulture, culminating in his current position where he bridges traditional and modern agricultural practices. In our conversation, Floris shares his unexpected entry into the world of horticulture and how his passion for green technology and international business has shaped his career. We delve into the sophisticated technologies behind greenhouse systems and the innovative moving gutter systems for leafy greens and herbs that Viemose specializes in. Floris offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the vertical farming industry, emphasizing the importance of blending old and new knowledge to drive innovation. Beyond the main discussion, we touch on the importance of mentorship, the dynamics of building a cohesive team, and the evolving landscape of indoor farming. Floris also shares his thoughts on the future of agriculture, the impact of climate change on farming practices, and the potential for growth in international markets. Curious to learn more about how technology is transforming agriculture and what the future holds for this vital industry? Click to listen and gain valuable insights from Floris Berghout's experiences and vision for the future of farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 05:00 Early Career and Horticulture 10:00 Moving Gutter Systems 15:00 Team Building and Company Culture 20:00 Industry Trends and Challenges 25:00 Conferences and Networking 30:00 Future Plans for Viemose Tweetable Quotes "I stumbled upon horticulture by chance, and it was a steep learning curve. But the industry either captivates you, or you leave straight away." "The mindset is crucial. It's not about reaching the end, but enjoying the journey. I try to make the best out of every situation, even when things don't go as planned." "Reach out and talk to people from all walks of life. Don't create a bubble for yourself. The more diverse your conversations, the more you learn and grow." Resources Mentioned Website - https://viemose-dgs.dk/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/floris-berghout-88630a9/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ViemoseD
S11 E147 · Fri, November 01, 2024
S11E147 Daniel Bosman/Our Greenery - From Surfboards to Vertical Farms: Hyper-Local Solution
Are you tired of bland supermarket produce that lacks flavor and nutrition? Join me as I dive into a conversation with Daniel Bosman, the innovative founder of Our Greenery, who is revolutionizing the way we think about food production and consumption. With a background in entrepreneurship and sustainable product development, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table, aiming to reconnect people with the food they eat. In this episode, Daniel shares his journey from a young entrepreneur selling cocktails outside clubs to founding a company focused on hyper-local food production. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of creating the Raumgarten, a stylish and efficient indoor gardening system that allows users to grow fresh produce right in their living rooms. Daniel's insights into the importance of food quality and the impact of supply chains on nutrition are eye-opening and thought-provoking. We also explore Daniel's diverse background, including his ventures in surfboard manufacturing and his passion for design and sustainability. The conversation touches on the role of technology in food production, the potential health benefits of interacting with living plants, and the importance of building a community around innovative food solutions. Curious to learn how you can transform your relationship with food and embrace a healthier lifestyle? Click to listen to the full episode and discover the future of indoor farming with Daniel Bosman. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 05:00 Fundraising and Major Customers 10:00 Passion for Electronic Music 20:00 Our Greenery's Mission 25:00 Product Design and Community 30:00 Form Factor and Market Approach 35:00 Challenges and Timing 40:00 Collaboration in the Industry Tweetable Quotes "I always love to create new things that have a combination of usefulness and design. With our greenery, that is hopefully the pinnacle of that journey, where a furniture piece can inspire people to live healthier and better." "We have to step away from trying to be perfect or pretending something that is not natural because I feel that is actually one of the roots of our current society issues." "I really believe that together we are standing a way better chance. This market is so young, and I think that even the D2C brands, even the brands that are doing similar products, should look into our timeline of the next products that we want to do." Resources Mentioned Website - http://www.ourgreenery.com LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bosman-og/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"
S11 E146 · Fri, October 25, 2024
S11E146 Jacob Savageau/FarmBox Foods - Mission-Driven Growth is Empowering Communities
Are you curious about the challenges and triumphs of building a business in the vertical farming industry? Join me as I sit down with Jacob, the Co-founder of FarmBox Foods, who shares his journey from firefighting to entrepreneurship. With a background in building companies and a passion for mission-driven work, Jake offers a unique perspective on the indoor farming space. In our conversation, Jacob delves into the origins of FarmBox Foods, highlighting the company's evolution from an idea for shipping container homes to a thriving business in vertical farming. He discusses the development of their key products, including the Vertical Hydroponic Farm and the Gourmet Mushroom Farm, and the lessons learned along the way. Jacob’s insights into the importance of adaptability and learning from mistakes provide valuable takeaways for anyone interested in entrepreneurship. We also explore the impact of COVID-19 on FarmBox Foods, the company's approach to team building, and the significance of mission-driven work. Jacob’s shares stories of how their products have made a difference in communities, from providing fresh food to creating educational opportunities. His reflections on the indoor farming industry and the importance of collaboration offer a thought-provoking look at the future of sustainable agriculture. If you're eager to learn more about the innovative world of vertical farming and the inspiring journey of FarmBox Foods, click to listen to the full episode. Discover how Jacob and his team are making a difference, one container at a time. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 05:34 Entrepreneurial beginnings and firefighting 10:09 Transition to solar and business influences 15:34 Founding FarmBox and initial challenges 20:46 Impact of COVID-19 on business operations 26:00 Product offerings and market focus 31:07 Mission-driven approach and community impact 36:33 Industry insights and future outlook for FarmBox Tweetable Quotes "We started FarmBox in late 2017... we didn't know anything about the industry, we didn't know anything about what we were doing. We just kind of jumped into it and figured it out." "There's a lot of problems in the world and I think there's a lot of smart people that can solve those problems, but they need to solve them. So if we can be part of the solution, which we're not the solution, you know, we're just this little piece of it, I think that's powerful." "I think our food system is broken... people need to start understanding, you know, if we don't change it, like if we don't start changing what we're putting in our bodies, it's going to be really bad." Resources Mentioned Website - <a href="https://farm
S11 E145 · Fri, October 18, 2024
S11E145 Mattias Karls/Direct Carbon - The Importance of Carbon Capture Solutions
In this episode, I speak with Mattias Karls, a seasoned entrepreneur hailing from Stockholm, Sweden. Mattias shares his journey from the heartland of Sweden to becoming a serial entrepreneur, starting right after his university days during the IT boom of the late '90s. We dive into his experiences with his first company, which grew rapidly and hooked him on the thrill of entrepreneurship. Mattias also opens up about his time at Disruptive Materials, where he helped launch a groundbreaking new material, and how his career took a turn after a personal health challenge. His story is one of resilience and passion for innovation, and it's fascinating to hear how these experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and business. We also explore Mattias's current venture, Direct Carbon , and the exciting potential it holds in the indoor farming and air quality sectors. Mattias talks about the company's origins, the innovative technology they're developing, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the vertical farming industry. He shares insights into the decision-making process behind joining Direct Carbon and the strategic moves they're making to expand their impact. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, cutting-edge technology, or sustainable solutions, Mattias's journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration. Join us as we uncover the story behind Direct Carbon and the future of indoor farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 02:05 Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur 8:26 The Disruptive Materials Journey 12:10 The Origin Story of Direct Carbon 18:09 The Potential of Direct Air Capture and Indoor Farming 22:54 Greentech Conference Experience 26:44 Direct Carbon Capture for Small Farms 29:25 Plug and Play Farm Technology 38:08 Challenges in the Indoor Farming Industry 39:42 Transitioning to New Technologies Tweetable Quotes "I think when you get more experienced, you have the confidence to actually make decisions, even if you don't have all the information. Early in your career, you gather input endlessly, thinking it will make the decision easier, but it often doesn't." "We launched our first unit at Greentech, and having the machine running in the booth drew a lot of attention. It was a smart move because it allowed us to show how it worked, which was crucial for engaging potential clients." "Balancing spending and progress is always a struggle in a startup. You want to invest in everything—fairs, customer visits, better processes—but you have to decide if it's the right time or if you should achieve certain milestones first." </
S11 E144 · Wed, October 02, 2024
S11E144 Juan Gabriel Succar/Verde Compacto - The Secrets of Container Farming Success
In this episode, I speak with Juan Gabriel Succar, the Co-founder of Verde Compacto, as he returns to share the latest developments in the world of vertical farming. Since our last conversation in 2022, Juan and his team have been busy refining their approach, focusing on standardizing their product offerings and expanding their reach. We dive into the lessons learned over the past two years, including the importance of selecting the right opportunities and aligning them with their core business strategy. Juan's insights into the evolving market in Mexico and beyond are invaluable, especially as he discusses the growing interest in vertical farming and the strategic shifts his company has made to stay ahead. Juan also opens up about the exciting new projects Verde Compacto is working on, such as their micro-farming catalog aimed at bringing vertical farming into homes. He shares how the company is leveraging partnerships, like their collaboration with Siemens, to enhance their technology and data capabilities. We also explore the broader industry trends, including the increasing visibility of vertical farming in Mexico and the role of conferences in fostering industry growth. Juan's passion for innovation and his commitment to making a positive impact through sustainable farming practices shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Bio520 Key Takeaways 04:22 Lessons Learned from International Expansion 07:41 Evolution of Leadership Roles at Verde Compacto 12:55 Vertical Farming's Rise in Mexico 14:13 Building a Vertical Farming Ecosystem 15:34 Shift in Vertical Farming Investments 17:28 Launch of Micro Farming Catalog 22:19 The Impact of Severe Drought on Water Awareness 24:27 Political Environment and NAFTA's Role in North American Trade 28:04 Educating Consumers on Home Hydroponics 29:53 Vertical Farming's Brand Strategy in Mexico 31:20 Growth of Vertical Farming Industry in Mexico 34:20 Zen Communities in Mexico Tweetable Quotes "Experience is the best teacher there is. We've made a lot of mistakes on this road, but these mistakes have helped us improve our quality controls, selling terms, sales strategy, and partnerships." "Our client's success is our own success. Most of the success of the client is in the daily operations and management of the farms." "As long as we work together and are willing to cooperate, make partnerships, and talk about success stories, more than seeing us as competitors, we can create confidence behind the industry." Resources Mentioned LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-gabriel-succar-abascal-53331b191/
S11 E144 · Fri, September 27, 2024
S11E144 Juan Gabriel Succar/Verde Compacto - The Secrets of Container Farming Success
In this episode, I speak with Juan Gabriel Succar, the Co-founder of Verde Compacto , as he returns to share the latest developments in the world of vertical farming. Since our last conversation in 2022, Juan and his team have been busy refining their approach, focusing on standardizing their product offerings and expanding their reach. We dive into the lessons learned over the past two years, including the importance of selecting the right opportunities and aligning them with their core business strategy. Juan's insights into the evolving market in Mexico and beyond are invaluable, especially as he discusses the growing interest in vertical farming and the strategic shifts his company has made to stay ahead. Juan also opens up about the exciting new projects Verde Compacto is working on, such as their micro-farming catalog aimed at bringing vertical farming into homes. He shares how the company is leveraging partnerships, like their collaboration with Siemens, to enhance their technology and data capabilities. We also explore the broader industry trends, including the increasing visibility of vertical farming in Mexico and the role of conferences in fostering industry growth. Juan's passion for innovation and his commitment to making a positive impact through sustainable farming practices shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 04:22 Lessons Learned from International Expansion 07:41 Evolution of Leadership Roles at Verde Compacto 12:55 Vertical Farming's Rise in Mexico 14:13 Building a Vertical Farming Ecosystem 15:34 Shift in Vertical Farming Investments 17:28 Launch of Micro Farming Catalog 22:19 The Impact of Severe Drought on Water Awareness 24:27 Political Environment and NAFTA's Role in North American Trade 28:04 Educating Consumers on Home Hydroponics 29:53 Vertical Farming's Brand Strategy in Mexico 31:20 Growth of Vertical Farming Industry in Mexico 34:20 Zen Communities in Mexico Tweetable Quotes "Experience is the best teacher there is. We've made a lot of mistakes on this road, but these mistakes have helped us improve our quality controls, selling terms, sales strategy, and partnerships." "Our client's success is our own success. Most of the success of the client is in the daily operations and management of the farms." "As long as we work together and are willing to cooperate, make partnerships, and talk about success stories, more than seeing us as competitors, we can create confidence behind the industry." </blockquote
S11 E143 · Fri, September 20, 2024
S11E143 Elmar Mair/Neatleaf - AI Crop Management Powered by Neatleaf’s Spider
In this episode, I speak with Elmar Mair, the CEO and founder of Neatleaf . Elmar shares his fascinating journey from growing up in the Italian countryside to becoming a leader in the vertical farming industry. We dive into his early passion for AI and robotics, which led him to work on groundbreaking projects like Google's Everyday Robot. Elmar's story is a testament to how diverse experiences can converge to create innovative solutions in agriculture. His insights into the fourth agricultural revolution and the potential of data-driven farming are truly eye-opening. We also explore the origins of Neatleaf and the challenges Elmar faced in starting the company during the pandemic. He discusses the development of their flagship product, the Neat Spider, a cable-based robot that monitors crops in greenhouses. Elmar's enthusiasm for leveraging technology to improve crop yields and reduce waste is contagious. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or someone interested in sustainable farming, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Join us as we uncover the future of agriculture through the lens of AI and robotics. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 1:07 Elmar's Journey from Google to Agtech 3:34 The Fascination with AI's Capabilities 5:05 Complexity in Robotics 8:35 The Future of Greenhouse Technology 9:52 Neatleaf's Impact on Agriculture 12:57 Challenges in Agtech Adoption 17:13 The Evolution of the Spider System 19:39 Recruiting Challenges for Startups 22:42 The Importance of Mission and Meaning 27:52 Evolution of the Cultivator Role 28:54 Analogy of London Cab Drivers and Cultivators 32:43 Cannabis as a High-Margin Market 34:41 Automation and Data in Large-Scale Farming 37:00 Automating Cultivation Processes 41:28 Automation in Agriculture Tweetable Quotes "I fell in love with automation, robotics, and AI, and ended up studying that, working in space. Then I learned about agriculture and the fourth agricultural revolution. It felt like closing the loop, coming from the countryside, spending summers at my aunt's farm, and now working in that space again." "The first time I actually programmed an embedded system and had an impact in the physical world with my programming, I realized, wow, this is super exciting. You can distort audio, make a guitar distortion device, and see something moving around. I wanted to move things in the world and talk to these machines." "In cultivation, one of the biggest markets and the oldest markets, we rely on humans to walk the aisles, look at the crop, understand what's going
S11 E142 · Fri, September 06, 2024
S11E142 Junell Abdi/GEIA.AI - From IT Architect to AI AgTech Innovator
In this episode, I speak with Junell Abdi, the Founder and CTO of GEIA.AI. We first met at the Indoor Agtech Summit in Chicago, and I was immediately impressed by his innovative approach to indoor farming. Junell shares his journey from being a city boy in Israel to moving to Hungary and starting GEIA.AI. He talks about the challenges and triumphs of pitching his startup on a big stage and the importance of small startups in the Agtech space. His passion for automating and improving farming efficiency is truly inspiring, and his story is a testament to the power of curiosity and self-learning. Junell dives into the technology behind GEIA.AI, explaining how his system uses sensors and automation to help farmers, both big and small, optimize their growing environments. He shares fascinating anecdotes about his early experiments with aquaponics and the development of his IoT-based solutions. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or someone interested in sustainable farming, Junell's insights into the future of vertical farming and the role of AI in agriculture will captivate you. Join us for a conversation that blends technology, innovation, and a genuine love for making farming more efficient and accessible. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:21 Leonardo da Vinci's Influence on Junell 8:17 Junell's Childhood Memories of Fresh Produce 10:35 Junell's Journey into Vertical Farming 15:53 GEIA’s Evolution and Target Market 18:46 GEIA’s Technology and Automation Solutions 22:21 Advanced Sensor Integration 24:08 IoT Ecosystem in Growing Environments 27:04 Data Overwhelm in IoT 31:51 GEIA Hub Knowledge Sharing Community 33:57 Integrating Robotics with GEIA 41:07 Philosophical Approach to Plant Lighting Automation Tweetable Quotes "I always had to autodidact, always learning by myself. When I did that server, that was the first journey of me on the Internet. I decided to make my own servers and became a data host ever since." "We lived in Haifa, just 50 meters from the market, so fresh veggies and fruits were always near us. My father, an artist, had a small garden in the city where I planted tomatoes and cucumbers. Those early experiences shaped my love for being close to the source of food." "The toughest thing as a startup is the chicken and egg issue. We invest a lot of time and resources, but to build up further, especially in marketing, we need more investment. Finding investors is not easy these days." Resources Mentioned Website - https://geia.ai LinkedIn - ht
S11 E141 · Sat, August 31, 2024
S11E141 Scott Massey/Anu - How Anu is Transforming Health Through Homegrown Produce
In this episode, I speak with Scott Massey, the CEO and co-founder of Anu , who returns to share his journey and the exciting developments since our last conversation. Scott dives into the evolution of Anu, formerly known as GrowPod, and how their mission to empower individuals and communities to produce pure, self-sufficient produce has sharpened over time. We discuss the challenges and rewards of attending industry events, the importance of making strategic decisions, and the impact of their innovative technology on both residential and commercial vertical farming. Scott also opens up about the rebranding process, the significance of their partnerships, and the future of modular, rapidly deployable growing systems. His insights into the food-as-medicine movement and the role of technology in enhancing food security are particularly compelling. Whether you're a startup founder, a tech enthusiast, or someone interested in sustainable agriculture, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice. Join us for a candid and inspiring conversation that highlights the intersection of technology, health, and sustainability. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:42 Consumer Experience Focus 8:45 Core Theme 10:44 Business Ideas 14:26 Business Ideas 18:14 Core Investment Thesis at Land Betterment 22:18 Vision for Future Partnerships and Collaborations 28:36 Integration of Nature in Dwellings 30:08 Appliance Placement 32:10 User Verticals 36:02 Leadership Inspiration 39:00 Indoor Agtech Events 43:41 Indoor Agriculture Innovation Tweetable Quotes "Anu is a health and wellness brand that seeks to empower individuals and communities to become self-sufficient in the production of pure produce." "We are not just a box that grows food and does so profitably and efficiently. We are a machine that makes health accessible through food that is produced." "The best technology is the one that the operator does not even know exists; it's so seamless into the user experience that it becomes non-obvious." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.growanu.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-massey-755419b9/ Connect With Us VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast <
Bonus · Fri, August 23, 2024
BONUS - Season 10 Recap & Season 11 Preview!
Welcome, listeners! Join me in this bonus episode as I share some exciting updates and a sneak peek into what's coming up for Season 11 of the Vertical Farming Podcast. As we wrap up Season 10, I want to take a moment to recap some of the incredible conversations we've had with industry leaders like Felipe Hernandez of Hexagrow, Victor Kolkatar of Velis Farming, and many more. Each guest brought unique insights into the world of vertical farming, from urban aeroponics to the innovative use of microgreens. If you missed any episodes, this is your chance to catch up on the highlights and get inspired by the amazing work happening in our field. This is also a chance for me to express my gratitude for your support through the seasons thus far. Your support means the world to me, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts on the show. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be setting up interviews with listeners to get your feedback and learn more about what you enjoy and what we can improve. If you’re interested in chatting, shoot me an email at harry@verticalfarmingpodcast.com with the subject line "Let's Chat." Stay tuned for more great conversations and thank you for being part of this journey! Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 01:00 Recap of Season Ten Guests 08:52 Roster of Confirmed Guests for Season Eleven Connect With Us VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/ VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod Subscribe to our newsletters! AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/ Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
S11 E140 · Sun, August 18, 2024
S10E140 Chris Corkery/Hundred Acre - From NYC Chef to Wisconsin indoor farmer: The Journey
In this episode, I speak with Chris Corkery, the founder and CEO of Hundred Acre, who shares his journey from being a chef in New York City to starting a vertical farm in Milwaukee. Chris talks about the early mornings at farmers' markets, the respect he developed for fresh produce, and the realization that led him to bring farming into urban areas. His passion for food and community shines through as he discusses the challenges and rewards of creating a year-round urban farm that not only provides fresh produce but also creates jobs and educational opportunities. Chris also opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his love for food, from cooking with his mom as a child to working in high-end restaurants. He reflects on the importance of community in his work and how his farm aims to serve and connect with the local area. Chris's candid insights into the realities of running a vertical farm, the obstacles he faced, and the innovative solutions he implemented make this conversation both inspiring and informative. Join us as we explore the intersection of food, community, and sustainability with someone who's truly passionate about making a difference. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:52 Chris Corkery's Culinary Journey 12:01 Running a Farm 15:02 The Restaurant Experience 18:24 Community Building Through Farming 23:59 Communicating Value in Indoor Farming Tweetable Quotes "The first thing that occurred out of that was really the understanding and respect for the products themselves, because you were trying to get the best, and in order to do that, you had to learn what was the best, and you had to try to get it before someone else did." "Food inherently brings us together. We all got to eat, and we tend to like to do it together. For thousands of years, I don't think that's going to change anytime soon." "Just because you open a giant lab-type facility that has a controlled environment doesn't mean that it all just works at the push of a button. It's still plants and people. So remember, it takes people to feed people, and there's no perfect science to working with people." Resources Mentioned Website - https://hundred-acre.org/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-corkery-ba72b54/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hundredacre_mke/?hl=en Connect With Us VFP LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertic
S11 E139 · Fri, August 09, 2024
S10E139 Stefan Hey/vGreens - Why Strawberries? Astonishing Insights
In this episode, I speak with Stefan Hey, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at vGreens. We reminisce about our initial meeting at Vertifarm in Dortmund and the fascinating dinner conversations that led to a deeper connection. Stefan shares his journey from a childhood dream of becoming a gardener to his current role, where he combines his passion for plants with cutting-edge technology to revolutionize indoor farming. We delve into the specifics of vGreens’ focus on strawberries, exploring the challenges and innovations involved in growing this delicate fruit efficiently and sustainably. Stefan's insights into the intricacies of strawberry cultivation are truly enlightening. He explains how vGreens is not just about growing strawberries but about creating a scalable model that can be applied to other fruits in the future. We also discuss the importance of R&D, the role of their farm management software, and the exciting prospects of expanding into the Asian market with a new facility in Singapore. Stefan's dedication to sustainable food production and his collaborative approach with partners and engineering companies make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 7:38 Entrepreneurship Journey 10:51 Core Theme 16:33 Onboarding Process with New Partners 21:55 Future Outlook 27:19 Support for Indoor Farming 31:42 Diversity in Strawberry Varieties 33:58 Expansion to Singapore for Year-Round Production 38:09 Reintroduction of Fresh Produce 42:14 Indoor Farming and Future Berries Tweetable Quotes "I started to study agricultural biology at university, where it became more and more clear about how huge challenges that are facing agriculture, and specifically the sustainability aspect of how we grow food." "One thing to realize is that the science matters and the plant is in the center of everything we do. That is probably one of the important messages that I would say is putting the plant in the center." "The important thing about a system like DAP running smoothly is that man and machine becomes a unit and sort of works together, and software builds that bridge so that the machine is working together with the human to grow these crops and helps the human to make those growing decisions, to have a productive crop over time." Resources Mentioned Website - https://v-greens.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-hey-ba9099130/ Connect With Us
S11 E138 · Fri, August 02, 2024
S10E138 Kendra Armstrong/Crop Convergence - How Crop Convergence is Transforming Farming Efficiency
In this episode, I speak with Kendra Armstrong, the Co-Founder and CEO of Crop Convergence. Kendra shares her journey from growing up on a family farm in Indiana to becoming a startup founder in the agtech industry. We dive into her early experiences on the farm, her decision to pursue plant breeding, and how she eventually found her passion in creating decision-making tools for farmers.Kendra's story is filled with relatable moments, like shoveling hog manure as her first job and the humorous family joke about getting a "real job." Her insights into the challenges and rewards of farming, both traditional and vertical, are truly enlightening. Kendra also opens up about the realities of running a startup, from bootstrapping and calling in favors to the importance of honest communication with farmers. She emphasizes the need for tech solutions that genuinely benefit growers, rather than just being another shiny tool. Our conversation touches on the importance of listening to farmers' needs, the value of building resilient and efficient tech, and the collaborative spirit within the agtech community. If you're interested in the intersection of technology and agriculture, or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is a must-listen. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 4:25 Work Ethic in Farming 5:57 Transition to Computational Tools in Plant Breeding 9:30 Starting Crop Convergence 10:50 Kendra Armstrong's Transition to Entrepreneurship 13:55 Core Focus of Crop Convergence 15:20 Vertical Farming Requirements 20:22 Indoor Farming Journey 29:41 CEO Transition 32:00 Making Tech Tools Useful for Farmers 38:41 Goals for Crop Convergence Tweetable Quotes "My first job was shoveling hog manure out of a hog barn. It does provide a different standpoint. I think my personal feeling around value and the value I bring to society is so much associated with the farm." "I think that sometimes I think back, and I'm like, what was I thinking at the time? I was in the truck with my dad when I was 16 years old. He asked, 'Kendra, do you want to farm?' I said, 'No, I don't want to farm. It's too stressful.' And now, here I am, a startup founder." "We build decision-making tools for growers and farmers, enabling them to better understand the overall scope of their decisions and how those decisions interact with each other. Our goal is to provide as much information as we can in a simple, quantified, and straightforward manner." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.cropconvergence.com/ LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.
S10 E137 · Sun, July 28, 2024
S10E137 Max Knight and Eric Roth/Rooted Robotics - From Seed to Harvest: How Rooted Robotics is Transforming Small-Scale Farming
In this episode, I speak with Max Knight and Eric Roth, the Co-founders of Rooted Robotics . We dive into their journey from meeting at a large-scale vertical farm to starting their own company focused on affordable automation solutions for small and medium-sized farms. Max shares how his passion for robotics and engineering led to the creation of Rooted Robotics, while Eric discusses his extensive experience in the Agtech space and how it has shaped their approach to solving labor challenges in vertical farming. We also explore the evolution of their business model, the importance of understanding unit economics, and the innovative products they are developing to help farmers increase efficiency and profitability. Max and Eric's insights into the industry, combined with their genuine desire to support and collaborate with other farmers, make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of vertical farming and agricultural technology. Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the practical solutions and real-world experiences driving success in the Agtech industry. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:46 Lessons from Kalera 15:30 Microgreens Seeder Innovation 19:43 Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Farms 24:46 Challenges Faced by Small Farm Owners 31:02 Maximilian and Eric's Comprehensive Farming Business Insights 35:05 AI and Robotics in Agriculture 38:27 Computer Vision in Vertical Farming 47:01 Balancing Custom Projects and Core Products 51:22 Advice for New Growers in the Industry Tweetable Quotes "We saw that labor is one of the biggest operating expenses of these facilities. There needs to be a middle ground where you do a lot of automation, but more affordably." "The biggest lesson learned, especially when scaling, is understanding you might not have to automate your entire system on day one, but you need to plan for it." "We need more collaboration and openness in the industry. A rising tide lifts all ships, and we need to create more positive stories about successful businesses." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.rootedrobotics.com/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@RootedRobotics Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootedrobotics/ Max’s LinkedIn - <a href="https://linkedin.com/in/maximilianknight" rel="noo
S10 E136 · Fri, July 12, 2024
S10E136 Jesper Hansen/YesHealth - From History Major to Leading an Asian AgTech Awakening
In this episode, I speak with Jesper Hansen, the Chief Commercial Officer at YesHealth. Jesper shares his unique journey from studying history in Denmark to becoming a key player in the vertical farming industry in Taiwan. We discuss his transition into agriculture, driven by a desire to explore the world and a chance encounter with his now-wife's family business. Jesper's story is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take and the opportunities that arise from them. Jesper also delves into the challenges and successes of YesHealth, a company that has become a leader in vertical farming in Asia. He explains the importance of building large-scale farms and the company's strategy of partnering with local entrepreneurs to ensure the success of these projects. Jesper's insights into the cultural differences and the evolving landscape of vertical farming in Asia provide a fascinating look at how this innovative industry is developing globally. Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the potential of vertical farming to transform the way we think about food production. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:03:53: The Value of Studying History in Business 00:05:13: Cultural Differences Between Denmark and China 00:19:31: Importance of Collaborative Partnerships 00:21:29: Differences in Vertical Farming Perspectives Between Asia and the West 00:27:28: Disrupting Traditional Views on Produce Pricing 00:31:32: Increasing Awareness of YesHealth in the West 00:37:30: Timeline for Setting Up a Vertical Farm 00:39:52: Growing Awareness and Conferences in Asia 00:41:57: Challenges in Aligning Partners and Teams 00:44:26: Family Involvement in YesHealth Tweetable Quotes "In Denmark, because I'm from a rural area, we are very individualized, so we have a lot of private space. In China, it's the opposite. It's all about the collective. You don't look at the needs of the person first; you look at the needs of the group. " "I think the industry in Asia is coming back, but it's at a slightly slower pace. The initial excitement there was before is not there, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing because one of the things that went wrong in the first iteration in the West was that it was too much excitement, maybe too much money and push towards unrealistic goals in the short term." "I feel like I could send the design drawing of our farm to anyone in the industry. First of all, they have their own design, so they wouldn't just adopt ours. Even if they did, they wouldn't know how to run the farm because there's so much more to it." Resources Mentioned Website - <a href="https://www.yeshealthgroup.com" rel="noopener
S10 E135 · Fri, June 21, 2024
S10E135 Edwin McClure/Bio520 - A Vertical Farming Solution 10 Million Years in the Making
In this episode, I speak with Edwin McClure, CEO of Bio520, who shares his journey from finance to the world of indoor agriculture. Edwin's story is one of passion and perseverance, moving from Miami to San Diego, and eventually diving into the agtech space. We discuss his background in finance and how it shaped his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and profitability. Edward's love for entrepreneurship shines through as he talks about his early ventures and the lessons learned along the way, making this conversation both insightful and relatable for anyone interested in business and innovation. Edwin also delves into the specifics of Bio520, a product developed in Japan that has shown promising results in the indoor ag industry, particularly in cannabis cultivation. He explains the meticulous process of finding the right product and the importance of having a solid team to bring it to market. We touch on the challenges and rewards of starting a new company, the significance of collaboration in the agtech space, and the exciting potential of new technologies like AI and robotics. Join us as we discuss the intersection of finance, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, and it offers valuable insights into the future of indoor farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:06:16: Early Interest in Business and Finance 00:10:17: Importance of Financial Discipline in Business 00:12:32: Discovery and Development of Bio520 00:18:44: Incremental Improvements in Agriculture 00:23:21: Experience at Indoor Ag-Con 00:26:27: Ideal Clients for Bio520 00:30:21: Building a Team and Hiring Strategy 00:36:43: Key Decisions as a CEO 00:39:36: Future Focus and Industry Trends 00:42:55: Final Thoughts and Collaboration in the Industry Tweetable Quotes "I've always been interested in business, you know, small companies, and there's nothing more American to me than some guy or woman putting it on the line, blood, sweat, and tears, and trying to create something out of nothing." "Until you have had to meet a payroll and not pay yourself because there wasn't quite enough money for both, you're not really an entrepreneur." "You can't do everything well. If you can focus and do one thing really well, you can make money, and then you can start looking at this other stuff. But if you try to climb all five mountains at once, you're going to fall off and die." Resources Mentioned Website - http://bio520usa.com LinkedIn - https://www.lin
S10 E134 · Sat, June 15, 2024
S10E134 Rick Langille/Harvest Today - The Secret to Unlocking Nutrient Rich Greens
In this episode, I speak with Rick Langille, the Founder and CEO of Harvest Today . Rick's journey from growing up on a farm in Manitoba to becoming a serial entrepreneur in the manufacturing and electronics industries is nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into his passion for vertical farming and how his diverse background has uniquely positioned him to innovate in this space. Rick shares candidly about the challenges and triumphs of building Harvest Today, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-dense food and the impact it can have on communities. His stories of sailing around the world and witnessing food insecurity firsthand add a rich layer to his mission of making fresh, healthy food accessible to all. Rick's warmth and genuine dedication to his work shine through as he discusses the intricacies of the Harvest Wall, a vertical farming solution designed to maximize space and efficiency. He talks about the importance of building a strong team, the lessons he's learned from his mentors, and the values that drive him. Whether you're a seasoned professional in the vertical farming industry or just curious about innovative ways to grow food, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Join us for a conversation that not only explores the technical aspects of vertical farming but also delves into the heart and soul behind Harvest Today. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:03:03: Transition from Farming to Manufacturing 00:04:25: Sailing Adventure and Realization of Food Insecurity 00:05:42: The Concept and Development of Harvest Today 00:09:59: Nutrient Density and Flavor in Hydroponics 00:11:40: The Importance of Fresh, Nutrient-Dense Food 00:19:13: Building a Strong Team and Company Culture 00:24:24: Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling Up 00:32:28: The Catalyst for Starting Harvest Today 00:36:14: Engineering and Design of the Harvest Wall 00:42:40: Community Impact and Local Food Production 00:45:28: Harvest Today App and Technology Integration Tweetable Quotes "I didn't want to be Rick had a family, had a business, and died. I'd like to think that people will look back at Harvest Today and know that we're not copiers. We don't. I'm not. If it was just to create another NFT channel system, I'm out. Like, that's not me. Right. Because I always believe that there's a better way to do things. It just might not. And not necessarily. Well, no, I am going to say better, because I'm going to hold up my flag and tell you that I really do believe that the harvest wall was designed, and we say engineered by farmers. For farmers." "Any leafy green or herb
S10 E133 · Fri, May 24, 2024
S10E133 Matt Lohr/Secretary of Agriculture - Virginia Goes All-In on Indoor Farming
In this episode, I speak with Matt Lohr, Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for agriculture. Matt shares his journey as a fifth-generation farmer from the Shenandoah Valley and how his early experiences on the farm with his grandfather shaped his love for the land and conservation. We dive into his varied career, from local public service roles to leading the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the USDA, and how these experiences have fueled his commitment to supporting the agricultural industry. Matt's stories about preserving his family's farming legacy and the importance of connecting people to the source of their food are truly heartwarming. We also explore Virginia's ambitious goals in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) space, driven by Governor Youngkin's vision to make the state a leader in indoor farming. Matt discusses the strategic advantages Virginia offers, from its geographical location to state investments and educational initiatives. He highlights the exciting developments in CEA, including innovative technologies and partnerships that are transforming the industry. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an urban dweller curious about where your food comes from, or someone interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Join us for a conversation that celebrates the past, present, and future of farming in Virginia. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:05:51: Importance of Local Food and Indoor Farming 00:09:39: Becoming Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry 00:13:35: Virginia's Commitment to Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) 00:21:34: Diverse CEA Companies in Virginia 00:27:08: Tough Questions and Economic Challenges 00:29:37: Energy Demands in CEA 00:29:55: Message to CEA Leaders and Innovator Tweetable Quotes "I'm a fifth-generation farmer in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, which is one of the breadbaskets of the country when it comes to ag production. Rockingham County is one of the top 30 or 40 counties in the country for ag production. Farming and agriculture have been my life. As a young child, I remember my earliest memories were walking alongside my grandfather on the farm and learning a love of the land and conservation. We have conservation easements on our farm to ensure my kids can be the sixth generation. Agriculture is in my life, and every part of my career over the last 30 years has been directly tied back to supporting the agricultural industry." "I grew up in a family where public service was stressed from day one. My father was very active with church and the Ruittian club, a service club community. My parents were active in the volunteer re
S10 E132 · Wed, May 08, 2024
S10E132 Shlomy Raziel / Growth Tech - From Kibbutz Fields to Vertical Farming Success
In this episode, I speak with Shlomy Raziel, the visionary behind Grow-Tec, joining us all the way from Israel. Shlomy shares his deeply rooted connection to agriculture, tracing back to his childhood in a Kibbutz and his family’s pioneering spirit in farming. His journey from managing large-scale agricultural projects to founding Grow-Tec is not just a career path but a continuation of a legacy. We dive into how his company is innovating in the vertical farming space, particularly focusing on fruiting vegetables, a challenging yet rewarding venture that sets them apart in the industry. Shlomy’s insights into the evolution of vertical farming are grounded in practicality and a clear vision for the future. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the industry to overcome common challenges like energy costs, climate control, and labor. His approach is refreshingly open, advocating for shared progress over competition. This conversation isn’t just about the technicalities of indoor farming; it’s a testament to how a passion rooted in tradition can foster innovation that might just change the world of agriculture. Join us to hear how Shlomy Raziel is not only navigating but also shaping the future of farming with thoughtful technology and a community-focused mindset. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:03:38 - The Idea and Vision Behind Growth Tech 00:07:11 - Experiences in Kibbutz and Early Innovations 00:13:44 - Changes and Adaptations in Business Model Over Time 00:18:36 - Lessons Learned and Growth as a Leader 00:23:08 - Perspective on the Vertical Farming Industry 00:36:04 - Message to Peers in the Indoor Farming Space Tweetable Quotes "I was born and raised in a Kibbutz, just ten minutes from my office. From childhood, I was deeply involved in agriculture, starting with open field orchards and later moving on to greenhouses and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) projects after university." "Big companies do great work with technology for the mainstream, but there's a lack of solutions for tailor-made projects. I found a niche in creating specific, precise solutions not just for mainstream agriculture but for unique, smaller-scale projects that big companies overlook." "The future of vertical farming should involve more collaboration. We need to establish forums and associations to share knowledge and technology openly. Improving key aspects like lighting, HVAC systems, and reducing manpower through automation benefits everyone in the industry, not just individual companies." Resources Mentioned Wesbite - https://grow-tec.com/ Youtube - <a hr
S10 E131 · Fri, April 19, 2024
S10E131 Kaylee South / Virginia Tech - Sharing a Passion for CEA and Inspiring the Next Generation of Plant Scientists
In this episode, I speak with Kaylee South, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) at Virginia Tech. Kaylee shares her journey from a rural upbringing, where her passion for horticulture was nurtured by family and educators, to her current role where she combines research with teaching the next generation of horticulturists. We dive into how her work not only involves growing plants but also exploring innovative agricultural methods and improving plant resilience through scientific research. Kaylee’s story is a testament to the impact of early exposure to agriculture and the profound influence of mentors. Our conversation also explores the broader implications of CEA in revitalizing urban spaces and enhancing educational programs. Kaylee highlights the potential of vertical farming to transform underutilized buildings into productive agricultural sites, offering fresh perspectives on sustainable urban development. She emphasizes the importance of industry-academia collaboration in advancing CEA technologies and practices. This episode is packed with insights not just about plant science but also about the evolving role of agriculture in addressing contemporary challenges. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the future of farming, Kaylee’s experiences and insights underscore the dynamic nature of agricultural science and its critical role in shaping sustainable futures. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:06:27 - Application of Research in Real-world Settings 00:13:34 - Involvement in CEA Summit and Indoor Ag-Con 00:14:08 - Differences Between CEA Summit East and Other Conferences 00:29:10 - Interest and Opportunities in Vertical Farming 00:35:23 - Future Research Directions and Challenges 00:39:15 - Increasing Interest in CEA Among Students Tweetable Quotes "I grew up helping my parents and grandparents in their gardens, which sparked my passion for horticulture. My high school agriculture teacher, Mr. Minyard, particularly encouraged me by involving me in greenhouse work, which solidified my love for working with plants." "My dissertation research involved using beneficial bacteria to improve plant defense against pathogens, specifically targeting botrytis cinerea, a common issue in greenhouse production. This research aimed to explore biocontrol agents and biostimulants to enhance plant growth and disease resistance." "Vertical farming offers unique opportunities, especially in urban settings where traditional farming isn't feasible. It's exciting to see interest from various sectors, including education, where vertical farms are used as tools for teaching and engaging students in agriculture and s
S10 E130 · Fri, April 12, 2024
S10E130 David Flynn / AmplifiedAg - Pioneering Vertical Farming and Tackling Food Deserts
In this episode, I speak with David Flynn, Vice President of Business Development at AmplifiedAg , and what a journey it's been! David shares his transition from military service to the world of vertical farming, and it's a testament to the power of mission-driven work. His experiences in Afghanistan, witnessing firsthand the struggles and triumphs of local agriculture, have fueled his passion for bringing fresh food to those in need. It's not every day you meet someone who's as dedicated to making a difference as David is. We dive into the nitty-gritty of AmplifiedAg's technology, from their propagation containers to their high-yield production units. David's insights into the challenges of energy costs and the need for industry-wide collaboration are eye-opening. It's clear that this isn't just about growing lettuce; it's about community, sustainability, and tackling food insecurity head-on. If you're curious about the future of controlled environment agriculture and the people who are pushing its boundaries, you won't want to miss this conversation. David's story is a reminder that with the right technology and a lot of heart, we can make a real impact, one container farm at a time. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:03:55: Transition from Military to Agriculture Technology 00:06:02: The Evolution of AmplifiedAg and Vertical Roots 00:10:53: Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations 00:16:23: Observations on the Growth of the C EA Industry 00:21:20: AmplifiedAg's Current Size and Product Offerings 00:34:51: The Importance of Industry Transparency and Collaboration Tweetable Quotes "I don't believe in coincidences, per se. When I moved to Charleston, I met Don Taylor, who's the founder of our company, AmplifiedAg. He painted a vision of marrying technology with agriculture, trying to do good things with technology and agriculture, promoting businesses, job development, and providing fresh food to people in need." "The biggest conversion we made was from an Aeroponics system to a Nutrient Film Technique system using crop king gutters in a stacked formation inside of our containers. That really was a game changer for us." "The core mission of the company was to provide safe access to fresh food globally. We're working with foundations across the country, non-governmental organizations trying to solve food insecurity. We're driven right now to look for opportunities to be a system integrator, to bring food security, help leverage food security for people in need." Resources Mentioned Website - <a href="https://amplifiedaginc.com/" rel="noopener nore
S10 E129 · Tue, April 02, 2024
S10E129 Whit Allen / SpectraGrow - From Turntables to Vertical Farms: The Rhythms of Innovation and Sustainability in Agriculture
In this episode, I speak with Whit Allen, the charismatic CEO of SpectraGrow , as we dive into a world where the rhythm of music intertwines with the innovation of agriculture. It's a conversation that takes us from energy of DJing to the vibrant greenery of vertical farms. We reminisce about our days behind the decks and reveal how those experiences have given us a unique tempo for tackling the professional challenges we face today. Whit brings a refreshing perspective on the journey from spinning records to advocating for clean technology in Washington D.C., and how every step has influenced the birth and growth of SpectraGrow. The power of collaboration shines through in our chat, from the influence of mastermind groups to the shared problem-solving that’s steering the industry towards sustainable success. You'll hear firsthand about the nitty-gritty of lighting innovation, the significance of strategic planning for farm setups, and the camaraderie that's sprouting among agri-tech leaders in Colorado and beyond. Join me for an episode that celebrates the progress and growth at the heart of urban farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:00 Connecting Music and Agriculture 09:38 Career Evolution and Clean Tech Lobbying 16:19 Origin and Ideal Clients of SpectraGrow 27:53 LED Innovation and Energy Efficiency 31:34 Collaboration and Growth in Vertical Farming 44:18 Power of Mastermind Groups Tweetable Quotes "When I took a course called Truth, Love, and Marketing here in Boulder, one of the exercises was to describe your creative process. It was so easy to describe my creative process with DJing and music, and then I saw the parallels in how I bring that creative energy to launching an entrepreneurial company. How we market, how we sell, how we talk about what we do—it all has roots in that creative process from music." "We often make recommendations to relay out a farm based on lighting, and we show that if we reorganize the farm in a certain way, we could get much better performance out of the lighting strategy. My advice is always to bring us in as early as possible in the planning process because our ability to add value decreases the later we're brought into the project." "The intuition is a huge part of decision-making in business, and it's a weird word to use because people in business like spreadsheets, they like numbers, they like analysis. But at the end of the day, you have to interpret the data, and there's a point where you've got to trust other sensors that might not be so obvious that you could put on a spreadsheet, but are important things to consider."<
S10 E128 · Thu, March 21, 2024
S10E128 Katherine Soll / Teens for Food Justice - Building a Resilient Food Future & Growing Young Minds
In this episode, I speak with Katherine Soll , a powerhouse of knowledge and change in the realm of urban agriculture. She takes us through her inspiring journey from her New York City upbringing to her influential role as the founder and CEO of Teens for Food Justice. With a nod to Agritechture’s Henry Gordon- Smith for his support and insight, Katherine and I delve into the transformative world of hydroponic farms, the importance of food equity, and the incredible shift from food deserts to the more nuanced concept of food apartheid. It's a conversation that's not only about the growth of plants but also about the growth of young minds and communities. We really dig into what it takes to cultivate an organization that stands firm against the winds of challenge. Katherine 's narrative is a testament to the resilience needed to lead such impactful work, and her experiences offer a treasure trove of wisdom on nurturing the next generation of leaders. By integrating technology with hands-on education, Katherine 's team is planting the seeds for a greener, more equitable NYC, and beyond. It's a tale of hope, hard work, and the harvest that comes from truly rooting for change. Join us as we explore the greening of urban spaces and the empowerment of youth in a movement that's redefining our relationship with food and community. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:00 Growing Up in NYC 10:25 Evolution of Teens for Food Justice 17:26 Building Resilient Community Farming Organization 25:09 Urban Farming Impact and Student Success 30:33 Expanding Urban Agriculture and Food Access 35:46 Letting Go and Trusting Your Team 41:19 Navigating Mission Creep in Vertical Farming 46:15 Teen Food Justice Organization Promotion Tweetable Quotes "One of the things that was really amazing about growing up in New York, I think, was the level of independence that you have when you're really very young. Being able to walk to school by yourself, go places with your friends by yourself, that independence gives you a perspective on the world that's really different than when you grow up in a car culture." "I think that service is an incredible way to get people to look outside of their own self and their own interests and to understand that we're only going to thrive if we're all thriving together." "I think that if you never have the experience of really needing to show that level of vulnerability and see that you're gonna survive, that yeah, you miss something. I think that's a really important honing process that has served me. It was extremely hard, but again, I try to approach things by saying what is the beneficial lying underneath this thing that didn't go the way I planned
S10 E127 · Fri, March 08, 2024
S10E127 Rick Vanzura / Freight Farms - Buliding a Resilient Food Future & Collaborative Partners
In this episode, I speak with Rick Vanzura, CEO of Freight Farms , who takes us on a captivating journey from his days in the retail trenches to becoming a trailblazer in the vertical farming industry. Rick’s transformation from working with household names like Borders Group and Panera Bread to redefining local food systems with Freight Farms is nothing short of inspiring. He generously shares his Bostonian roots and the pivotal encounters that shaped his business acumen, particularly a chance meeting with Jeff Bezos that reshaped his view on potential versus present limitations. It's a tale that’s as much about personal evolution as it is about the growing promise of urban agriculture. Dive into the world of vertical farming as Rick lays out the complexities of supply chain management and the innovative strides Freight Farms is making in controlled environment agriculture. Our discussion navigates through the importance of industry collaboration, learning from mistakes, and creating a culture that empowers and educates. Rick's blueprint for success isn’t just about thriving in business; it's about building a resilient and sustainable future for food production. So, if you're curious about the inner workings of vertical farming and how leaders like Rick are steering this burgeoning industry, you'll want to tune in. This conversation is an eye-opener for anyone interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:00 Innovation and Collaboration in Vertical Farming 09:48 Collaboration and Progress in Farming 15:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Vertical Farming 26:35 Vertical Farming Industry Trends and Leadership 32:11 Leadership in Vertical Farming Collaboration Tweetable Quotes "We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children, and here's our chance to play our role in paying back a little for our kids, which in so many ways I think is important." "The right model is definitely going to be co-opetition. We have to recognize we all need to develop and protect stuff that makes us unique and special, but at the same time, we're all going to benefit from things like common R&D and industry standards." "If you really focus on where that huge opportunity lies, that was a big part of what brought me to Freight Farms. Understanding how big the potential could be, I never again am going to allow myself to be short sighted and overly analytical about where something is today versus thinking about what can be in the future." Resources Mentioned We
S10 E126 · Wed, February 21, 2024
S10E126 Alex Babich / Nuravine - Cultivating the Future: From Startup Entrepreneur to AI-Driven CEA Innovator
In this episode, I speak with Alex Babich, who's pioneering the agricultural tech revolution with his startup, Nuravine . We dive into Alex's childhood, his journey through self-education and college, and the formative experiences that led him to combine technology with sustainable farming. Alex's vision of AI-driven vertical farms is a game-changer for the future of agriculture, and it was an absolute pleasure to get an insider's look at how he's bringing this vision to life. Hearing Alex detail the steps of Nuravine's evolution, from its inception during a college competition to the resilient growth during COVID, truly showcases the spirit of entrepreneurship. His insights into the fusion of computer engineering with agriculture and the potential of AI to revolutionize farming practices are inspiring. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:00 Growing Up in NYC and Carmel 08:11 Future City With Vertical Farming 12:39 The Journey of Nuravine 22:41 Choosing Between Pump Systems in Agriculture 26:39 Cannabis Entrepreneurship and Pump Systems 29:42 Building Nuravine 35:38 The Advanced and Flexible Dosing System 41:15 Continuous Nutrient Dosing in Farming Benefits 45:56 Expanding Product Development and Funding Opportunities 54:52 AI and the Future of Farming 01:00:11 Connecting With Nuravine Tweetable Quotes "I love learning math, I want to understand it all, and I started to have this vision of, I really want to know math because I want to like look outside and I want to see equations, I want to see the world in a mathematical way." "There are enough resources on earth for everyone to have a very high standard of living and in a certain sense, the monetary system can get in the way of that." "They have a competition where you could either win 25,000 or 50,000 dollars. And I went to him and I asked, do you want to start a business together?" Resources Mentioned Nuravine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nuravine/ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alex.babich/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-babich-nuravine/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@nuravine7984 Website - https://nuravine.com/ Connec
S10 E125 · Fri, February 16, 2024
S10E125 Daniel Plant / Plant Dynamics - The Unconventional Path From the Armed Forces to AgTech Strategist
In this episode, I speak with Daniel Plant, the inspiring mind behind Plant Dynamics, as we delve into his remarkable transition from the disciplined life of the Canadian Armed Forces to becoming a consultant in the agtech space. Daniel's unique journey has not only shaped a resilient work ethic but has also carved out an innovative path in the world of modern farming. Through his stories, we uncover how embracing a global perspective can significantly influence both personal growth and professional endeavors. It's not every day you meet someone who can seamlessly merge military precision with the dynamic needs of an agtech consultancy, and Daniel's experiences offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact. We'll navigate the intricate transformation of Plant Dynamics from its early days to its current role as a guiding light in agtech strategy. Daniel generously shares the hurdles and triumphs encountered along the way, including adapting to the startup culture and confronting challenges like the global pandemic and shifting supply chains. As we explore the future of CEA, Daniel's insights into the critical importance of data and clear business communication illuminate the path forward for the industry. This conversation is a must-listen for those curious about the intersection of agriculture, technology, and business strategy, as we connect the dots between resilience, innovation, and the drive to revolutionize farming practices. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:00 Exploring Worldview and Career Choices 16:13 The Evolution of Plant Dynamics 25:10 Shift Towards Detailed Microeconomics in AgTech 36:13 Challenges and Opportunities in CEA Development 44:56 Communication Challenges in the CEA Industry 52:14 Advancing CEA Infrastructure for Fresh Produce Tweetable Quotes "What pays for the nation's bills is the earnings of the people. And if you do all kinds of analysis on this question different places, different points of time what determines GDP per capita you will find that the most powerful explanatory variable is the cost of extracting energy." "Now I am seeing a big shift from scale to super detailed microeconomics and unit economics... there's now, I think, full appreciation that you need to come in and have some kind of a corporate structure around your production facility, which includes sales and marketing and should include offtake agreements, such that you have a business plan that is more than just a design of a facility before you begin." "I want to make economics more actionable because it is very helpful. It can clarify strategy. But how you bridge that gap, to take something that feels so esoteric and far-flung from the immediate problems people are trying to address, and communicate it in a simple way t
S10 E124 · Wed, February 07, 2024
S10E124 Joe Swartz / AmHydro - The Evolution of Farming Through a Hydroponic Lens
In this eye-opening episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the hydroponic maestro himself, Joe Swartz. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, drawing from nearly four decades of experience in the realm of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). With Joe's guidance, we journey through the evolution of farming, bursting myths like bubbles and paving a clear path through the oft-misunderstood landscape of hydroponic agriculture. He shares his rich history, from traditional farming roots to the forefront of agricultural innovation, and reminds us that while the tools may change, the core principles of good farming remain steadfast. Joe's candid insights and personal anecdotes truly bring the conversation to life, offering a treasure trove of green wisdom that's both grounding and revolutionary. Diving into the nitty-gritty of indoor vertical farming, Joe unravels the complexities with the finesse of a seasoned expert. He doesn't shy away from the hard truths, confronting the economic and logistical challenges head-on and providing a balanced view that blends caution with optimism. As Joe unveils AmHydro's cutting-edge contributions—think AI, machine learning, and automation—it's hard not to feel a surge of excitement for the future of farming. Yet, he encourages a healthy skepticism and the importance of validating technology's promise, ensuring we remain rooted in practical, successful practices. By the end of our talk, I was left feeling incredibly inspired and humbled by the depth of knowledge Joe imparted. This is an episode brimming with valuable takeaways for anyone curious about the future of sustainable agriculture. So join us as we cultivate not just crops, but a flourishing community of knowledge-seekers in this dynamic field. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:00 The Journey of a Hydroponic Farmer 14:00 Myths and Mistakes in CEA Industry 23:00 Challenges and Myths of Vertical Farming 26:34 Cyclical Indoor Farming Technologies 30:57 AmHydro's Tools for Growers 45:41 Indoor Farming Tips and Wisdom 53:29 Social Media and YouTube for AmHydro Tweetable Quotes "The process that makes up traditional farming are no different... We're using different tools, but the process is exactly the same." "The idea of CEA controlled environment agriculture really, again, it's not about technology. It's about taking the equipment, the tools, the methods, the technologies that we have available and farming with them. Agriculture." "We're not trying to develop a technology and say, hey, buy our technology because it's really cool. We actually wanna come to the industry and say, here's a tool that we've developed based on your needs, based on where your pain points are." Resources Mentioned Email - <a href="mailt
S10 E123 · Wed, January 31, 2024
S10E123 Viktor Kulcsar / Veles Farming - Growing Saffron in the Cradle of Civilization
This week I speak with Viktor Kulcsar, Co-Founder of Veles Farming. From a childhood in post-Soviet Slovakia to challenging cultural norms and diving into entrepreneurship, Victor's story is one of ambition. Victor opens up about the early struggles of being a young entrepreneur in a region with little support for startups, the invaluable lessons from mentors, and the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge – all while forging a path in the exciting world of saffron cultivation. Ever wondered what it takes to bring a luxury spice like saffron to your table, and how authenticity and quality can be guaranteed? Victor provides a fascinating look into the meticulous process of educating the market, navigating the challenges of direct-to-consumer sales, and building trust within high-end culinary circles. He shares industry insights on sourcing, the potential of indoor farming, and the cultural significance of this ancient crop. We discuss transparency in the supply chain and the value of traditional knowledge blended with cutting-edge cultivation techniques. As we look to the future of vertical farming with Victor, he talks about the importance of effective leadership and fostering a culture of openness to tackling significant challenges like capital expenditure and energy costs. Victor's enthusiasm for the potential of indoor agriculture – from enhancing flavors in gastronomy to meeting pharmaceutical industry standards – is contagious, offering listeners a compelling glimpse into not only the present landscape but also the boundless possibilities for growth and innovation in CEA. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:00 Entrepreneurship and Vertical Farming Journey 07:20 Learning and Collaboration in Business Growth 14:28 Education and Marketing of Saffron Challenges 21:18 Saffron Farm CEO Discusses Industry Insights 29:20 Relationships in Business 37:36 Challenges and Growth in Vertical Farming 43:46 The Future of Vertical Farming Tweetable Quotes “I need to get off my competitiveness in some way and I found business, a way to where I can do this." “It's very hard in the beginning to get it running. But I think when you get the first results in the first section and then it's so snowballs into a big thing." Resources Mentioned Website - https://velesfarming.com/ Email - viktor.kulcsar@velesfarming.com Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktor-kulcsar-089b02175 Conn
S9 E122 · Sat, January 20, 2024
S10E122 Felipe Hernandez / Hexagro - The Rise of Urban Aeroponics
Embark on a remarkable adventure with Felipe Hernandez, the visionary Founder and CEO of Hexagro , as he chronicles his evolution from an industrial designer in Colombia to a trailblazer in Milan's growing vertical farming industry. Felipe's inspiring tale captures the essence of innovation and determination, guiding us through the creation of Hexagro—an endeavor to democratize aeroponic technology. His story is a testament to the power of marrying design with practical agricultural solutions, and his Hexagro platform stands as a beacon of urban farming potential, inviting city dwellers to reconnect with nature through the simplicity of Poty and the sophistication of Clovy, both models with specific uses. As Felipe unfolds the nuances of Hexagro's user-centric approach, you’ll be captivated by the role of biomimicry in design and how it breathes life into urban farming. The conversation extends into the digital realm, highlighting the integral companion app that serves as a gardener's best friend, offering a chatbot, plant care tips, and delightful recipes. With an open platform philosophy, Felipe emphasizes the importance of local resources and community input in refining Hexagro's offerings, painting a picture of an ecosystem where growth is nurtured by the collective genius of its participants. The finale of our journey with Felipe does not shy away from the grit and resilience that define startup success, especially in the face of the pandemic's adversities. He shares candid insights about the power of mentorship, the intricacies of fundraising in the Italian startup landscape, and the significance of cultivating a community-driven growth model. Join us and discover how you can contribute to a movement that's reshaping our relationship with the food we eat and the communities we cherish. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:00 From Industrial Design to Vertical Farming 15:33 Biomimicry, Vertical Farming, and Product Development 31:17 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience 36:48 Vertical Farming Industry and Its Challenges 45:11 Join Our Urban Farming Community Tweetable Quotes "We shouldn't try to disconnect people from farming, because we have been doing it since thousands of years." "It's a huge potential of impact that agriculture has because it's a holistic topic. It regards the side engineering, agronomy, biology, sociology, economics, everything. So for me, it's super stimulating to learn of so different topics and see how they can change and how they have impacted societies." "Since billions of years, there is a complex, very smart designer finding solutions to s
S9 E121 · Thu, December 28, 2023
S9E121 REPLAY Tristan Fischer / Fischer Farms - A Looming Food Crisis, Sustainability, & Building a Culture of Kindness
Tristan Fischer has been involved in sustainable energy and sustainable food for over twenty years. He has been the Chairman or CEO of numerous companies, including Fischer Farms , a vertical farming/hydroponics business. Today, Tristan joins the show to discuss the benefits of vertical farm crops over field-grown crops, the looming food security crisis, and the importance of being a kind and empathetic leader Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Tristan Fischer joins the show to share his background in finance, the evolution of renewables, and his passion for sustainability 17:15 – Vertical farming crops vs. field-grown crops 21:54 – Feeding the world: Tristan’s vertical farming origin story 31:16 – The inspiration to launch Fischer Farms and how Tristan has grown as a CEO 42:12 – The importance of being kind and empathetic 45:08 – Fischer Farms’ offerings and ideal clients 48:56 – A tough question Tristan has had to ask himself recently 51:43 – A specific ask Tristan has for his colleagues in the vertical farming industry 52:37 – Harry thanks Tristan for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with him and learn more about Fischer Farms Tweetable Quotes “If you want to do good in the world, you also need to actually be profitable and develop businesses that are intrinsically capitalistic. Using capital to grow and having a business which is purely based on charitable activity isn’t good enough if you want to make a difference.” (10:52) (Tristan) “When I was first doing solar projects, solar really wasn’t a great technology. Wind wasn’t really a great technology. It was expensive. It was intermittent. And, if you move on to twenty years after I started and you look in the UK now, the new wind energy systems that are coming onstream are the lowest cost electricity in the market, with the exception of solar.” (14:35) (Tristan) “The quality that you get from vertical farming is just better than the quality that you get from a field-grown crop. It’s tastier, has a longer shelf life, is more nutritious, it has a lower environmental footprint. There’s just a whole long list of reasons why vertical farm products are better than field-grown crops.” (18:35) (Tristan) “About twenty-five percent of all the world’s food production comes from land which uses aquifer water for irrigation. And, in about twenty years time, in most of the world where they have that type of system, that water will be gone or unusable.” (24:53) (Tristan) “I think that ultimately what you’re trying
S9 E120 · Fri, December 08, 2023
S9E120 Karla Garcia / Hort Americas - From Microgreens in Mexico to Educating New Indoor Farmers
Ever wished you could peek into the mind of a successful vertical farming entrepreneur? Our guest Karla Garcia shares here love for plant physiology and how it guided her to the realm of vertical farming. From her childhood influences to her current role as a technical services specialist at Hort Americas in Mexico, Karla's story is a testament to the power of passion and hard work. As Karla shares her experiences, we shed light on the trending shift towards vertical farming among the younger generation. The focus is changing from merely seeking jobs to pioneering businesses in controlled environment agriculture. We also touch on the growing vertical farming community in Mexico, which is championing collaboration and growth. Hear about the sweat and resilience required to carve out a niche in this industry and the boundless opportunities that lie in wait. Lastly, we delve into Karla's personal life, discussing the crucial balance between work and passion, the importance of wise planning, and making informed investments in the vertical farming industry. Karla underscores the significance of starting small, learning on the go, and structuring your business intelligently. The conversation wraps up with Karla extending an open invitation to connect on Instagram and the Hort Americas website for those keen on learning more about the horticulture industry in Mexico. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of the world of vertical farming and harvest some invaluable advice for anyone interested in this burgeoning industry. Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team Indoor AgCon Key Takeaways 00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey in Plant Science 06:43 Starting a Microgreens Business With Hort Americas 20:15 Shift Towards Interest in Vertical Farming 24:48 Vertical Farming and Teaching Passion 31:34 Work-Life Balance in Vertical Farming 38:16 Connecting With Karla for More Information Tweetable Quotes "When applying knowledge, you get to know a lot. I would I love to analyze data, for example. So every time that I have data from my business or even from other people's business, for me that's really exciting because you get to know how the plant is behaving and what things you can do inside of the greenhouse or the plant factory in order to adjust everything." "If you have a goal, you find a way. So I think that's really important too, and I have seen that when helping my friends and different people in different businesses. That's really important because sometimes we give up before trying enough." "I think vertical farming
S9 E119 · Fri, November 24, 2023
S9E119 Jonah Krochmalnek / Microgreens Consulting - Turning Green: A Finance Graduate's Venture into Microgreens Farming
Ready to journey into the heart of nature and discover the green world of microgreens ? Prepare to be inspired by financial graduate turned passionate farmer, Jonah Krochmalnek. He takes us through his life journey, from his humble beginnings starting a microgreens business in his parent's spare bedroom, to figuring out the market demand and different strategies that helped him succeed in the microgreens industry. His experiences, trials, and triumphs will be a guiding light for other budding entrepreneurs. Jonah Krochmalnek's passion doesn't end with farming; he also reveals how he navigated COVID-19's impact on his business, Living Earth Farm, while juggling other tasks like managing an Airbnb property and building a course. Hear about his process of selling his business, the importance of finding the right buyer, and his fascinating transition into creating a microgreens consulting company and podcast. His insights on these experiences provide valuable lessons on how to handle business during trying times. Finally, join us as we discuss the personal side of entrepreneurship -- the challenges one faces when balancing personal life, business, and family. Jonah shares his personal development journey, the benefits he reaped from meditation and books, and the lessons from his podcast Microgreens Mastery. This chat is packed with golden nuggets for entrepreneurs in the vertical farming space, so don't miss out! As Jonah says, "business is a journey, not a destination," and we invite you to embark on this journey with us. Find more about Jonah and the microgreens industry across various resources and platforms mentioned in the podcast. Tune in now! Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team Indoor AgCon Key Takeaways 00:00 Passion for Growing Food and Farming 09:01 Market Demand and Adapting Strategies 16:44 High Quality Microgreens and Successful Business 25:08 Navigating Challenges and Finding Balance 31:00 Sell Business and Transition to New Ventures 42:08 Business and Personal Life Challenges 49:27 Connecting for Microgreens Information Tweetable Quotes "So much wisdom and beauty in living with the speed of nature rather than the speed of a city." "You know, all this knowledge I've accumulated is so valuable to other people because they can skip all the steps that I had to take to get where I needed to go, all the failures along the way." "I think it's just very fulfilling to see these farms that I work with and see how much easier life can be with having the right information or having th
S9 E118 · Fri, November 10, 2023
S9E118 Christopher Thomasen / Seasony - From Engineer to Entrepreneur: The Transformational Journey and The Vision for The Future of Vertical Farming
Can a journey encompassing exotic travels, engineering, and entrepreneurship shape the future of vertical farming? This episode unravels that mystery as we sit down with Christopher Weis Thomasen, CEO and Co-founder of Seasony. A vivid storyteller, Christopher shares his transformative experiences from Namibia to Japan, painting a vivid picture of how these encounters helped develop his entrepreneurial mindset. Moving away from traditional farming, Christopher takes us through his pivot to automation and standardization in vertical farming. The intriguing conversation touches on the challenges and benefits of adopting new technology in farming, particularly mobile robotics. His insights on transitioning small farms to automation are enlightening, putting into perspective the critical role of automation in the future of farming. As we explore the future of vertical farming, Christopher lays out his vision for localized food production, demonstrating how global trends are pushing this new norm. From the benefits of space efficiency to the practical advantages for retailers and end users, he paints a promising picture of large scale, near distribution food production. His candid advice on finding your place in the value chain and automating processes early is an invaluable takeaway. Tune in and connect with an episode that showcases the landscape of vertical farming through the lens of a savvy entrepreneur. Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team Horti Agri Next MEA Key Takeaways 00:00 Entrepreneurship and Travel 05:35 Robotics in Vertical Farming 16:47 Automation and Standardization in Vertical Farming 28:33 Engineers and Conferences in Vertical Farming 32:27 Vertical Farming's Importance and Future 36:50 The Future of Vertical Farming Tweetable Quotes "As an entrepreneur, I think you can get pretty caught up in working all the time, so it's nice to just plug out a little bit and basically see something else." "So if there's a lot of robotics engineers that are working on a super interesting problem that tends to attract other robotics engineers to go to that same place because here they can exchange ideas and spar with colleagues that are in the same fields." "The sooner the better. Typically. I mean we would love to get involved quite early in the process, also in the design process, to help the vertical farms actually figure out how do they design for automation in the best possible way." Resources Mentioned Chris' Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-w
S9 E117 · Fri, November 03, 2023
S9E117 Jessica Gómez de la Rosa / Origeen Greener Cities - Exploring the Rise of Vertical Farming in Mexico
Prepare to embark on a transformative journey with Jessica Gomez de la Rosa, the innovative CEO of Origeen Greener Cities . From the vibrant buzz of Las Vegas to the concentrated energy of New York City, Jessica will guide us through her captivating discovery of Indoor AgTech and how it's revolutionizing the agricultural landscape. She unveils her ingenious system for vertical farming and surprises us with the revelation that varied crops could flourish within her carefully crafted environment. We'll then jet off to Mexico, where Jessica's groundbreaking VPOT technology is setting the stage for a vertical farming revolution. She'll lead us through the labyrinth of educating people about the benefits of hydroponic farming and showcase how this cutting-edge technology is being implemented in a variety of settings - homes, shipping containers, and greenhouses. If you're curious about the financial prospects in Mexico's vertical farming industry, Jessica's insightful analysis promises to be a treasure trove of information. As we navigate the peaks and troughs of introducing a leading-edge technology in the vertical farming space, Jessica's candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of this journey will provide invaluable insights. We'll delve into the intricacies of Origeens' distinct black and white VPOT tech, the vital role of community support in entrepreneurial endeavors, and the promising outlook for the future. Grab your headphones, this episode promises a fun ride through the world of vertical farming that you certainly don't want to miss! Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team Horti Agri Next MEA Key Takeaways 02:01 - 03:00 Modular Scalable Indoor Farming System 07:21 - 08:54 Changes and Feedback on VPOT Design 13:11 - 15:05 Interest in Vertical Farming in Mexico 16:36 - 17:55 Investment Opportunities in Mexican Agriculture 21:54 - 23:07 Hydroponics and Vertical Farming Interest 26:42 - 29:15 Indoor Farming Conference in Mexico 30:43 - 32:01 Vertical Farming Community in Mexico 36:13 - 36:53 Startup Space Excitement and Innovation Tweetable Quotes "I've always wanted to be involved in something that can make an environmental and social impact." "When the investors and people start knowing about the benefits and start to know about the environmental and social and about food security, they will be more curious and they will be open to integrate this kind of agriculture." "I think what we need to do is create noise. As I said, the few that we are here at Mex
S9 E116 · Fri, October 27, 2023
S9E116 Cody Journell / Vegg, Inc. - Revolutionizing Vertical Farming & Supporting Local Farmers
Are you keen to discover the future of farming? Unveil the revolutionary world of vertical farming with our esteemed guest, Cody Journell, founder and CEO of Vegg, Inc. Cody, with his vast knowledge and innovative approach to Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), is pioneering a fresh perspective on how we perceive agriculture. This episode takes you on a thrilling journey into the heart of Vegg, Inc., where old school buildings transform into thriving vertical farms. Step inside the unique landscape of vertical farming as we discuss how Vegg, Inc. is changing the game with their comprehensive guidance on infrastructure development, leasing options, and revenue models. We delve into their budding relationships with regional feed hubs and how these alliances might revolutionize local farming. We also reflect on the GAP Summit and the challenges small and medium-sized farmers face. Hear directly from Cody as he offers a glimpse into his leadership journey and how he is preparing his team for an industry that is in perpetual motion. Lastly, we try to break down the intricacies of vertical farming for the everyday individual and understand the role it plays in preserving our farmlands. We evaluate how consumer habits need to change for vertical farming to be more widely accepted and discuss how the US could potentially halt the alarming loss of thousands of acres of farmland per day. Be inspired by the potential of Vegg, Inc.'s projects that aim to provide education and workforce development in rural areas. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that might just reshape your understanding of agriculture and its future. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 05:44 - Real Estate and Problem-Solving 10:05 - Historic Tax Credits and Building Challenges 15:36 - Scaling Vegg 24:15 - Journey as CEO and Team Growth 29:05 - Vegg's Potential Locally and Nationally 33:47 - Concept of Vertical Farming and Messaging 38:53 - The Viability of Vertical Farming Careers Tweetable Quotes "We're losing I think we're losing somewhere around 2,000 acres of farmland in the US per day to redevelopment. So that's 700 plus thousand a year that we're losing. Populations increasing, consumer preferences are changing. They want more food, which we have less land, and they want it grown in an environmentally friendly manner. So how are we going to solve that problem? In walks, vertical farming and CEA." "We had a family farm that was passed down through generations and generations and it's just it's not something that kids are growing up and doing now." "One of my favorite things about real estate is the fact that it is 100% what problems you can solve, whether you're successful or not. So whether it'
S9 E115 · Fri, October 13, 2023
S9E115: Neda Vaseghi / Microclimates - What Gets Measured Gets Managed in Vertical Farming
Are you ready to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of environmental automation technology with our captivating guest, Neda Vaseghi, the CEO of Microclimates ? From the early days of Neda's life in Iran, through the trials of war, and onto her ascension in the tech industry, we explore how her past experiences have shaped her entrepreneurial drive. Join us as we venture into the heart of Microclimates, shedding light on the innovative start-up bridging the gap in Controlled Environment Agriculture operations. Neda and her business partner, Loren, share insights into the company's offerings, shedding light on the surprising lack of interconnectedness across systems, and the promising partnership with Lethbridge College. Listen as they share their educational efforts on LinkedIn and how they navigate the tech industry's challenges. As our conversation deepens, we tackle the critical issue of energy usage and conservation. We unravel the importance of understanding energy consumption at a granular level, the pros of a wireless energy management system, and the challenges faced by businesses without reliable internet. Wrapping up our insightful talk, Neda imparts her experiences in under- resourced US regions and the potential of digital transformation partnerships. From entrepreneurs to tech enthusiasts, and agtech afficionados, this episode shines an (LED) light the future of farming. Tune in, don't miss out! Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team FarmAnywhere Horti Agri Next MEA Key Takeaways 0:00:05 - Microclimates and Indoor Agtech NYC Conversation 0:08:25 - Iran's Cultural Richness and Entrepreneurship Journey 0:13:22 - Building Business, Maintaining Friendship 0:23:03 - Why Microclimates? 0:36:52 - Energy Usage and Wireless Devices Focus 0:41:45 - Navigating Challenges and Choices in Entrepreneurship 0:51:28 - Connecting to Microclimates Tweetable Quotes "I noticed this trend of oh my gosh, we're really faced with this issue of not having enough arable land, and there is this thing called indoor farming, which I didn't even know." "We integrate various systems together onto one dashboard and all the data is harmonized across all of them. So the customer. You know, we're hardware agnostic." "I was actually really surprised. I didn't realize that all these companies make one thing and they do one thing really well, but either they don't have an open system, they don't have an API, you can't connect systems to talk to one another." Resources Me
S9 E114 · Fri, October 06, 2023
S9E114: Chris Rawley / Harvest Returns - Sustainability, Risk Management, & Investor Education in Vertical Farming
Ever sought the thrill of leaving the mundane behind to explore the world, only to land in the fascinating field of agriculture? Join us as we sit down with Chris Rawley, the founder and CEO of Harvest Returns , who did exactly that. Combining his experiences as a Navy veteran, a globe-trotter, and a commercial real estate investor, Chris shares his journey to bridging the gap between investors and farmers through his platform. Listen in as he delves into the transformation of farming practices due to climate change and technology. Venture with Chris as he transports us through his travels across 60 countries, sharing meals and connecting with locals. His travel tales are not only intriguing but also shed light on the stark dichotomy between food systems in developed and less fortunate countries. His stories from the open seas are captivating and humbling, reminding us of the raw beauty and power of nature. Moreover, his observations have shaped his current work in sustainable agriculture and vertical farming. In the realm of agriculture, every turn comes with its own set of challenges. Chris candidly discusses the hurdles faced in financing agriculture and the necessity of building trust in the industry. From developing different financing structures for farms to fostering relationships with different cultures, he's done it all. He also shares his insights into the struggles and triumphs of vertical farming. As we wrap up our conversation, Chris emphasizes the importance of sustainability, risk management, and investor education in farming. This intriguing conversation with Chris promises to illuminate you on the complexities and rewards of farming and sustainable agriculture. Don't miss out! Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team FarmAnywhere Horti Agri Next MEA Key Takeaways 0:00:00 - Chris’ Introduction to Vertical Farming 0:08:28 - Connecting Cultures Through Food and Travel 0:15:33 - Challenges of Financing and Building Trust in Farming 0:20:48 - Challenges and Traits of Vertical Farming 0:28:19 - Considerations for Funding Indoor Farms 0:38:40 - Investor Perspective on Sustainable Agriculture 0:45:25 - Cash Flow and Trust in Business Tweetable Quotes "If you want to broaden your experience, best thing to do is go travel, just see the world." "I learned a lot about risk because we did some dangerous things, looking at what the worst case scenario is and probabilities of a failure and have tried to translate that into my business, especially on the investing sid
S9 E113 · Fri, September 29, 2023
S9E113: Tinia Pina / Re-Nuble - Cultivating Resilience: From NYC Streets to Sustainable Vertical Farms
Can technology and privacy coexist in this rapidly evolving business landscape? This is a question we attempt to answer as we welcome Tinia Pina, the innovative Founder and CEO of Re-Nuble . Our riveting conversation explores the risks and rewards of navigating the digital world while protecting our privacy, and how we can leverage accessible technology to create sustainable products, without being swept up in the distractions of the tech world. New York’s relentless energy can be overwhelming, but it also breeds resilience. Together with Tinia, we journey through the bustling streets of the Big Apple, delving into its unique influence on its citizens. We reflect on the significance of community and how to find balance amidst the city's frenetic pace. We then steer our discussion towards the revolutionary world of renewable resources and sustainable agriculture. Tinia shares compelling anecdotes about her professional journey, the resilience that New York cultivated in her, and why she founded the New York City Agriculture Collective. The episode concludes with a fascinating discussion on the future of vertical farming, a disruptive practice that is reshaping the way we grow our food. We talk about the exciting potential of giving farmers more flexibility, from irrigation to material types. The potential of home farming and investment possibilities in produce security, particularly outside the United States, are also touched upon. Tinia's insights into these emerging trends offer a fresh perspective on the future of the industry. So join us for an episode packed with invaluable insights from a seasoned professional leading the way in the field of renewable resources and sustainable agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team FarmAnywhere CEA Summit East Key Takeaways 0:00:03 - Technology's Impact on Privacy and Business 0:04:45 - Finding Home, Balance in New York 0:08:48 - The Evolution of Renewable 0:21:58 - Challenges and Growth in Sustainable Agriculture 0:34:25 - Flexible Irrigation and Material Types 0:44:31 - The Future of Vertical Farming Tweetable Quotes "I've always needed to align my personal values with my professional work. The work that I needed to do needed to have a social mission, which is why we're a social enterprise. It's very easy and without any question, we need to have something that's going to directly give back in ways that the business can." "We're essentially a social enterprise that focuses on developing and commercializing nutri
S9 E112 · Fri, September 22, 2023
S9E112: Rob van Straten / Skytree - A Journey From Art & Army to Innovative CO2 Capture Solutions
Prepare to set sail on a journey filled with adventure, art, and groundbreaking technology with our guest, Rob van Straten, CEO of Skytree . This episode dives deep into Rob's vibrant life, taking us from his childhood in the 80s, through his time in the army, his global sailing adventures, and leading us up to his stellar rise in the tech world. As a lover of art, Rob shares his memorable experiences from the Vermeer exhibition and the captivating stories behind some of the most iconic artworks. We also explore the intricate path that led Rob to spearhead Skytree's mission towards ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance. For those keen on understanding the inner workings of the tech industry, Rob takes us through his career, shedding light on the highs and lows of sales, leadership, and business management. He openly discusses the challenges of transforming intentions into actions, particularly in the realm of responsible business practices. Rob also sets the stage for us to understand the birth and evolution of Skytree's revolutionary CO2 scrubber technology, originally designed for space but now adapted for earthly applications. Finally, we delve into the world of vertical farming and Skytree's pioneering CO2 capture technology. Rob paints a vivid picture of how his team has harnessed technology to offer a sustainable alternative to CO2 emissions. From capturing CO2 from exhausts to engineering a machine that directly extracts CO2 at a vertical farm's location, Skytree is redefining the game. Rob also introduces us to Skytree's Total Cost of Ownership tool, a unique approach that helps clients understand the real cost associated with CO2. As we conclude our time with Rob, he shares his perspective on the rising industry of vertical farming, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, faith, and understanding. So, come aboard and prepare to be enthralled by this riveting tale of technology, art, and innovation. Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team CEA Summit East Horti Agri Next MEA Key Takeaways 0:00:00 - Discussion on Art and Career Journey 0:13:14 - Skytree's ESG Compliance Journey 0:28:47 - CO2 Capture Technology for Vertical Farms 0:43:26 - Insights on the Vertical Farming Industry Tweetable Quotes "We all know greenwashing is sort of an intermediate stage between awareness and really doing things. Oh, let's say we do this. We can defend that with a little bit of fantasy and you can criticize it, but it's also a step, a step in the right direction, and then public outc
S9 E111 · Fri, September 15, 2023
S9E111: Ralph Weir / Zayndu - From Semiconductors to Seeding: A Tech CEO's Green Evolution
Growing up in the rugged landscapes of Scotland, our guest Ralph Weir, CEO of Zayndu , has traversed a fascinating journey - from the world of semiconductors and mobile television to the cutting-edge realm of vertical farming. Ralph's story is not just a narrative of professional evolution, but a testament to the power of adaptability and innovation. Join us as we uncover how Ralph's Scottish roots, his father's profound influence, and a chance encounter with the world of agriculture shaped his incredible journey. Zayndu, under Ralph's leadership, is revolutionizing the farming landscape using plasma technology. This episode dives into the crux of their trailblazing work centered on leveraging plasma to enhance crop growth, optimize seeds per specific growing systems, and significantly reduce costs - transforming vertical farming into an accessible venture for small-scale farmers. We also ponder over the intriguing concepts of differential pricing and 'snooze mode' for seasonal planting, with Ralph providing us with his insights on the same. Despite the numerous challenges posed by the global pandemic and Brexit, Zayndu's resilience and commitment to their mission remain unwavering. As we navigate through the complexities of leadership, the nuances of technology, and the future of vertical farming, we get a glimpse into the potential of decision-making rooted in facts, and the importance of clean seeds in a vertical farm. Tune in and get inspired by this compelling story of innovation, resilience, and passion for the environment. Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team CEA Summit East Horti Agri Next MEA Key Takeaways 0:00:01 - Vertical Farming and Scottish Origins 0:16:11 - Zayndu 0:20:26 - Leadership and Managing Through Challenging Times 0:27:13 - Plasma Technology in Agriculture 0:46:38 - The Future of Vertical Farming 0:57:16 - Discovering and Connecting with Inspiring Stories Tweetable Quotes "When you're in a hole, the bomb doesn't count the pips. His point was if you're doing a job it doesn't matter if you're a major or the lowest rank. The bomb doesn't care. You're a team, do it together." "I think that in many ways, that transition from the world of semiconductors came through a series of other startups looking at things like aircraft efficiency and really starting to look at what can we do not to change the way people have to live, but to bring things into line to make what people need achievable within the bounds of what the world can provide." "Pla
S9 E110 · Fri, September 08, 2023
S9E110: Robin Vincent / CanobiTech - Journey of Canobi Technologies: A Glimpse into Tech Leadership and Sustainable Agriculture
Have you ever wondered how the world of technology collides with the world of agriculture? Prepare to be spellbound as we sit down with Robin Vincent, the tech-savvy CEO and CINNO of Canobi Technologies. Robin takes us through his fascinating journey, from his early fascination with technology and his evolution from infrastructure architect to CEO. He paints a vivid picture of his personal project to reduce the mortality rate of stingrays and seahorses, a venture that guided him towards the creation of Canobi. The conversation takes a deep dive as we explore the company’s growth, challenges, and its unique product offerings. Robin enlightens us about their Agri-agent network, and the relentless testing that takes place in their in-house lab. From the plains of Kenya to the valleys of South Africa, we traverse the rising interest in agriculture, the impact of Canobi Academy's online education, and the exhilaration of being part of a nascent industry. We also touch on the upcoming Green Tech and Innovation Summit conferences and the ripple effects they will have on the industry. As our conversation winds down, we delve into the innovative world of vertical farming, looking at energy efficiency and the potential of integrating different technologies. Robin talks about the importance of collaboration, the richness of experiential learning, and how Canobi Technologies is empowering farmers with technology. Robin's optimism and excitement for what lies ahead in the vertical farming industry are infectious. So join us on this insightful journey with Robin Vincent! Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team Vertifarm - Use code VFPODCAST23 CEA Summit East Key Takeaways 0:00:20 - Navigating the CEO Journey 0:03:44 - Love for Tech and Electronics Origins 0:21:50 - Ubuntu Wellness and Growing Nutritious Food 0:26:36 - Conference Travel and Networking Discussion 0:33:43 - Energy Efficiency in Farming Innovations 0:39:26 - Loneliness and Challenges of Entrepreneurship 0:43:04 - Importance of Social Component in Organizations Tweetable Quotes "I see the world as vastly unfinished... I see solutions, I don't really see problems." "We learned an awful lot more from our failures than our successes. While we're busy trying to break everything and figure out how not to grow strawberries, we're also trying to figure out how to keep them going." "Every single human being on this planet could have access to food. We now have the technical ability to grow food anywhere on this planet." Resources Mentioned Robin's Website - <a href="htt
S9 E109 · Fri, September 01, 2023
S9E109: Lotte Van Rijn / Certhon - From Greenhouse Child to Vertical Farming Leader: A Nautical Journey
Have you ever wondered about the unseen intricacies of greenhouse farming and the immense potential of vertical farms? Join us on a fascinating journey with our guest, Lotte Van Rijn, General Manager of Certhon , as she peels back the layers of her expansive knowledge and experiences in the industry. From the lush greenhouses of the Netherlands to the dream of circumnavigating the globe, Lotte’s life is as vibrant and varied as the crops she helps foster. Lotte takes us through his formative years in the industry, highlighting the significance of talent strategies and the exciting marriage of technology and plant science. This intriguing intersection, she explains, has been key in the development of innovative solutions in greenhouses and vertical farms. As she walks us through her journey, she also discusses the critical role of mentors and visionaries who have moulded her career, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking to tread a similar path. Lastly, Lotte shares her perspectives on the profound impacts of Covid on the greenhouse industry and the promising rise of vertical farms. She delves into the exciting prospects these changes present, such as the potential of functional foods and the promise of sustainable solutions to major global concerns. So, whether you're an expert in the field or just interested in the future of food, this episode is packed with valuable insights straight from the heart of the industry. Don't forget, Lotte encourages listeners to reach out with any questions, extending the spirit of collaboration beyond the confines of their greenhouses! Thanks to Our Sponsors AgTech Marketing Team Vertifarm - Use code VFPODCAST23 CEA Summit East Horti Agri Next MEA Key Takeaways 0:00:03 - From Greenhouses to Open Waters 0:05:24 - Greenhouse Industry and Robotics Collaboration 0:20:17 - Greenhouse and Vertical Farming Innovations 0:30:53 - Collaboration and Innovation in Vertical Farming Tweetable Quotes "The difference between cultures, that there is so much more possible than your own vision or your own way to live. There are much more ways to live and you have a choice and there is a choice." - Lotte van Rijn "Growing is a job. It's difficult to grow, it's a real job. Plant science is difficult. So that's what I told you before the combination between AgTech. It's not that easy that you combine tech
S9 E108 · Fri, August 25, 2023
S9E108: Mary Kathryn Scala / Freight to Plate - Transforming Shipping Containers into Hyperlocal Food Systems
Like a modern-day agricultural alchemist, Mary Kathryn Scala co-founder of Freight to Plate , turns shipping containers into havens of verdant growth. In our conversation, Mary Kathryn walks us through her journey from the bustling restaurants of Chicago to the vibrant city of Austin, where she first discovered the potential of container farming. Her entrepreneurial spirit, ignited by this innovative concept, led her back to her roots in Chicago with a mission to revolutionize food systems. Hear Mary Kathryn's passionate discourse on the hard work and dedication it takes to bring to life a hyperlocal food system. We traverse the unique intricacies of setting up a container farm, and the importance of harnessing the power of partnerships in this sector. Mary Kathryn shares her insights on the ideal partners for this venture and highlights the pivotal role of tech integration in the current projects of Freight to Plate. The real magic begins when she begins to describe their mid-century modern farmhouse – a testament to the artistry and dedication that goes into creating a successful hyperlocal food system. As we wrap up, we take a moment to glimpse into the future of food production with a look at the Freight to Plate Homestead. This is more than just farming – it's a year-round showcase of controlled environment agriculture, fostering community development and technological collaborations. Mary Kathryn underlines the importance of mutual respect in these partnerships and how they are the key to success in vertical farming. Join us as we venture on this enlightening journey with Mary Kathryn, and glean insightful and inspiring perspectives on the future of food systems. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:01 - Impact in Vertical Farming 13:07 - From Chicago to Austin 20:30 - Creating Fresh Food Systems During COVID 25:39 - Container Farming for Hyperlocal Food Systems 30:32 - Container Farming and Importance of Partnerships 47:26 - Partnerships and Impact in Vertical Farming 53:04 - Visit Homestead in Chicago Tweetable Quotes "Our mission is kind of radical, but to make fresh produce, take it further away from being a privilege because it should be a right, just like access to clean water should be a right." "It's not fair to bring adopters into the space and then not help them succeed. And I think helping them succeed is having groups like Freight to Plate that can help facilitate all the unknowns." “In the midst of getting over and meeting those adversities, like looking at myself in the mirror and saying, do you still believe in yourself, do you s
S9 E107 · Fri, August 18, 2023
S9E107: Nick Bateman / GrowPura - How Clean Room Tech, Robotics, and AI Are Shaping the Future of Indoor Farming
Unlock the future of modern agriculture with Nick Bateman, Executive Chairman at GrowPura . Nick, a seasoned veteran in the high tech business sphere, uncovers the exciting blend of clean room technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence that's shaping vertical farming. He illustrates how this burgeoning field is not only responding to the shifting crop demands of customers, but also bolstering sustainability and food security solutions. This conversation takes an intriguing turn as we navigate the unique challenges of the vertical farming industry, notably around the crucial aspect of funding. You'll discover how their groundbreaking technology is making strides, thanks to its cost-saving benefits, two years ahead of other vertical farming companies. Hear from Nick about the importance of forging the right partnerships and the role they play in our journey towards a more sustainable future. Finally, Nick shares his enthusiasm for the potential of vertical farming and how you can connect with GrowPura. Tune in to this enlightening discussion and stay on the cutting edge with technological advancements that are reshaping our world. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:00 - Exploring Vertical Farming With Nick Bateman 19:04 - Technology and Crops in Vertical Farming 30:37 - Global Vertical Farming Solutions Provider 40:24 - Partnering With the Right Funding Backers 44:47 - Sustainable Funding in Vertical Farming 51:15 - Getting Connected Tweetable Quotes "Vertical farming is definitely really important. The existing businesses, the existing farmers, growers, they can't increase production to that extent. This is a growth industry." “Large corporations are all thinking about global changes. A lot of farmers are starting to flex their business around energy pricing. You've got to really work harder and find a solution that enables you to use the energy all day and all night, because the capital cost of the facilities are so large." Resources Mentioned Nick's Website - https://growpura.com/ Nick's Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/company/growpura/ Nick's Twitter - https://twitter.com/GrowPura Nick's Email - nick@growpura.com Connect With Us VFP LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertical
S8 E106 · Fri, August 11, 2023
S8E106: Christine Zimmermann-Loessl / Association for Vertical Farming - Advancing Sustainability and the Vertical Farming Movement
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Christine Zimmermann-Loessl, Chairwoman at Association for Vertical Farming . Association for Vertical Farming (AVF for short) is an internationally active nonprofit organization of individuals, companies, research institutions and universities focusing on leading and advancing the sustainable growth and development of the vertical farming movement. Today, Harry and Christine talk about how Christine’s entrepreneurial spirit and natural curiosity led her from studying philosophy and political science to heading one of the largest vertical farming advocate organizations. Christine speaks to the need for all companies in the vertical farming industry to work together to combat issues like overpopulation, climate change and other existential planetary crises facing our world. Finally, Christine and Harry talk about the critical role technology continues to play in our world and our future as well as the importance of remembering that we are all part of nature. It is at this intersection of technology and nature that vertical farming can play a saving role. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag VertiFarm Horti Agri Next MEA Key Takeaways 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Christine Zimmermann- Loessl who shares the origins of her entrepreneurial spirit, her background in philosophy and political science, and her goals to understand and positively impact the world 10:26 – An early passion for Chinese medicine 17:08 – The origin story of Association for Vertical Farming and early challenges faced 24:29 – The evolution of Christine’s role at AVF and what she’s observed about competitors and the overall industry 30:00 – Relationship-building in the vertical farming space and growing AVF through partnerships 40:53 – Christine makes a specific ask of the audience 45:56 – Harry thanks Christine for joining the show and reiterates where listeners can go to learn more about AVF and connect with Christine Tweetable Quotes “My father was an entrepreneur, so I grew up with that spirit of being independent and working in the framework that is set by myself and not by somebody else. I could never imagine myself in an office job from nine to five.” (08:20) (Christine) “Now, with vertical farming, all of that comes together for me with technology and biology. The marriage of these two important developments in our history, I think, is a really decisive tra
S8 E105 · Fri, July 28, 2023
S8E105: Michael Sichenzia / Go Global Advisors - The Deal and PR Blueprint for Launching Successful Vertical Farm Projects
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Michael Sichenzia. Michael is the Managing Director at Go Global Advisors and today, he shares his passion for bringing food to communities and what led him to pursue work in the vertical farming industry. Specifically, Michael speaks to the intricacies of developing container farms, everything from getting zoning approval from the local or city government to what he looks for when building a team. Michael is highly mission-focused and wants to leave a legacy of making the world a better place, or at the very least trying to. Michael touches on his involvement in the From Mary With Love project, his relationship with Freight Farms and his belief that education about the vertical farming industry comes through empowerment. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag OunceOfHope CEASummit Key Takeaways 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Michael Sichenzia who talks about his background in real estate and how he made the connection between public storage facilities and modular hydroponic space 08:46 – What Michael looks for when developing farms and when building a team 12:01 – From Mary With Love 15:09 – A budding relationship with Freight Farms 16:38 – Zoning and effectively communicating with your local government and community 19:39 – Empowerment through education 26:34 – Michael speaks to an exciting new project he’s working on in Buffalo 31:16 – Identifying the ideal investor 34:36 – Why Michael is so passionate about bringing food to the community 37:44 – Speculating on the future of vertical farming and why Marketing and PR are key 44:52 – Harry thanks Michael for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with Michael Tweetable Quotes “Having owned and operated restaurants in my past, I saw that that was an area that I wanted to get back to. And I saw that my real estate experience would play into that because I knew how to put together deal structures. And I felt that farming, and urban farming in particular, had a tremendous opportunity with the right deal structure. And that’s how I got into it.” (05:51) (Michael) “I looked at the hydroponics space and saw it’s really a play on storage. Public storage facilities and the way those deals are structured are ideally suited for modular, containerized, hydroponic space in an urban setting. And that was the connection for me.” (07:32) (Michael) “Passion, sticktoitiveness, the idea that we’re gonna make this work no matter wh
S8 E104 · Fri, July 14, 2023
Sepehr Achard / iGrow News - From Finance to Farming: My iGrowNews Journey to CEA
A fascinating voyage from the fashion capital of the world to the cutting edge of agricultural technology is what we have in store for you. We bring you the riveting tale of Sepehr Achard, the CEO of iGrow News . Raised in France and influenced by his experiences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sepehr found his calling in vertical farming—a far cry from the finance world he was initially a part of. Follow us as we traverse this intriguing shift in career paths, the risk and reward of heading a dedicated news platform for the vertical farming industry, and how an unexpected discovery in university sparked this life-changing pivot. Join us as we discover the world of indoor farming opportunities, uncovering the dedication and perseverance it takes to cultivate successful vertical farms. Sepehr gives us a seed-to-shelf view of the growth, from hiring interns and staff, to the potential bloom of data crunching in this field. Amidst the growing saturation in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry, we discuss the challenge of brand differentiation, the urgency to educate consumers, and the need to simplify complicated industry news for the benefit of local communities. We journey through the verdant landscape of agricultural innovation, guided by Sepehr's experiences at food tech conferences and his vision of agriculture as an ecosystem touching billions of lives. We delve into the myriad facets of innovation—technology, sourcing, and production—within plant science and vertical farming. Lastly, we navigate the various channels Sepehr uses to disseminate his knowledge, offering us an unfiltered view of the blood, sweat, and tears that go into maintaining thriving vertical farms across the globe. Get ready to be rooted in place as we bring you this enthralling foray into the world of vertical farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag OunceOfHope CEASummit VertiFarm Key Takeaways 01:49 - Sepehr’s origins in Dubai 10:03 - Challenges of Reporting on Vertical Farming 15:11 - The start of iGrow News 21:22 - Challenges of Differentiating in Vertical Farming 28:18 - Challenges of Expanding Into New Markets 33:24 - Public vs Private Company Correlation 38:58 - Current Innovations in Technology and Crops 42:23 - Attending Conferences and Exciting Developments Tweetable Quotes "You don't grow without taking some risks at som
S8 E103 · Fri, June 30, 2023
Nona Yehia / Vertical Harvest Farms - A People-First Approach to a Fairer Food Future
Get ready for an enlightening conversation on vertical farming and food justice as we chat with Nona Yehia, CEO and co-founder of Vertical Harvest. Discover the growing importance of indoor ag tech and understand the significance of intersectional discussions within this evolving industry. Learn how fresh food access and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) are playing a crucial role in fostering positive change, and how technology is championing this transformation. Join us as we discuss Vertical Harvest's expansion and their people-first approach. Nona shares how their commitment to diversity and inclusion has helped the company stay agile and adapt to the ever-changing industry. Hear about the development of the Grow Well Employment model and how understanding community employment needs has shaped their success. We also delve into the critical role of transparency in this maturing industry. Lastly, we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the CEA industry. Uncover how technology and innovation can empower people, augment teams, and create smarter and better ways of working. Nona reveals Vertical Harvest's approach to prioritizing yields and production alongside people while optimizing costs. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the importance of having a strong vision, mission, and transparency in creating a sustainable business within the vertical farming industry. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag AgriTechNYC CEASummit Key Takeaways 0:01:48 - Food Justice and Access 0 :06:13 - Vertical Farms as Urban Infrastructure 0:11:44 - Building Templates for Farm Success 0:17:23 - Employment Model for Community Growth 0:26:18 - Vertical Harvest's Community Impact in Detroit 0:34:24 - Democratizing Access to Fresh Food 0:45:15 - AI and Innovation in Food Production 0:53:50 - Social Media for Team Connection Tweetable Quotes "The promise of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) lies in the tech, of course, but the tech is there for a reason. Why do we use the tech, and why is it important? And why is it not only important to investors, but why is it important to you, your family, your neighborhood, your city?" "We have shown that access to this very exciting space can be democratized right. And our farmers, who, prior to Vertical Harvest, were washing dishes, cleaning hotel rooms, that's all great. We got to start somewhere. But now they have fed our community good food, healthy food, food that inspires fresh food, and now they're leading the charge in Maine." <
S8 E102 · Wed, June 28, 2023
Qiana Mickie / NYC Mayor's Office of Urban Agriculture - The Heartbeat of the City: A Tale of Urban Agriculture in NYC
Can you imagine the metropolis of New York City as a thriving urban farm? Qiana Mickie, a passionate advocate for urban agriculture and food justice, joins us to share her experience of growing up in the vibrant city and how it has shaped her commitment to feeding New York's communities. We journey through the city's pulsating neighborhoods, reminiscing about the birth of hip hop, our shared experiences of Catholic schools, and the explorative thrills of the 80s. As we stroll down memory lane, we pivot to a more poignant topic; Qiana’s journey as a single mother amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Her experiences spur a deep conversation about the power of empathy, stepping out of comfort zones, and utilizing privilege to create meaningful impact. We delve into Qiana’s work with the Urban Ag Innovation Program and its efforts to connect urban ag growers, bringing fresh perspectives to complex problems like food scarcity, community support, and policy- making. In our final lap, we examine the intersection of food justice and urban agriculture. We delve into the crucial role of hyper-local production and distribution of healthy food, with Qiana shedding light on innovative initiatives like the Harvest Project. As we round up the conversation, Qiana imparts the importance of harnessing the power of social media to expand the reach of her work and the overall urban agriculture movement. Tune in, and let’s unravel the tapestry of a city-turned-farm and the people that make it possible. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag AgriTechNYC OunceOfHope Key Takeaways 0:02:08 - Growing Up in NYC 0:05:39 - Music, Food, and Urban Agriculture 0:12:04 - Connecting Communities Through Resources 0:19:33 - Building Feasible Solutions for Communities 0:26:09 - Urban Agriculture and Equity in NYC 0:31:45 - Innovating Hyper-Local Food Production 0:37:51 - Food Sovereignty and Climate Crisis Tweetable Quotes "With my work, I've been also afforded the opportunity to learn the history, the struggle, and the successes of Urban Ag leaders, land stewards who were in those same neighborhoods that people were saying, don't look, don't stop." "I always kind of felt like New York was a place for everybody, but you definitely had to be open to being open." "I think growing up at that time and being able to have that experience of seeing, music emerge and the mixing of culture, the vibe that people would come with in terms of they brought to the table in terms of food, what they brought to the table in te
S8 E101 · Fri, June 23, 2023
Samuel Bertram / OnePointOne - Seeds of Transformation: From Philosophy to Farming, One CEO's Remarkable Journey
Join Samuel Bertram, the CEO and Co-Founder of OnePointOne and Willo Farm, on an inspiring podcast journey as he shares his vision for revolutionizing the way we grow and consume food through vertical farming. With a passionate drive to solve the world's poor nutrition problem, Samuel’s innovative approach includes a patented automated vertical farming solution called Opollo Farm and a direct-to-consumer marketing and sales business known as Willo. Discover the challenges faced by his companies, the significance of healthy competition, and their ultimate goal of promoting human and environmental well-being. Get ready to be inspired by Samuel’s unwavering dedication to making a lasting impact on our world. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag AgriTechNYC OunceOfHope CEASummit Key Takeaways Discover Samuel’s inspiring journey from discovering nanotechnology to founding two companies that aim to revolutionize the way we grow and consume food. Uncover how Samuel’s passion for vertical farming is driven by his belief that poor nutrition is the number one problem facing humanity. Learn about Apollo, the automated vertical farming solution integrated with cutting-edge technologies, developed by OnePointOne under a patent-protected umbrella. Find out how Willo, a direct-to-consumer marketing and sales business, allows members to receive fresh produce directly to their doorstep. Explore the company's ultimate goal of promoting human and environmental health through personalized health and diet. Gain insights into the challenges faced by OnePointOne, such as adapting to global macros and capital limitations. Understand why Samuel believes in the power of competition and the positive impact of other vertical farmingcompanies. Hear Samuel’s advice on the importance of demonstrating large-scale production and having patience in scaling this technology. Tweetable Quotes “Poor nutrition of humanity is the number one problem that faces humanity quite clearly. And so we said, how can we possibly solve that problem? And we've got to take a big swing. That the problem's. Got to be big, and the solution's got to be big. Big doesn't mean fast. There's a huge conflation between big and fast. Big and fast can exist in software. Big and fast cannot exist in hardware. So big is important to us. Fast is less important to us. So when poor nutrition came up as the big
S8 E100 · Fri, June 16, 2023
Alexander Olesen / Babylon Micro-Farms - The Power of Onsite Farms & Reducing Single-Use Plastic
Join us on an exciting journey as we explore the groundbreaking world of indoor farming with Babylon Micro-Farms and their visionary CEO, Alexander Olesen. In this episode, Alexander shares his invaluable insights on sustainability, scaling, and customer satisfaction, while taking us through his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Discover the incredible benefits of indoor farming, from its potential for local service operators and government involvement to its niche applications for self-sufficiency and unforgettable experiences. Prepare to be amazed by Babylon Micro-Farms' turnkey hydroponic farming modules and their game-changing products that are redefining the industry. With a strong focus on eliminating single- use plastic, delivering fresh and healthy crops, and fostering happy customers, this podcast uncovers the transformative impact of urban agriculture on the food service industry. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge technology, sustainability efforts, and exciting future plans that make Babylon MicroFarms a true pioneer in the field. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover how Babylon MicroFarms is revolutionizing indoor farming with their turnkey hydroponic farming modules, attracting attention and sparking conversations about the benefits of urban agriculture. Learn about the game-changing product, the Gallery, which makes it easier than ever to grow your own fresh food and offers features for food safety traceability and scaling. Uncover Babylon MicroFarms' commitment to sustainability, with a 55% reduction in plastic, recyclable components, and zero pesticides, aiming to set the standard for eliminating single-use plastic. Dive into the Alexanders’s journey, from wearing different hats to managing fundraising efforts, and how their decision to manufacture their own products amplifies their ability to drive down costs and complexity. Explore the company's relentless focus on happy customers and healthy crops, backed by six years of research and development for scalable success. Learn about the potential for local service operators and government involvement in the indoor farming sector, drawing parallels to the subsidization of renewable energy. Discover the exciting niche applications of indoor farming, from self-sufficiency for specific ingredients to creating special moments for seniors in senior living communities and even installing units on cruise ships. Stay tuned to witness how Babylon Micro Farms' cutting-edge technology and innovative approach will transform the food service industry and urban agriculture. Tweetable Quotes “Our goal is to
S8 E99 · Fri, June 09, 2023
Gabriel Zarafonitis / FarmAnywhere - The Challenges and Philosophy Behind a Thriving Vertical Farm Solution
Join us on an exciting journey into the world of vertical farming with Gabriel Zarafonitis, the President and Founder of FarmAnywhere . As a self-taught entrepreneur, Gabriel shares his passion for sustainable agriculture and the challenges he faced in building an ultra-high-tech farming solution. He emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between technology and farming expertise, while also highlighting the significance of quality control and exceptional customer support. Delve into the fascinating realm of container farming and gain valuable insights on educating beginner growers, understanding the marketing aspect, and staying up-to-date with cutting-edge innovations in controllers and irrigation systems. This podcast is a must-listen for urban farming enthusiasts and those eager to learn more about the future of sustainable agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover how Gabriel Zarafonitis went from a self-taught entrepreneur to the President and Founder of FarmAnywhere Uncover the driving forces behind Gabriel’s success and his journey into vertical farming Explore the exciting offerings of FarmAnywhere, including container farms, mushroom farms, and leafy green farms Learn about the challenges and philosophy behind creating a user-friendly and reliable tech solution for farmers Gain insights into the importance of education, training, and support for beginner growers in container farming Understand the significance of community engagement and marketing in the success of vertical farming ventures Explore the latest innovations in controllers and irrigation systems Discover the shift towards simpler controllers and quick deployment in the industry, with popular choices for sensor arrays and LED lights Uncover FarmAnywhere's emphasis on quality control and testing to ensure customer satisfaction Dive into the practical and collaborative approach of FarmAnywhere, making urban farming accessible to all while supporting farmers and ensuring a steady supply of fresh, locally- grown produce. Tweetable Quotes “Well, I think for sure environment played a big role just because it was a need, right? It was a need to create revenue, it was a need to move. I was a bit daydreaming and inventing things, playing with Legos as well. So it wasn't really my thing. But always being self taught. That was like the drive and then I guess the entrepreneurial spirit.” “Well, if you just scroll on LinkedIn and if you follow a lot of people in the vertical farming space, you'll hear all the time, new startups save 99% on your water consumption compared to tr
S8 E98 · Fri, June 02, 2023
Alberto Aguilar / Plantaform - Unlocking the Secrets to a Successful Vertical Farm Through Fogponics
Join Alberto Aguilar, CEO of Plantaform , as he provides a captivating and insightful perspective on the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly growing vertical farming industry. Discover the secrets to creating a successful product through constant innovation and adaptation, and explore the potential of sustainable agriculture. Aguilar's expertise extends to exciting developments like the world's first fogponic vertical farm, showcasing the forefront of industry advancements. Gain valuable insights not only on the future of sustainable agriculture but also on the importance of work-life balance for startup founders. If you're intrigued by the intersection of sustainability, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, this episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast is a must-listen. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover the secrets to creating a successful product in the rapidly growing vertical farming industry through constant innovation and adaptation. Uncover the challenges Plantaform faced, including over 100 iterations and determining optimal conditions for different cultivars. Explore the positive feedback and potential for vertical farming in the Middle East, where countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are competing to become leaders in the field. Learn about the groundbreaking construction of the world's first fogponic vertical farm in Quebec and its potential to produce thousands of vegetables per day. Gain insights into the importance of work-life balance for startup founders and how prioritizing self-care can help prevent burnout. Tap into Alberto’s serious and insightful perspective on the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly growing vertical farming industry. Get a glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture and the exciting potential of vertical farming. Tweetable Quotes “I don't think it's ever a waste of time or a wasted opportunity, regardless of where it could be. We've made so many connections (at Indoor AgCon) that I was not expecting, and it's just about finding like minded people on the same floor right. That you never know what doors it can open up. So, honestly, the more trade shows we go to, I feel like the more opportunities rise.” “And it's super cool because rather than doing the outbound calls, we're getting a lot of inbound requests from restaurant owners saying that we've seen this in television, we've seen this in these restaurants. We want to have the exact same thing, and everyone want to spend more money on herbs. This is fantastic.” Resources Mentioned Alberto's LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.link
S8 E97 · Fri, May 26, 2023
Alaric Overbey / GreensideUp - Tackling Food Deserts & Feeding Underserved Communities
Episode Summary Join Alaric Overbey, Director of GreensideUp Farm , as he discusses the transformative potential of vertical farming in addressing food security issues in underserved communities. Through his experiences in traditional farming and his passion for education, Alaric shares valuable insights on healthy eating habits and the innovative micro-farm model developed by GreensideUp Farm. Discover how education, community involvement, and partnerships with local organizations and grocery stores play a vital role in creating a more equitable food system. This eye-opening podcast episode sheds light on the power of vertical farming as a tool for positive societal change and provides inspiration for those interested in sustainable and equitable food systems. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover how Alaric Overbey and Greenside Up Farm are tackling food security issues through vertical farming technology. Learn about the innovative micro-farm model that strategically places farms close to the demand for fresh produce. Explore the importance of education and community involvement in addressing food access challenges. Find out how Greenside Up Farms partners with grocery stores to provide fresh produce directly on their shelves. Gain insights into the Local Feed Purchase Program and its impact on local farmers and the community. Uncover the transformative project of converting a produce unfriendly grocery store into a vertical grocery farm. Understand the significance of education and partnerships with organizations like the Culinary Academy and Nevada Partners. Discover how Greenside Up Farms is making a difference in fighting food deserts and promoting a sustainable and equitable food system. Tweetable Quotes “I never really even had a real understanding or relationship with food desert. So really going out there and seeing a food desert and then really wanting to kind of do research on the cause of those things, I just started doing a lot of research on food security, what happens to these communities, how it happens to these communities, and then what's being done to fix these communities.” “Really for a lot of communities, it's really starting off with the education, understanding what food access is and then how do you start to reclaim that and developing a model around that. So it's not just saying, hey, you put a farm over here, you put a grocery store over here in this food desert, it's going to fix the problem. Harry Duran: Sure. And that's what a lot of people think from the outside looking in.” “And I don't think there's one system that fits all. I think it's a combination of
S8 E96 · Wed, May 10, 2023
Jonathan Murray / Adapt Agtech - From Banker to Farmer: Ottawa's Thriving Tech and Farming Scene
Episode Summary Join us for an engaging conversation with Jonathan Murray, co-founder, and CEO of Adapt Agtech, where we delve into his remarkable journey in the booming vertical farming industry. With a diverse background spanning banking, clean tech, defense, and Medtech, Murray shares how he leveraged his experience to navigate regulations and find solutions to complex problems. We explore Adapt Agtech's growth and its unique focus on producing gourmet mushrooms in hyper-local environments, including the company's hybrid business model and its plans for expansion into the US market. Jonathan also shares his thoughts on the future of urban agriculture, sustainability, and the importance of bringing new talent into the industry. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the fascinating world of vertical farming and sustainable agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover how Adapt is leading the way in the booming vertical farming industry with their focus on mushrooms Learn about the journey of founding Forage Hyperfoods and the importance of local mushroom production Explore how Adapt Agtech navigated complex regulations and developed a hybrid business model for vertical farming Find out about the colorful packaging and recipes of Hardy Foods, Adapt Agtech's retail product line Understand how Adapt Agtech is expanding into the US market and developing a platform for urban agriculture Hear Jonathan’s thoughts on bringing new people into the industry to solve the world's biggest problems Tweetable Quotes "We activated a new restaurant in the city of Toronto called The Butcher Chef. As you can imagine, a lot of meat at The Butcher Chef, and they're using mushrooms as an entire dish. It looks like a bouquet of mushrooms, and it's a standalone main course. That's pretty incredible to see." "We're trying to advance access to sustainable food. That's the mission of the company. And we're supported from Impact funds, which is awesome because they believe that that's the ultimate goal.” “We are averaging zero food spoilage because if we overgrow, we're donating to community kitchens and food banks. So not only do we have space in our containers to grow and sell and be a commercial enterprise and make money, for sure, but we're also reserving portions of those growers to donate" Resources Mentioned Jonathan's Website - https://www.adapt.ag/ Jonathan's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-murray-74747813 / Jonathan's Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adaptagtech/" rel="noo
S8 E95 · Thu, May 04, 2023
Marcos Enriquez / ISIFarmer - ISIFarmer's Urban Farming Movement: Cultivating Health, Community, and Sustainability
Episode Summary In this episode, Marcos Enriquez, Founder of ISIFarmer , discusses his passion for vertical farming and his company's innovative approach to urban farming. He focuses on the challenges and opportunities of their urban farmer co-working platform, SI Farmer, which aims to provide fresh, healthy, and locally grown produce to urban consumers. Marcos explains how ISIFarmer is leading the charge in the vertical farming movement by using a box theory to create a controlled environment for each farmer, partnering with suppliers, and training farmers for consistent quality. He also shares his vision for expanding the business and scaling it in different cities and places where there is a demand for locally grown products. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover how vertical farming can provide fresh and healthy produce to urban consumers Learn how ISIFarmer is leading the charge in vertical farming with its SI Farmer platform Find out how ISIFarmer is using a box theory to create a completely controlled environment for each urban farmer Understand the challenges and opportunities associated with vertical farming through Marcos Enriquez's insights Explore the potential for growth and expansion in the vertical farming industry Hear about ISIFarmer's consulting work with the city of Malaga and its plans for international investment and expansion Tweetable Quotes "The latest probably was a blockchain company that I built to do the traceability of vegetables from seed to plate. And that didn't really have too much involved with sharing. But I did manage to see that there was a big, big problem with all the agri food supply chain from start to finish. And that made me look into it a lot further." "We started with a minimal viable product that we've produced ourselves in different places. And now we're working on the construction of the final or the first co-working vertical farming co-working in Madrid. It's about 400. It will have the capability of doing all four areas that we think are essential." "Well, obviously the biggest challenge is what you said basically is training the Duran farmers and making sure that the produce is high quality and comes out with the help of all these urban farmers, local uber farmers. So that's going to be the big challenge." Resources Mentioned Marcos' Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcosenriquez/?locale=es_ES Marcos' Website - https://isifarmer.com/ Marcos'
S8 E94 · Thu, April 27, 2023
Daphne Preuss / CarbonBook - Helping Indoor Farmers Reduce Their Carbon Footprints & Fight Climate Change
Episode Summary This episode we are joined by Daphne Preuss, the founder and CEO of CarbonBook, on an inspiring journey to make the world a greener place. As an experienced entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, she shares valuable insights on reducing carbon emissions in the vertical farming space. Discover the secrets of sustainable agriculture, learn how to manage carbon footprints, and explore the opportunities available in this growing industry. From understanding soil health to rethinking fertilizer use, Daphne offers detailed guidance on making vertical farming more environmentally friendly. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and find out how you can get involved in creating a more sustainable future. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Learn about Daphne’s passion for sustainable agriculture and reducing carbon emissions Discover how CarbonBook helps farmers measure and report on their carbon footprint, and how it can benefit the vertical farming industry Explore Daphne’s entrepreneurial background and successes in agriculture, AI, and software Gain insights into the importance of reducing carbon emissions in the vertical farming space, and how the industry can take a leadership role in sustainability Understand the recent advances in research on soil health and fertilizer use, and their impact on carbon capture Find out how consumers may compare vertical farming to traditional outdoor farming in terms of carbon emissions when making purchasing decisions Learn about CarbonBook's breakthroughs in the indoor farming space, as well as their partnerships and accolades Discover Daphne’s advice for scientists in the vertical farming community to not be intimidated by the business world, and how they have all the skills needed to succeed Tweetable Quotes “Since the journey of finding my own business, I've also found it really interesting and exciting to help other entrepreneurs who are going through that same process.” “I often say it's really rewarding to help new founders avoid the mistakes I made over the years. The first time you do something, it's always a learning experience.” “I would say that early on there was huge exuberance for indoor farming, vertical farming especially. Lots of money being thrown at it. I think as it's matured now, we've seen some of those businesses operate successfully and some of them really struggle. So today reality is hitting people in the face.” Resources Mentioned Daphne's Website - https://www.carbonbookinc.com Daphne's Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/daphne-preus
S8 E93 · Tue, April 18, 2023
Eric Levesque / Cultivatd - How Gaming & Poker Led Me to Going All-In on Vertical Farming
Episode Summary In this episode, Eric Levesque returns for Round 3 to share his journey of being a former gamer and professional player and the twists and turns that led him to the world of vertical farming. Eric emphasizes the importance of hyper-local food and why he’s excited about the potential for new crops like mushrooms to play an important part of in the future of indoor grown. Eric also highlights the significance of reflecting on one's goals and values, pivoting business models, and building a culture that values respect and flexibility. Cultivatd 's unorthodox hiring process and emphasis on creating a culture of respect and flexibility make it a leader in sustainable and innovative business practices for a brighter future for the food industry. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover how Eric’s experiences in gaming and poker prepared him for the world of entrepreneurship. Learn why reflecting on one's goals and values is important for avoiding burnout and building a sustainable business. Find out why vertical farming is becoming a necessity for providing both human food and animal feed. Explore the movement towards hyper-local food, where food is grown and distributed within a 25-50 mile radius, and the benefits it offers over traditional local food. Understand the importance of pivoting business models and being introspective to avoid getting lost in success or blaming others for failures. Learn about Cultivatd's unorthodox hiring process and culture that values respect and flexibility. Get excited about the future of the food industry and the potential for mushrooms as a part of the future of food. Discover the growing interest in vertical farming and the potential for larger conferences and more attendees. Find out how Cultivatd is leading the way towards a brighter future for fresh, locally grown produce. Tweetable Quotes “You need some insane mental endurance. You would not believe how much focus it requires because in those games you're playing in real time against just one other person usually and the tiniest mistake can cost you a lot of prize money.” “It's always been go go, but I'm pretty good at reflecting back. I think it's really important for you to just not lose yourself in that process and to reflect on what it is you're doing, because your goals will change quite a bit throughout your life. And if you're not paying attention to that, I think you can get kind of lost in that rat race of you're just chasing something that never ends.” “These farms that reduce 90% to 95% of water, they will be encouraged and incentivized in ways that we can't think of right now bec
S8 E92 · Fri, April 14, 2023
Sonia Lo / Unfold - Understanding the Role of Genetics in Improving Taste & Yield and Leading with Integrity and Focus
Episode Summary We kick off Season 8 of the podcast, with Sonia Lo, the CEO of Unfold AG and a prominent figure in the vertical farming industry. She shares her insights on the latest developments in indoor farming, including the role of genetics in improving crop yield and taste. We also discuss the importance of profitability for the industry's scalability and the potential of next-generation agriculture. Sonia’s background in law, management consulting, investment banking provides a unique perspective on entrepreneurship and investment in the agriculture industry. Listeners will be inspired by her passion for delicious food and diversity in the investment process. Tune in for a fascinating discussion about the future of agriculture and entrepreneurship in the 21st century. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover the latest developments in indoor farming and how it's becoming a viable part of agricultural infrastructure. Find out why genetics are going to play an incredibly important role in indoor farming and how it will make it more attractive to consumers. Explore how Unfold is using molecular information about plants to improve crop yields and taste through computational breeding. Understand the importance of profitability for the vertical farming industry to scale and become a viable part of agricultural infrastructure. Understand how venture funds are starting to embrace diversity and why emotion and bias still exist in the investment process. Discover Sonia Lo's passion for food, including Korean cuisine and her love for pupusas. Learn how Sonia martial arts background instilled discipline and physical and mental awareness that stayed with her for life. Gain insight into how Sonia Lo's extensive background in law, management consulting, and investment banking has prepared her to lead Unfold and to help shape the future of the vertical farming industry. Tweetable Quotes “I’ve always believed that the genetics piece of indoor growing is going to be transformative. I think that not just for yield, which of course is the big target, but also for taste and texture.” “Irrespective of what type of form factor you're growing in, irrespective of where you are in terms of your distance to urbanization, I think that genetics will play an incredibly important role.” “I think we have a brilliant future as long as we act with integrity and focus on the delicious.” Resources Mentioned Sonia's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-lo-27527a/ Sonia's Website - https://unfold.ag/ Sonia's Twitter - <a href
S7 E91 · Fri, March 31, 2023
David Farquhar / IGS - Crossing the Chasm & Converting CEA Hope Into Proof & Belief
Episode Summary In this episode, David Farquhar, CEO of Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), delves into the potential of indoor agritech and how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased interest in deglobalization and relocalization. He explains how IGS is providing the technology and expertise to enable farmers to grow crops with precision and accuracy, and how IGS is partnering with local councils, food banks, and educational institutions to develop innovative solutions. Learn how indoor agriculture has the potential to revolutionize the food industry and create a more sustainable and secure future. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover how the pandemic has caused people to rethink their food sources and look to indoor agriculture Learn how IGS provides technology and expertise to enable others to grow crops at an industrial scale Understand why data is important in indoor agriculture and how IGS is using it to create innovative solutions Find out how IGS is partnering with the local community and educational institutions to make vertical farming more mainstream Explore how IGS is developing new business models to ensure yield, quality, and delivery Discover why the indoor agriculture industry is poised for exponential growth in the years ahead Tweetable Quotes “I would say that indoor ag in general has benefited more than it has lost from this pandemic, because I think everywhere in the world is really reevaluating how it sources its food. We have this additional burden of Brexit here in the UK. Every part of the world that we've been speaking to, people are thinking about deglobalization relocalization and how that's going to just make things a bit more secure, a bit less dependent on other areas.” “In most climates, that really does mean having to move stuff that you can move economically and environmentally indoors, and that's tougher in some places than others, but I think it's causing everyone to look much more seriously at the viability of indoor ag in general, whether that's aquaculture or livestock.” “Our covenant is that we're a tech vendor, you guys are the farmers, you're the growers, you know how to do this stuff. We'll just give you a better set of tools.” Resources Mentioned David's Website - https://www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ David's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgfarquhar David's Twitter - https://twitter.com/DavidGFarquhar David's Email - <a href="mail
S7 E90 · Fri, March 24, 2023
Alexander Kappes / Greener Crop - From Groupon to Green Thumbs: Planting the Seeds of Vertical Farming in Dubai
Episode Summary Join us as we explore the exciting world of vertical farming with Alexander Kappes, the CEO of Greener Crop . He shares his passion for CEA and explains how Greener Crop provides comprehensive farm management solutions for clients. Alexander discusses the potential for hydroponic farming to address food security issues and his vision for Greener Crop to lead the charge in this growing industry. He also talks about the challenges and opportunities within the industry, the focus on resilient crops, and the need for education and reliable data to shape the industry's reputation, particularly in the Middle East, where Dubai is an ideal location for vertical farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Uncover the potential of hydroponic farming in the Middle East and its advantages Learn about Alexander’s experience at Groupon the origin story of Greener Crop Explore the market opportunities in the region and why it is ideal for vertical farming The challenges of securing offtake agreements and the educational pieces needed to generate interest in the industry How Greener Crop is leading the charge in the vertical farming industry with their comprehensive approach Tweetable Quotes “I think Dubai is a great place to call home. There's a high degree of safety. It's phenomenal infrastructure. There's a lot of business opportunities. The weather is always sunny and blue skies now. Dubai has this incredible mentality and this incredible attitude.” “I think everyone realized how vulnerable these countries are. And so there was an immediate shift in government prioritization in public policy and subsidies that were being granted. There was a very quick shift in the regulations where they, for the first time, allowed foreigners to own farming businesses. Previously, that wasn't possible.” “My focus has been on growing crops that are as resilient as possible, both from a growing condition point of view, but also from a market dynamic point of view. And so we grow almost exclusively in all of our greenhouses tomatoes, bell peppers, chilies. And we found that that strategy works really well. Those are among the most consumed crops. And the way we build our business plans, the way we build our visibility studies, the way we build our forecasts, is by projecting that we're going to achieve average yields with these, and we're going to sell them into wholesale.” “I think we just need to as an industry get to a point where we are a bit more conservative with our projections, where we're a bit more transparent about the things that we don't know. My feeling is that with the VC money that had come into the industry over th
S7 E89 · Fri, March 17, 2023
Zale Tabakman / Local Grown Salads - The Importance of Unit Metrics & Scaling to Support the Goal of Providing McDonald's With Indoor Grown Salads
Episode Summary In this episode, you’ll hear Zale Tabakman's inspiring journey of revolutionizing the way we think about farming. Zale shares his vision for providing locally grown, ready-to-eat salads to a global market, as well as his patent-pending technology for growing 60 different vegetables. He emphasizes the potential of vertical farming to create good-paying jobs, address the climate crisis, and provide consistent high-quality salads to McDonald's at all 35,000 locations worldwide. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative solutions and sustainable agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Learn how Zale’s interest began with a personal goal of finding healthy food options for his children, which led him to explore the potential of vertical farming. How Local Grown Salads focuses on scalability and sells its technology to farmers who can operate under the company's branding and procedures or as a private label. Zale’s ultimate goal is to service McDonald's by selling them salads at all 35,000 locations around the world, with consistent taste and quality. Zale’s focus on increasing yield rather than reducing the cost of electricity, and looks at how to reduce costs by focusing on the pennies that get repeated over and over again. Why Zale believes that indoor vertical farming is a solution to the climate crisis and a way to create good-paying jobs in urban areas and food deserts. How Local Grown Salads is leading the way in the indoor vertical farming industry with a patent-pending technology capable of growing 60 different vegetables. Tweetable Quotes “I’m always failing, but I'm always failing forward. My time of history that I love is the 1860s to the early 1920s, and the number of guys who have been very successful in massive failures are just unbelievable.” “So I'm riding my bicycle, we're running around, I'm seeing all these roofs. And then I did a little bit of market research. I said, well, why don't we just grow the stuff on the roofs of buildings, right?” “My goal is actually to service McDonald's. I want to keep the end in mind. I want to be the guy that sells to McDonald's 35,000 locations around the world, salads every day. And when you eat salad in Tokyo, it'll taste exactly as the same salad as in Toronto or in LA or in Paris. That, to me, is scale, right?” “Most people focus in on reducing the cost of electricity. That's dumb. It's really, really dumb. They really do like Zale and focus in on how to increase the yield for every kilowatt of electricity you're using. They're looking at the wrong formula.” “The future is incredibly rosy. Okay, so people are screwed up and big deal. They had too much money, they wasted the money. They got themselves nice cars
S7 E88 · Fri, March 10, 2023
Jaz Singh / Innovation Agritech Group - Revolutionizing Farming with Technology
Episode Summary Join us as we explore the world of vertical farming with Jaz Singh, the founder and CEO of Innovation Agritech Group. In this podcast, Jaz discusses how his exposure to the farming industry in India and his family's generational farming background led him to explore innovative solutions for food security. You will learn about the challenges facing the agriculture industry, including energy costs, and how IAG is working towards reducing them. Singh also shares how IAG's modular and scalable solutions are enabling growers and users to quickly turn a profit while improving sustainability and disrupting the industry. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and farming, and the future of food production. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Discover how IAG is revolutionizing traditional farming methods with the help of technology Learn about the increasing importance of food security and how governments and organizations are partnering with vertical farming companies Find out about IAG's certifications and how it provides consumers with confidence in the audit trail and traceability Explore the challenges IAG faces in terms of energy cost and how they are working with renewable energy partners Discover how IAG is helping their growers and users of their technology become profitable Understand how the talent pool for the vertical farming industry is widening and how young farmers are disrupting traditional farming Tweetable Quotes “The key for us is that any user of our technology is making profit efficiently and utilizing their energy lower than what they should be doing and really achieving those sort of targets and what renewables can plug in.” “The talent pool is definitely widening up, which is great. New blood within the industry is very, very good. You're seeing a lot of young farmers that are coming into the industry, people that don't want to do things traditionally, definitely seeing the way that AgTech and vertical farming is shaking up and disrupting the industry.” Resources Mentioned Jaz' Website - https://iagri-tech.com/ Jaz' Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/company/innovationagritech Jaz' Twitter - https://twitter.com/iAgriTech Jaz' Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/innovationagritech/ Jaz' Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/innovationagritec
S7 E87 · Fri, March 03, 2023
Emiliano Gutiérrez / Raiz Farms - Creating a Decentralized Food System & Exploring Blockchain Technology
Episode Summary In this podcast, Emiliano Gutierrez shares his entrepreneurial journey of creating a sustainable food system through vertical farming. He discusses his vision for using technology, such as solar energy, LEDs, blockchain, and NFTs, to transform the way we think about growing food. Gutierrez shares his personal experiences of building a business from the ground up and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. He also talks about his plans for leveraging blockchain and other technologies to power a decentralized food system. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in startups, agriculture, or global solutions and who wants to become an agent of change for a better planet. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Learn how Emiliano’s diverse background and experience inspired him to innovate and create an impact in the food industry Find out how his entrepreneurial journey led him to create a vertical farming business with a hybrid energy model using LED lights and natural lights Discover how Raiz Farms is leveraging technology, including blockchain and NFTs, to create a decentralized and traceable food system Hear about their innovative modular 3D printed farm wall made of biomaterials, intended for local communities, co-working spaces, and regenerative villages Learn about Raiz’s mission to provide sustainable bamboo housing in Myanmar and a co-working space in Lisbon that grows crops for communities Find out how Emiliano is constantly challenging himself and his team to ask tough questions about their purpose and impact, and how you can connect with him and his team to learn more. Tweetable Quotes “I felt I had the right expertise or at least the right perspective to be able to tackle it in a different manner and actually make something worthwhile that could be made different and take it to market effectively.” “I think people are constantly looking to give to solid causes and to have animpact. So it's been, I would say, not easy, but easier to bring on boardtalented people to join the mission, because it's something that peoplebelieve in.” “We went on the hunt, researching for lights that were able to be dimmableand that could be dynamically adapted and adjusted to the intensity of thesolar light on any given day. And then also installed our own little microgrid. So we have ten solar panels installed that can feed almost all of ourenergy needs.” Resources Mentioned Emiliano's Website - www.raiz.farm & https://igrownews.com/agtech-companies/raiz-farms/ Emiliano's
S7 E86 · Fri, February 24, 2023
Trevor Williams / Farm Traveler - Exploring the Cutting-Edge of Agriculture & the Future of Food
Episode Summary In this episode, I speak with fellow Ag podcaster Trevor Williams and we explore the latest trends in the agriculture industry. We cover topics ranging from vertical farming and regenerative agriculture to cellular agriculture and food production for space exploration. On Farm Traveler, Trevor interviews farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs around the world, as they provide listeners with valuable insight and education about the industry. This one’s a little different and will give you a peek into our podcasting worlds! Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways An introduction to Trevor Williams, a master of micro farming and the host of the Farm Traveler podcast! Learn how Trevor has spent years learning from farmers and ranchers across the United States and the insights he’s discovered on the podcast. Trevor grew up in Bluntstown, Florida and was an active member of Future Farmers of America in high school Learn how podcasts can be focused on a niche and build an audience, with Trevor sharing his thoughts on how to best market a podcast. A deeper dive into cellular agriculture and the future of food, discussing the new technologies being developed and how farmers are taking steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Trevor talks about his upcoming farm tours and his passion for direct to consumer routes Tweetable Quotes “Before I actually started teaching, I really wanted to do this micro thing and travel around and actually learn from farmers and ranchers and see what they're actually doing on a farm.” “It's weird marketing a podcast because you want to market it everywhere, but everybody's listening on podcasts. So you've got to have your marketing on podcasts and guest on other podcasts, be on other podcasts and all that good stuff.” “I think podcasts are awesome. We're a little bit biased here.” “They're really shaking up the whole distribution model, the whole food supply chain, which I think is awesome, because when they do that, not only does the consumer get what I think is a better product, a more local product, a fresher product, the farmer is also getting a little bit more money, which I think is huge.” Resources Mentioned Trevor's Website - https://thefarmtraveler.com/ Trevor's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-williams-871987125/ Trevor's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmTraveler Trevor's
S7 E85 · Fri, February 17, 2023
Caleb Wilkins / Renaissance Ag - Revolutionizing Livestock Feed for a Secure Food Future with Cutting-Edge Technology and Animal Husbandry
Episode Summary Caleb Wilkins, co-founder of the innovative vertical farming startup Renaissance AG , sits down with Harry Duran, to discuss their revolutionary approach to creating safe and sustainable livestock feed. Listen in to learn how Renaissance AG is creating a consistent, reliable, and on-farm premium feed for livestock producers, as well as tackling the challenges of food independence and security. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Utah-based vertical farming startup, Renaissance AG, is leading the way in innovative agricultural practices Co-founder Caleb Wilkins and his partners, aim to address the challenges of food, water, and electricity access Their focus on forages as a solution to inconsistent and unpredictable livestock feed costs Created an on-farm forage production system to automate the process of sprouting grains for animal feed Overcame challenges such as inefficiency and unpredictability in their initial product design Working on innovations to improve delivery and quality of seed used in fodder, and creating targeted feeds for different animals Tweetable Quotes “That's something that we care immensely about, we think the AG producer deserves a very meaningful place in the global conversations and that the AG producer is close to the ground, they're close to the production of life, and they have a unique view in this world.” “We think there's room for a lot of other seed types to be included to target feed certain types of animals.” “We have come quite a way since then, even though it's only been 2 years and 9 months. We have a machine that will produce 16,000 pounds of feed in a day." Resources Mentioned Caleb's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebwilkins/ Caleb's Website - https://renaissanceag.com/ Caleb's Twitter - https://twitter.com/AgRenaissance Caleb's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/renaissanceagriculture/ Caleb's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/renaissanceagriculture Caleb's Email - <a href="mailto:caleb@renaissanceag.com" rel="noopener noreferr
S7 E84 · Fri, February 10, 2023
Tobias Peggs / Square Roots - Exploring the Maturity of Indoor Farming and the Challenges of Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Episode Summary In this episode of the podcast, Harry Duran interviews Tobias Peggs, the CEO & Co-founder of Square Roots, a leading vertical farming company. Tobias shares the company's innovative approach to creating a more sustainable and resilient business, from their technology platform to their sustainability initiatives. He highlights the company's focus on reducing carbon emissions and environmentally friendly packaging, as well as the importance of staying strong and focused on delivering products that customers want. Tobias encourages his peers in the industry to join Square Roots in paving the way towards a more sustainable future. Listen to learn how Square Roots is making strides in sustainability through vertical farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways Tobias shares how Square Roots has been exploring new ways to grow and manage their farms, from the software solutions they've developed to reduce human error, to the materials they use to reduce carbon emissions. Square Roots also has an impact strategy with four pillars: diversity, equity and inclusion; employee empowerment; environmental sustainability; and community engagement. Tobias also talks about how the industry is currently in the trough of disillusionment, and how current macroeconomic conditions are amplifying this. He encourages his peers to stay strong and focus on delivering products customers want. Tweetable Quotes “Can we grow initially? Right? And then, what software do we build to help train farmers and sort of minimize human errors in day to day production.” “The steel that we use, the concrete that we use in the foundation pads, in the manufacturing of those raw materials, they're pretty intense in terms of carbon emissions. So now as we think about future farms that we're deploying, we've had to relook at the design.” “We’ve always thought about running Square Roots with a triple bottom line mindset. So do it in a way that's good for people planning as well as profits.” Resources Mentioned Tobias’ Website - https://www.squarerootsgrow.com/ Tobias’ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiaspeggs/ Tobias’ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tobiaspeggs Tobias’ Email - tobias@squarerootsgrow.com Connect With Us VFP LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast" re
S7 E83 · Fri, February 03, 2023
Henry Ernst / Control Union - Continuous improvement & Driving Sustainable Initiatives
Episode Summary Henry Ernst currently occupies the role of Assessment Manager at Control Union UK Ltd, an organization that specializes in sustainability in agriculture, fisheries, textiles, plastics, timber, biofuels, and food safety. He is the Team Lead for MSC Fisheries Assessments and is passionate about sustainable food production. Today, Henry and Harry discuss plant protection, renewable energy use, sustainability, and the importance of educating consumers on vertical farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Henry Ernst joins the show to share his passion for travel, how he ended up in Bilbao, Spain, and his background in Marine Biology 13:04 – Food and sustainability 18:02 – The origins of vertical farming at Control Union 22:21 – Energy use, plant protection, and other vertical farming requirements 30:38 – Learning a completely new industry and the importance of educating consumers on vertical farming 34:49 – Upcoming projects for Control Union 38:30 – A specific ask Henry has for his colleagues in the vertical farming industry 39:24 – Harry thanks Henry for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with him and learn more about Control Union Tweetable Quotes “It’s what vertical farming allows, right? It’s this plasticity that you can find where you have to adapt to all these external realities and that kind of informs the production realities. I couldn’t agree with you more. I find that to be one of the most fascinating parts of this whole sector.” (12:50) (Henry) “I’ve found that things just work better when people are all pulling in the same direction and people are all pushing for the same thing.” (14:51) (Henry) “This was absolutely hammered into us that plant protection is an essential part of sustainability when it comes to vertical farming.” (24:34) (Henry) “In order for us to begin that work, we need to start from a point of data collection and continuous improvement to drive sustainable initiatives and practices.” (26:29) (Henry) “The goal really is to just push this forward as much as we possibly can. The feedback that we’ve had is that this has been needed and that this has a place within the industry. We’ve tried our very best to create something that reflects the needs and wants of a wide range of stakeholders. So the job now is to actually implement it, see how it works in action, tweak it as necessary, and grow the program with the industry.” (34:57) (Henry) Resources Mentioned Henry’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-ernst-ba7260147/?originalSubdomain=es Control Union – <a href="https://uk
S7 E82 · Fri, January 27, 2023
Tristan Fischer / Fischer Farms - A Looming Food Crisis, Sustainability, & Building a Culture of Kindness
Episode Summary Tristan Fischer has been involved in sustainable energy and sustainable food for over twenty years. He has been the Chairman or CEO of numerous companies, including Fischer Farms , a vertical farming/hydroponics business. Today, Tristan joins the show to discuss the benefits of vertical farm crops over field-grown crops, the looming food security crisis, and the importance of being a kind and empathetic leader Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Tristan Fischer joins the show to share his background in finance, the evolution of renewables, and his passion for sustainability 17:15 – Vertical farming crops vs. field-grown crops 21:54 – Feeding the world: Tristan’s vertical farming origin story 31:16 – The inspiration to launch Fischer Farms and how Tristan has grown as a CEO 42:12 – The importance of being kind and empathetic 45:08 – Fischer Farms’ offerings and ideal clients 48:56 – A tough question Tristan has had to ask himself recently 51:43 – A specific ask Tristan has for his colleagues in the vertical farming industry 52:37 – Harry thanks Tristan for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with him and learn more about Fischer Farms Tweetable Quotes “If you want to do good in the world, you also need to actually be profitable and develop businesses that are intrinsically capitalistic. Using capital to grow and having a business which is purely based on charitable activity isn’t good enough if you want to make a difference.” (10:52) (Tristan) “When I was first doing solar projects, solar really wasn’t a great technology. Wind wasn’t really a great technology. It was expensive. It was intermittent. And, if you move on to twenty years after I started and you look in the UK now, the new wind energy systems that are coming onstream are the lowest cost electricity in the market, with the exception of solar.” (14:35) (Tristan) “The quality that you get from vertical farming is just better than the quality that you get from a field-grown crop. It’s tastier, has a longer shelf life, is more nutritious, it has a lower environmental footprint. There’s just a whole long list of reasons why vertical farm products are better than field-grown crops.” (18:35) (Tristan) “About twenty-five percent of all the world’s food production comes from land which uses aquifer water for irrigation. And, in about twenty years time, in most of the world where they have that type of system, that water will be gone or unusable.” (24:53) (Tristan) “I think that ultimately what you’re trying to do as a CEO is get the best out of your team because, ultimately, you need them. They are the
S7 E81 · Fri, January 20, 2023
Tim Hade / Scale Microgrid’s - Tackling Climate, Energy, & Hunger Through Vertical Farming
Episode Summary Tim Hade is Co-founder and COO of Scale Microgrids, an organization that builds and invests in the world’s most cutting-edge microgrid solutions. Today, Harry and Tim discuss the importance of making our energy infrastructure cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient. Tim speaks to the vulnerability of our power grids, the concept of decentralization, and the actions we must take to address the biggest problem facing humanity: climate change. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Tim Hade joins the show to recall his time serving in Air Force and his passion for solving the biggest problem humanity has ever faced: climate 15:09 – The vulnerability of our power grids 19:23 – Decentralization and Tim’s career in the energy industry 25:16 – Challenges to overcome as a first-time founder and the impact Elon Musk has had on climate 32:29 – Microgrids, explained and the work Tim and his team are doing at Scale Microgrids 35:35 – How Tim got involved in vertical farming and the story behind collaborating with Fifth Season 45:02 – What vertical farmers should consider when it comes to energy usage 49:24 – Lithium-ion batteries and other innovations that are exciting to Tim 52:58 – The tribal lands initiative and the genesis of the capital solutions business 1:00:50 – Future opportunities for Scale Microgrids 1:03:14 – A specific ask Tim has for his colleagues in the energy and vertical farming industries 1:04:12 – Harry thanks Tim for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with him and learn more about Scale Microgrids Tweetable Quotes “Being in the military is what also got me very inspired to work on climate. It’s one of the things we don’t talk about a lot, but for the last twenty-five or thirty years, the Department of Defense has looked at climate change as the number one national security threat over time.” (10:40) (Tim) “We want to be a little piece of this global effort to try to solve the biggest problem humanity has ever faced, which is climate.” (14:55) (Tim) “If you’re going to build decentralized electric generation, solar and storage weren’t really at the maturity point from a technology standpoint that they needed to be at in order to do it in an economically viable way.” (22:50) (Tim) “The reality is that Elon Musk is the most important climate-tech founder of all-time. Tesla is the most important clean-tech company that’s ever come.” (29:56) (Tim) “You think about how people have always received electricity and it’s been from the grid. So, there’s a powerplant a few hundred miles away that generates electricity which comes through the wires and that’s what you use. And a microgrid is really taking that electricity generation and making
S7 E80 · Fri, January 13, 2023
Dr. Isaac Berzin / Vaxa Life’s - The Complexity of Algae & A Quest for Sustainability
Episode Summary Dr. Isaac Berzin is the Founder and CTO at Vaxa Life, an organization that is developing sustainable algae-based feed and food ingredients. He was named one the 100 most influential people in politics, business, and science in 2008 by the Time Magazine for his work in sustainability and climate change. Today, Harry and Dr. Isaac discuss the biology of algae and its role in the food chain, his experience working with supplements at Qualitas Health, and the work he is doing at Vaxa Life to create alternative foods rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:07 – Dr. Isaac Berzin joins the show to discuss his passion for sustainability, what brought him to Iceland and what he learned from his time at Qualitas Health 15:19 – The origins of Vaxa Life 19:55 – Unforeseen roadblocks and challenges faced along Dr. Isaac’s journey 21:48 – The different strains of algae 25:35 – Vaxa Life’s current product offering and their ideal customer 30:01 – Dr. Isaac talks about Örlö, the world's most sustainable Omega-3 supplement 32:55 – The similarities between Iceland and Israel 37:04 – Future opportunities for Vaxa Life 40:13 – A tough question Dr. Isaac has had to ask himself recently 41:14 – Dr. Isaac’s experience as an adjunct professor at Reykjavik University and what keeps him motivated 44:48 – Harry thanks Isaac for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with him and learn more about Vaxa Life Tweetable Quotes “One of the challenges of agriculture is inconsistent quality, especially with a crop that you harvest every day.” (11:30) (Dr. Isaac) “Remember how we started this journey. It’s a quest for sustainability and it’s a quest for superior user experience.” (15:43) (Dr. Isaac) “There are hundreds of strains in the nature of microalgae. Out of these, there are a handful of strains that are approved for human consumption.” (22:38) (Dr. Isaac) “Vaxa is a technology company that creates alternative foods rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. We use algae as a vehicle, but we are not an algae company. And we do it in a sustainable way.” (25:45) (Dr. Isaac) “I have to tell you, the more time I spend with algae, the more I appreciate the complexity. And I understand why they are the baseline of the food chain because they are so versatile and so adaptable. It’s pretty fascinating.” (39:22) (Dr. Isaac) Resources Mentioned Isaac’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-berzin-17386428/ Vaxa Life – http
S7 E79 · Fri, January 06, 2023
Tom Adamczyk / Planted Detroit’s - Biosecurity, Vertical Farming, & Improving the Food Supply Chain
Episode Summary Tom Adamczyk is the Founder & CEO at Planted Detroit , a beyond-organic farm that grows nutrient-packed greens and micros in a sustainable & controlled environment. Today, Harry and Tom discuss the origins of Planted Detroit, the revitalization of the city of Detroit, and Tom’s background in finance. Tom touches on the lessons he learned as a leader and CEO during the Covid-19 pandemic, the role mentors have played in his journey and why he believes it is critical for any business owner or investor to love the product. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Tom Adamczyk joins the show to discuss the revitalization of the city of Detroit, his 2000 Chevy Camaro, and where he got his ‘hustle mentality’ from 13:02 – What Tom learned from his time in the financial sector 16:42 – The impact that mentors have had on Tom’s career 20:50 – Challenges Tom had to overcome throughout the Covid-19 pandemic 24:24 – The origin story of Planted Detroit 29:51 – Lessons learned as a leader and CEO 33:30 – Planted Detroit’s ideal customer and offerings 36:48 – Plans for the future of Planted Detroit 39:24 – A tough question Tom has had to ask himself recently and a specific ask he has for his colleague in the vertical farming industry 45:39 – Harry thanks Tom for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with him and learn more about Planted Detroit Tweetable Quotes “Within business and as an entrepreneur, you have to be able to understand a little bit of everything. From the finance side to Sales & Marketing, to Operations, you’ve got to be technical and have some IT knowledge. There’s a lot of components of a business that you need to understand at least a little bit about each and every one of them.” (12:07) (Tom) “Hindsight, again, is 2020, but the team at Planted Detroit did a phenomenal job of being able to support one another, buckle down, keep the business operating as a critical infrastructure business. And we kept supplying food to our community all throughout it.” (23:28) (Tom) “I surrounded myself with people that had different experiences and backgrounds than me. And now, a lot of those people are still with me today. They are part of my leadership team at Planted Detroit. We brainstorm ideas and we learn from one another. They have backgrounds in Plant Science, Microbiology, Grocery, Marketing, as well as Construction and a lot of different aspects.” (28:06) (Tom) “It’s an amazing product. As an investor in a company, you’ve got to love the product. And that’s really grown organically into my life where people are constantly talking to me about salad.” (36:13) (Tom)<
S6 E78 · Mon, December 19, 2022
Brandy Keen / Surna’s - From Cannabis to Controlled Environment Food Production
Episode Summary Brandy Keen is the Co-founder & Senior Technical Advisor at Surna, an organization that designs, engineers and manufactures application-specific environmental control and air sanitation systems for commercial, state, and provincial-regulated indoor cannabis cultivation facilities in the U.S. and Canada. Today, Harry and Brandy discuss the origins of Hydro Innovations and their acquisition by Surna, the powerful impact that controlled environment agriculture has on the world’s water supply, and what the future holds for the growth of the cannabis industry. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:06 – Brandy Keen joins the show to discuss the value she’s gotten from her experiences at conferences like the AgTech & Brazilian Harvest Conferences 10:21 – The origin story of Hydro Innovations and the decision to focus on climate management 16:06 – Engineering & Cannabis 19:34 – A strategic acquisition: Enter Surna 23:36 – The growth and maturity of the cannabis industry in recent years 26:37 – Surna’s offerings and ideal clients 29:30 – An increased interest in food production 34:43 – How the proliferation of new technology is shifting the cannabis industry 36:54 – Brandy speaks to her time with The Cannabis Sustainability Working Group 39:02 – Lessons in food production via vertical farming and why indoor farms fail 44:54 – Brandy speculates on the endless possibilities of controlled environment agriculture 49:42 – A tough question Brandy has had to ask herself recently and something she’s changed her mind about recently 51:38 – Brandy speculates on the future of the CEA and cannabis industries 54:45 – Harry thanks Brandy for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with her and learn more about Surna Tweetable Quotes “There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to climate systems, in particular, in cultivation facilities. Sometimes there are ten different ways you can do it and none of them are wrong.” (21:03) (Brandy) “It’s interesting because somebody asked me, ‘what brought us to pivot from cannabis to food?’ And, my answer was that there was no pivot. We’ve always served the indoor cultivation market. And food just didn’t exist at the scale that cannabis did. So it was really just a product of the existence of a market, not of us consciously making a decision to also do this other thing.” (28:22) (Brandy) “I think that in the food industry, folks are a lot more open to technologies that can drive down operating costs as opposed to in the cannabis industry where they can be a lot more wary of changing the way they do things.” (32:09) (Brandy) “Traditional agriculture uses somewhere between seventy and ninety percent of the world’s water resources. And, if yo
S6 E77 · Tue, December 13, 2022
Nadun Hennayaka / GAIA Project Australia - Creating a More Symbiotic Relationship Between Mankind & Planet Earth
Episode Summary Nadun Hennayaka is the Founder and CEO at GAIA Project Australia, an organization with a vision to combine the most developed technologies to produce sustainable food & electricity to every human on this planet. Nadun has over twenty years of experience in engineering and technology and is well-versed in the global technology arena. Today, he and Harry discuss the current offerings of GAIA Project Australia, their recent partnership with NASA, and the ways in which Nadun is shining a light on hydroponics and vertical farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Nadun Hennayaka joins the show to discuss his educational background, the unpredictable weather of Melbourne, and the origins of GAIA Project 15:32 – Nadun speaks to the eclectic projects he’s working on, from renewable energy to hydroponics 17:52 – The current offerings of GAIA Project Australia 20:26 – Partnering with NASA 25:25 – Shining a light on hydroponics and vertical farming 28:05 – The role that mentors played in Nadun’s career and how Nadun thinks about team building 33:21 – Nadun’s goal for GAIA Project Australia and Nadun’s ‘Why’ 40:15 – What Nadun does to relax and unwind 41:43 – A tough question Nadun has had to ask himself recently, something he’s changed his mind about recently, and what he’s most looking forward to 48:36 – A specific ask Nadun has for his peers and colleagues in this space 49:29 – Harry thanks Nadun for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with her and learn more about GAIA Project Australia Tweetable Quotes “Happiness is a byproduct of service. So, doing something for the betterment of mankind truly was something I wanted to do.” (12:15) (Nadun) “As you know, hydroponics is not a fix for everything in the food sector. We can fix approximately fifteen to twenty percent of the food sector, maximum. But, if you can fix twenty percent, you only have eighty percent to fix. So the problem is lesser.” (25:10) (Nadun) “My original plan, two years ago, was truly to build a full turnkey supply, to go from everything from the channels, to the Hvac, to the automation. What I have learned is you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There’s someone who’s already invented certain components and are really great at it. And, if you have something great, why don’t we just collaborate with each other’s companies and come up with a single solution?” (33:36) (Nadun) “I’m glad I have chosen a path that I think there’s a potential for it [GAIA Project] to be something really great that can truly change or help mankind. For me, I want to make sure the world is a better place because I was here.” (39:38) (Nadun) Resources Mentioned Nadun’s LinkedIn – <a href="h
S6 E76 · Mon, December 05, 2022
Magdalena Szawarska / Nangatech’s - Growing Smarter & More Sustainably Through Nanogas Technology
Episode Summary Magdalena Szawarska is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nangatech , an organization that designs the most effective nanogas technology to boost the productivity of farming. Today, Harry and Magdalena talk about the state of AgTech in her hometown of Warsaw, Poland, her background in psychology, and the numerous benefits that nanogas and nanobubble technology has on the agriculture industry. Magdalena discusses the low barrier to entry for farmers to utilize this technology and how it can even be used to benefit animal breeders. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:14 – Magdalena Szawarska joins the show to discuss her hometown of Warsaw, Poland and how her background in psychology has served her well in her career 17:21 – Nangatech’s origin story 20:42 – The scientific discovery of nanobubbles and the potential for this technology 23:53 – Early adoption challenges 28:01 – Agricultural benefits to nanobubble technology and the low barrier to entry for farmers 31:16 – Presenting at AgTech NYC 33:16 – Animal breeders and nanobubbles 37:02 – The current state of the AgTech industry looks like in Poland 39:35 – A tough question Magdelena has had to ask herself recently, something she’s changed her mind about recently, and a specific ask she has for her colleagues in the industry 47:34 – Harry thanks Magdalena for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with her and learn more about Tweetable Quotes “For me, the transition from science to business was a beautiful opportunity to see how those other things I was learning - and also, at the next level, I was teaching to my students - really work in real life.” (12:35) (Magdalena) “I guess, for me, this is extremely beautiful that there are unfinished projects. And there’s always a path we can unfold and there’s always ways in which we can improve.” (17:08) (Magdalena) “Starting with the benefits, we can increase the efficiency of crops up to twenty percent. The plants, in general, grow better because the oxygen is a biogenic gas, and when we deliver more oxygen to the plant-root systems, the plants grow faster and bigger.” (28:19) (Magdalena) “In general, we don’t face that many climate issues in Poland. The climate is moderate. There’s still plenty of land that can be used for agriculture. But I guess what’s more important for us, as I mentioned before, people from Warsaw and Poland in general who becoming really aware when it comes to ecology. There are lots of vegans in Poland. Vegans not only don’t eat animal products, but they also think about the environment a lot. So they want to buy local products and for them vertical farmin
S6 E75 · Mon, November 28, 2022
Eric Lang / ZipGrow’s - Fixing the Broken Food Model Through Education & Local Farms
Episode Summary Eric Lang is the President and co-founder of ZipGrow, an organization that educates, equips, and empowers local farmers to grow better food for their communities using their patented ZipGrow technology. Today, Harry and Eric talk about the importance of educating the masses on the overall AgTech industry, why local is better than organic, and what ZipGrow is doing to fix the broken food model. Eric expounds on one of the latest offerings from ZipGrow, ZipPods, and advice he has for aspiring farmers looking to break into the industry. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Eric Lang joins the show to discuss his traditional farming background, founding multiple companies, what he learned from early leadership roles, and his mindset as he entered the AgTech space 13:37 – How Eric was able to apply his experience growing up on a dairy farm to AgTech 18:03 – Eric’s approach to building a world-class team and fostering an impactful culture 20:46 – Eric’s growth as a leader and the various skills necessary to become a successful farmer 29:15 – ZipGrow’s current offerings and the markets they are serving 36:29 – The inspiration behind ZipPods and branching out beyond leafy greens 43:59 – Advice Eric would give to those looking to enter the industry and where Eric sees the biggest growth opportunity 48:50 – Upcoming projects that ZipGrow is working on 55:23 – A tough question Eric has had to ask himself recently, what keeps him motivated, and a specific ask he has for his colleagues in the industry 1:03:38 – Harry thanks Eric for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with him and learn more about ZipGrow Tweetable Quotes “One of the reasons I love being out in this area, even though we have maybe less of a choice of employees, when I find those other farm kids who are talented and skilled, they can and do do everything.” (17:28) (Eric) “I think the reality is coming from traditional Ag, as much as I do absolutely believe in the product, the industry, changing the world, and feeding people, I also come from the perspective that it has to have an ROI (return on investment). You can’t just hope and feel good about doing something great and not ever actually make money.” (22:16) (Eric) “We have everything from online hobby, to school and education, which is a big thing for us. We’re very committed to educating students and young people to make sure they understand and have an opportunity to get connected with the food they eat and understand where it comes from. But, of course, our bread and butter is still commercial farms.” (29:32) (Eric) “I still absolutely believe that proper indoor warehouse farms are the most economical way of growing indoors that you can get. But there a
S6 E74 · Fri, November 18, 2022
Dr. Christian Toma / Kalera - Improving the Food System & The Science of Great Greens
Episode Summary Dr. Christian Toma is the Founder and Chief Science Officer (CSO) at Kalera , a technology-driven vertical farming company that is delivering sustainable ultra-clean, nutrient-dense produce year-round. Kalera is the world’s largest operator of vertical hydroponic farms. Today, Harry and Dr. Christian discuss the nuances of shifting from CEO to CSO, the inspiration behind the HyCube, and how Kalera is expanding its International footprint through targeted acquisitions. Dr. Christian shares his passion for engineering and plant science, what goes into building a world-class team and how he has evolved as a leader. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Dr. Christian Toma joins the show to discuss his vertical farming origin story, the inspiration behind the HyCube, and how Kalera has expanded and evolved over the years 15:23 – A passion for engineering, problem-solving and plant science 18:34 – The inspiration to launch Kalera and the work Dr. Christian and his team are doing 21:32 – Building a world-class, passionate team and how Dr. Christian has personally evolved as a leader 25:56 – The impact that mentors have had on Dr. Christian’s success 27:13 – The decision to go public and how the industry has matured recently 30:54 – Shifting from CEO to Chief Science Officer (CSO) 34:53 – Expanding Kalera’s International footprint and acquiring Endeavor 37:27 – A tough question Dr. Chistian has had to ask himself recently and upcoming projects that Kalera has in the pipeline 41:29 – What keeps Dr. Christian motivated 42:08 – Something Dr. Christian has changed his mind about recently and a specific ask he has for his colleagues 44:31 – Harry thanks Dr. Christian for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with him and learn more about Kalera Tweetable Quotes “Actually, that’s the whole idea with vertical farming. It makes a lot of sense to do it when you can locate your farms very close to your customers and distribution centers for major customers.” (13:36) (Dr. Christian) “I was always very interested in healthy food, not only the value of it, but how to improve our daily nutritional intake - starting with my own family - and then realizing there was a real need for that. And, in talking to head chefs from all of these high-end hotels, we realized there was so much desire to improve the quality of their offerings.” (19:06) (Dr. Christian) “I think that no matter how much technology you use, if you don’t have talented growers, the quality suffers.” (22:34) (Dr. Ch
S6 E73 · Sat, November 12, 2022
David Ahmed / Hexafarms - Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, a ‘Never Satisfied' Attitude, & Humility in Vertical Farms
Episode Summary David Ahmed is the Founder and CEO of HexaFarms , an Ag-Tech Startup that develops software for vertical-farming systems. They harvest data and leverage the potential of AI to identify optimal growth conditions for various crops grown in vertical farms. Today, Harry and David expound on the impact of Artificial Intelligence and other technologies on vertical farming, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and his amazing experience at Techstars Berlin. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes David Ahmed to the show to discuss his experience living in multiple countries across the world, how he got involved in vertical farming and his passion for biology and computer science 14:57 – Square Roots, inspiration and moving to United Arab Emirates (UAE) 19:47 – A ‘Never Satisfied’ Mentality and Ahmed’s experience at Techstars Berlin 26:34 – David’s growth as a first-time CEO 29:55 – The ideal partner for HexaFarms 32:01 – Disrupting the norms and how David thinks about hiring and growing a world-class team 35:37 – David speculates on Artificial Intelligence, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and potentially starting his own farm 43:36 – The biggest challenges posed to HexaFarms currently 45:55 – A tough question David has had to ask himself recently and the origin of the name, HexaFarms 51:47 – Harry thanks David for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with him and learn more about Hexafarms 52:49 – A specific ask David has for the audience Tweetable Quotes “Just being able to grow food indoors is not an achievement. What is an achievement is can you commercialize it.” (11:04) (David) “I have actually tried to look into myself and understand why I like plants. And, I think the answer is that I see in plants the same version of a computer algorithm. Plants are really fascinating, beautiful algorithms interacting with physical properties in nature…I think the meta-answer is that I like plants just because they’re like algorithms and it gives me a sense of understanding and appreciation of things around me. I see a divine design in plants, and the same with computers. Computers are manmade and plants are Godmade.” (12:10) (David) “On our website we say, ‘Forty percent cost reduction,’ and I mean it. We have been running a farm and doing experiments. When I started doing our work, we set up a lab and we really are trying to be as realistic as possible, measuring every single thing like, ‘How many minutes am I spending on my seedling? How many minutes am I
S6 E72 · Fri, November 04, 2022
Allison Kopf / iUNU - Augmented Reality & AI in CEA: The Intersection of Technology & Humanity
Episode Summary Allison Kopf is the Chief Growth Officer at iUNU , a software development company that’s building the future of the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry through their AI-driven LUNA platform that enables growers to develop a feedback loop between capturing data and managing processes to create precise, predictable production. Today, Harry welcomes Allison back to the show for Round 2 where they discuss the merging of Artemis and iUNU, her new role as Chief Growth Officer, and the many ways she’s helping to promote and empower female founders and entrepreneurs. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes Allison Kopf back to the show to talk about her experience at Indoor AgTech and her new position as Chief Growth Officer at iUNU 10:54 – The origin story of iUNU and feedback from growers on implementing this new system 20:13 – Where Allison is identifying new opportunities for growth 26:58 – The learning curve going from Artemis to iUNU and the amazing potential of AI and augmented reality 31:47 – Nokia’s Influencer Series on Food Waste 34:46 – Allison reflects on her time as Entrepreneur in Residence at NDRC 39:58 – How XFactor Ventures is helping female founders 41:58 – A tough question Allison has had to ask herself recently and best practices that have become critical to her success 46:41 – A specific ask Allison has for the audience 48:04 – Harry thanks Allison for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with her and learn more about iUNU Tweetable Quotes “Honestly, it’s so hugely valuable with a system like this. Yes, it’s sometimes difficult to start up with a new system like this. Old technology has a learning curve to it, so you have to kind of get used to this, or maybe change your processes slightly to fit into the new system. But at the end of the day, what we’re focused on is driving real, tangible, calculable value for these growers. Our growers on average are seeing 3x returns on investment every year that they implement this system. And it’s continuous throughout the system because of how much value we can drive.” (14:29) (Allison) “One of the really neat things about this system is it really helps drive that comprehensive coverage component that is really tough to do.” (16:39) (Allison) “There’s a huge understanding process that has to happen because, especially for growers, they’re very very talented at doing these things. And so they’re used to seeing things that they’ve created. So, you take a tomato grower who’s used to doing crop registration and they’r
S6 E71 · Fri, October 28, 2022
s6e71 - Henry Gordon-Smith - Consolidation, Hybridization & Regenerative Agriculture
Episode Summary Henry Gordon-Smith is the Founder of Agritecture , a global leader in urban agriculture consulting services. Today, Harry welcomes Henry back to the show for Round 2 where Henry talks all about his recent travel and nomadic lifestyle, the importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and the evolution of the overall AgTech industry. Henry expounds on the consolidation and hybridization he’s seen in vertical farming, Agritecture’s growth strategy and why he is so passionate, outspoken and steadfast about his belief in Controlled Environment Agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Netled - https://netled.fi/ Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes Henry Gordon-Smith back to the show to talk about travel, his current status as a nomad, and how he is scaling appropriately with his company, Agritecture 11:05 – Pushing outside of your comfort zone 13:22 – Agritecture’s growth strategy 15:54 – Voltaics, mushrooms and regenerative agriculture 18:57 – How Agritecture’s mix of clients has changed throughout the years 22:29 – What has caused corporate clients and investors to pay more attention to vertical farming 24:06 – Partnering with WayBeyond and ‘Greenwashing’ explained 29:02 – Consolidation and Hybridization in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry 33:00 – The 1st Annual Generation Fest, AgTech Week & Edible Planet Summit 39:21 – An unapologetic, outspoken advocate for CEA 41:17 – Henry reflects back on what he’s built and speaks to who has inspired him along his journey 45:01 – Opportunities for young folks to learn more about AgTech and vertica farming 47:34 – A tough question Henry has had to ask himself recently 54:13 – Harry thanks Henry for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with him and learn more about Agritecture Tweetable Quotes “I like being out of my comfort zone. I think the history of this company is, pun intended, very organic. I started a blog and then people started asking for consulting. I never planned to be a consultant. I thought, ‘I’ll start this blog, and I’ll get some cool interviews from it, and I’ll learn some things.’ And here we are. The blog is the brand. I think I’ve gotten very used to, even before Agritecture, just adapting, and listening, and being agile. It’s a key part of who I am as an individual and sort of what we have at the company. But definitely I think that you should be outside your comfort zone if you want to innovate or grow.” (11:05) (Henry) “But also, our new software is a key aspect of our growth. We said, ‘Let’s go
S6 E70 · Fri, October 21, 2022
s6e70 - Keenan Pinto - Plant Genetics, First-Time CEO Challenges, & Improving the Equity & Quality of Food
Episode Summary Keenan Pinto is the founder and CEO of Nordetect , a real-time nutrient analysis product with cloud-connected hardware and accessible software that allows farmers to test their own soil samples and see results in real time. Today, Harry and Keenan talk about his vision for improving the equity, quality and footprint of food through technology, his entrepreneurial journey and why he chose to relocate to Denmark. They also touch on challenges Keenan faced as a first-time CEO, what indoor agriculture activity he is seeing in New York State, and what the future holds for Nordetect. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Netled - https://netled.fi/ Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes to the show, Keenan Pinto, who talks about his experience at the Indoor AgTech Summit in NYC, his decision to move to Copenhagen and the origin of his entrepreneurial journey 12:17 – Any early interest in plant genetics and encountering an unknown frontier 16:59 – Keenan’s AgTech origin story 20:34 – Indoor AgTech and IKEA?!? 25:31 – The inspiration to launch Nordetect 28:35 – Improving the Equity, Quality, & Footprint of Food through Technology 31:21 – Challenges as a first-time CEO 35:30 – Nordetect’s services and offerings, reviews from early clients and the importance of educating farmers 42:11 – A unique consulting opportunity 45:02 – What activity Keenan is seeing in New York 48:55 – Keenan speculates on the future of Nordetect 52:52 – A tough question Keenan has had to ask himself recently 56:55 – A specific ask Keenan has for the audience 58:22 – Harry thanks Keenan for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with him and learn more about Nordetect Tweetable Quotes “I think that’s one of the interesting things about this is that because it’s a young, up-and- coming, and somewhat nascent industry, you start to see activity everywhere. And if you’re in a space where you’re looking at acquiring customers, then they’re [vertical farming conferences] popping up everywhere.” (08:23) (Keenan) “I think I’ve always been into biology through my education. In school, I was a little bit of a science nerd so science and math was a strong point. And, I think after choosing to do an engineering degree, biology stood out. So, I kinda wanted to do something that had not just this pure engineering, but had sort of the living world attached to it. I chose bio-tech because it has both elements and the plant genetics side of things was really during the choice of deciding to study a Masters.” (12:28) (Keenan) “What you see is, with
S6 E69 · Fri, October 14, 2022
s6e69 - Eric Eisele - The Intersection of Emerging Technology In Agriculture & Energy
Episode Summary Eric Eisele is an entrepreneur, environmentalist and CEO of Growflux , a horticultural tech company offering automation and cloud technologies aimed at resource efficiency and yield expansion for indoor farms, and greenhouses. Today, Harry speaks to Eric about Eric’s Philly roots and his rich experience in design and architecture, wireless engineering and renewable energy. Eric expounds on circadian lighting, providing controls for lighting and his passion for fostering resource efficiency and environmental stewardship in agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Netled - https://netled.fi/ Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes to the show, Eric Eisele, who talks about his Philly roots, building lasers and computers at a young age, and the mentors who have been inspirations to Eric 13:07 – An intense interest in photonics 15:46 – Working with KieranTimberlake 19:47 – From high-performing architecture to vertical farming 23:44 – Circadian lighting, horticulture and GLASE Consortium 27:20 – Mesh lighting and the hospitality industry 35:13 – Providing controls for lighting as opposed to manufacturing lighting 38:37 – How Eric has grown and evolved as a leader and CEO 41:09 – Future trends and innovations Eric expects in the controls and lighting segment of vertical farming 43:51 – A tough question Eric has had to ask himself recently 45:09 – The importance of maintaining and fostering relationships 49:36 – A specific ask Eric has for the audience 51:50 – Harry thanks Eric for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with him and learn more about Growflux Tweetable Quotes “One of the most fascinating things to me about that trajectory - moving from architecture of high-performing buildings to this space - is I’ve been able to see how this industry is maturing and borrowing practices and concepts from the commercial building space.” (20:35) (Eric) “At GrowFlux, we haven’t been doing a lot of sensor work commercially lately. Internally we use a lot of sensors. We do a lot of sensing with our own technology. We’ve seen how a building envelope can drive thermogradients within a cultivation space; we’re very familiar with that. And it’s something that there’s really not enough people that are looking at it and accounting for it in the design process.” (23:12) (Eric) “We’ve always known that light is a very significant driver for our own biological clocks. But in 2008, researchers discovered some cells inside the eye that are called Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). What these
S6 E68 · Fri, October 07, 2022
s6e68 - Christos Raftogiannis - Modernizing & Democratizing Vertical Farming in Greece
Episode Summary Founder and CEO of CityCrop , Christos Raftogiannis, joins the show to share his passion for agriculture, how the Indoor AgTech industry has evolved in Greece, and the challenge of assembling a team to take on the complexities of vertical farming. Today, Harry and Christos engage in a discussion on what inspired Christos to launch CityCrop, how Christos has grown as a founder and the work CityCrop is doing to modernize and democratize farming as key to a healthier and greener living. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes to the show, Christos Raftogiannis, who talks about his passion for agriculture and how he got involved in hydroponics and vertical farming 14:09 – The inspiration to launch CityCrop and customer feedback on early prototypes 18:52 – How Christos approaches building a team to tackle a myriad of problems 20:22 – How Christos has grown as a founder and leader and how he decides what products CityCrop offers 24:29 – Challenges of growing tobacco indoors 25:50 – Christos reflects on his experience with The Hellenic Initiative and The Venture Impact Awards 27:28 – The evolution of indoor farming in Greece 29:57 – Christos’ plans for expansion 33:20 – The importance of educating younger generations on the possibilities of vertical farming 37:26 – What motivates and drives Christos 39:28 – A specific ask Christos has for the audience 41:39 – Harry thanks Christos for joining the show and lets listeners know wher they can connect with him and learn more about CityCrop Tweetable Quotes “In Greece, the universities don’t encourage the entrepreneurial mindset in their students. To study something and then go out alone to work on something is not viewed as a good thing.” (11:46) (Christos) “I think I’ve grown through my mistakes because it was my first venture where I didn’t know a lot about manufacturing, software, field work, how you can combine everything. I think I learned a lot [as a new founder].” (20:42) (Christos) “In every competition with a lot of different companies in different sectors...you start realizing that you’re creating something that has value and that you’ve done something right this time.” (26:53) (Christos) “When you are young you learn and you accept things easier than an older person.” (33:55) (Christos) “One of the biggest things [that keeps me motivated] is the climate crisis. We need to keep growing and grow closer to our cities. I strongly believe that our technology can help people to start growing closer to their homes. This is the main thing that pushes us to work harder and harder every day.” (37:52) (Christos) Resour
S6 E67 · Fri, September 30, 2022
s6e67 - Amy Wu - Using Agriculture & Storytelling to Make a Positive Difference in Society
Episode Summary Founder and Chief Content Director of From Farms to Incubators, Amy Wu joins the show today to share her mission of highlighting women in food, farming, and farmtech, especially women of color. Amy is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and award-winning writer for the women’s ag and agtech movement. Today, Amy speaks to the work she’s doing to tell the stories of women innovators and leaders in agrifoodtech. Amy reflects on her time as an investigative journalist, breaks down current issues such as food security, inflation and supply chain, and speaks to the power of representation. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes to the show, Amy Wu, who shares the story of her journey and what led her to a path of writing about women innovators in AgTech 12:29 – Reflecting on her time as an investigative journalist and how Amy got involved in AgTech 18:32 – Covid, food security, inflation and supply chain 20:11 – A passion for making a difference and the inspiration to make a documentary 24:22 – Why there aren’t more women in AgTech 29:43 – Harry and Amy speak to what they learned during Indoor AgTech NYC 33:24 – The power of representation and telling untold stories 38:59 – What goes into creating a documentary 41:54 – Amy expounds on the work she’s doing at the Hudson Valley Farm Hub 43:54 – Making food and farming sexy 48:19 – Three asks Amy has for the audience and where listeners can learn more about Farms to Incubators Tweetable Quotes “I felt strongly about giving voice to communities and to stories that just were not told. And the reason they’re not told, I find often, is because maybe the mass media isn’t interested in them immediately or it’s just too esoteric.” (13:28) (Amy) “A lot of them were in their twenties and early thirties at the time and these smart women were from science, technology, engineering and math and were passionate about tackling issues related to climate and sustainability. And also, some of them were frustrated with working at companies where their ideas were just not being allowed to get out there, so they just thought, ‘Why don’t I hang my own shingle?’ So, I just thought it was a really good time to introduce this. I didn’t know what it would become.” (22:06) (Amy) “The thirty women in my book are a community of their own, and each one of them has said, ‘I want to connect with the other women.’ And from there, it kind of snowballs, right? So, I strongly believe that networking and community is critical.” (26:08) (Amy) “I think it’s so critical - what you said about that love and joy and passion - to be connected to the land. And also just seeing s
S6 E66 · Tue, September 27, 2022
s6e66 - Inés Sagrario - Creating Sustainable Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Episode Summary Co-Founder at Ekonoke , Inés Sagrario, joins the show to share her eclectic background, including her time at The Cluster Competitiveness Group, and the work she’s currently doing at Ekonoke, a sustainable indoor farming start-up. Ekonoke develops knowledge and technology to produce great quality hops year-round with significantly lower water and carbon footprint. Today, Harry and Inés talk about their shared experience as startup entrepreneurs, the power of strategic analysis, and how the indoor AgTech industry is evolving. Inés shares the growth cycle of hops, her passion for sustainability, and her special relationship with her co-founder, Ana. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes to the show, Inés Sagrario, who talks about the Rioja wine region of Spain and her experience living in ten different countries 15:54 – A passion for sustainability 17:33 – Inés reflects on her time working at The Cluster Competitiveness Group, and the power of strategic analysis 20:26 – The accidental entrepreneur and the genesis of Ekonoke 27:06 – The impact the global pandemic had on Ekonoke 30:59 – Inés speaks to her relationship with her co-founder (and cousin) Ana 33:00 – One final pivot to growing hops indoors 42:44 – The growth cycle of hops 44:08 – A touch question Inés has had to ask herself recently 48:23 – Future endeavors for Ekonoke 52:01 – Harry thanks Inés for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with Ines and learn more about Ekonoke Tweetable Quotes “Competitiveness, for me, was the school of my life. I had brilliant bosses. The Founder and the other founder partner at that time were amazing in terms of strategic analysis. Everything I know about strategic analysis I learned from them.” (18:33) (Inés) “So, when we started with the vertical gardens at the restaurants, we were growing in a greenhouse with the ZipGrow Towers. We’d grow the leafy greens or the herbs to be ready for harvest and then we would take them in the ZipGrow Tower and set them up at the in-store or in-restaurant garden. The truth is, I think we were a bit too advanced for the market in Spain at that time, and they weren’t ready to pay a premium for that. So, they used it more as a Marketing thing for decoration.” (22:54) (Inés) “From March 2020 onwards, over the next three months, we managed to secure different business angels that we’d been talking to. Everything we’d been explaining about how it’s important to redefine the food system, and stop having all this food travel thousands of kilometers, but rather have
S5 E65 · Tue, August 09, 2022
s5e65 - Albert Lin - Helping Indoor Farms Grow More Sustainably, My Startup Journey, and the Joys of Entrepreneurship
Episode Summary Founder and CEO of VegBed , Albert Lin joins the show today to share the work he’s doing to create a better and easier way to use growing medium for the hydroponic community. Albert speaks to his experience as an early stage startup operations expert, the entrepreneurial mindset he has cultivated and the biggest piece of advice he would give to founders. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes back Founder of Vegbed, Albert Lin, to share his vertical farming origin story 14:40 – A values-based founder and why Agriculture is such a passion for Albert 18:38 – Going All-In: Albert’s entrepreneurial mindset 23:17 – The biggest piece of advice Albert would give to founders 26:37 – The origin story of VegBed, the connection to rockwool, and what consumers VegBed targets 33:32 – Other areas of vertical farming Albert is looking to expand VegBed and the biggest opportunity Albert sees 38:34 – Mentors who have been critical to Albert’s success 39:57 – A tough question Albert has had to ask himself recently 43:13 – An ask Albert has for the audience 43:56 – Harry thanks Albert for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can follow VegBed Tweetable Quotes “A lot of the issues I think we’re having with health in the U.S. and society and global warming can be addressed in a multifaceted way through Agriculture.” (15:03) (Albert) “For me, I felt like it would be a disservice to [my parents], who came to this country for a better life for my sister and myself, just to do a nine-to-five job.” (19:27) (Albert) “One of the failures that happens I think with most entrepreneurs is they think if they build it people will come. And that’s the number one mistake. They spend all this time and money. They build this thing; they create this product. And then nobody wants it, or downloads it, or buys it.” (23:41) (Albert) “So bamboo itself, when you look at the growth chart, it grows exponentially faster as time grows on. I think within the first month it grows six to twelve inches a day and then after one month it starts growing more than a foot a day.” (32:27) (Albert) “Ninety-eight percent of the lettuce that’s grown in the U.S. is grown in California or Arizona. And, when you think of it, does it really have to be that way?” (42:28) (Albert) Resources Mentioned Albert’s Linkedin – https://www.l
S5 E64 · Fri, July 29, 2022
s5e64 - Ali Daniali - Growing AgTech by Supporting Small Farming & Farming as a Service
Episode Summary Founder and CEO of HRVSTS, Ali Daniali joins the show today to share his engineering background, the origin story of HRVSTS and the importance of supporting and promoting small farming both domestically and abroad. Today, Harry and Ali discuss decentralizing the food distribution network, some big wins HRVSTS was able to achieve recently and advice Ali would give to first-time farmers. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes back Founder and CEO of HRVSTS, Ali Daniali, to discuss what he got out of the latest Indoor AgTech Conference in NYC 12:27 – Ali’s background prior to HRVSTS and taking an engineering approach to AgTech 21:37 – The idea behind the ‘Sold Before You Sell It’ mantra 23:02 – Decentralizing food distribution and challenges Ali faced 29:46 – Indoor farming as a service and the variety of services available 35:21 – Ali recalls latest wins from HRVSTS 40:30 – Advice Ali would give to first-time farmers 43:26 – A tough question Ali has had to ask himself recently 46:19 – Harry thanks Ali for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can follow HRVSTS 47:02 – An ask Ali has for the audience Tweetable Quotes “Scale becomes this thing where everybody needs to scale up. And, because of that, we leave behind a lot of conversations about small and medium-sized growers. We leave behind conversations about food service and other ways of distribution of food.” (10:40) (Ali) “What I had learned from those interviews was that the grower who had a relationship with a buyer and could pre-sell their crop - two crops ahead of time, all their crops ahead of time - they were the ones who were being successful in their process.” (16:31) (Ali) “That model is very susceptible to breaking and it’s not very resilient. We have created these very efficient distribution models that can even come over to the next one when there’s a problem. You have to bury food because you can’t move it from one distribution network to the other. And, with crypto and all these other types of technologies and the conversation about decentralization, the question was,’Can we decentralize our food distribution as well?’” (23:02) (Ali) “I think this is the time right now to bring small farming back to the U.S. and across the world. We lost them because of WWII. Big Ag became this monster to be able to feed and commoditize agriculture. I think we need to fix that. And the way you do that is with indoor growing.” (38:02) (Ali) “There’s so much produce being eaten in the U.S. and abroad that the pie is huge. We just gotta
S5 E63 · Mon, July 25, 2022
s5e63 - Nicola Kerslake - Diversifying & Being of Service to the AgTech Industry
Episode Summary Founder and CEO of Contain and recurring guest, Nicola Kerslake joins the show today to discuss three exciting and innovative areas of AgTech she and her team at Contain are focusing on currently. Nicola touches on a new microlearning platform they’ve launched, the importance of diversifying revenue streams and what trends she’s noticing in the overall AgTech industry. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Indoor AgTech NYC Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes back Founder and CEO of Contain, Nicola Kerslake, to discuss innovative and exciting new areas of focus for Contain 13:02 – Rooted, a microlearning platform 18:46 – Trends Nicola has observed about the AgTech industry recently 21:50 – Crop diversity and shifting demands 23:45 – Contain’s growth, growth trajectory and future challenges Nicola anticipates 28:13 – The importance of diversifying revenue streams 31:48 – Solar energy, cryptocurrency and speculating on the future of capital 37:57 – Nicola’s involvement in Venture Capital and lessons she’s learned 40:40 – An ask Nicola has for the audience 42:07 – Harry thanks Nicola for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can follow Nicola, Contain, Equipped and Rooted Tweetable Quotes “So, our expectation was that we would do a lot of container farms. What we found is that anything that helps to offset labor is really popular. So any kind of seeding or automatic harvesting equipment, anything along those lines goes very quickly.” (10:50) (Nicola) “We’ll never be satisfied with where we’re at. We’re always looking three steps down the road.” (12:18) (Nicola) “One big trend on the vendor side is European vendors wanting to do more in the U.S. The other is we do, and always have had inquiries from all over the world and so we do, on occasion, look at European deals and some parts of Asia as well. The challenge is how do we make sure that we can give them the same level of service that we could to a U.S. farmer.” (21:25) (Nicola) “The interesting thing that we’re seeing though is that, even though the economy is obviously not doing great, AgTech and agriculture as a whole has never been hotter. Arguably, this is a really good time to actually start something because you have a shot at getting contracts that you probably wouldn’t have gotten three or four years ago.” (27:34) (Nicola) “Any successful industry has an ecosystem around it. Our guiding principle is always, ‘How are we of service to the industry?’” (31:03) (Nicola) “That’s something that we think about. Do you have to be the largest company to be successful?” (37:19) (Nicola) Resources Mentioned Contain – <a href=
S5 E62 · Fri, July 15, 2022
s5e62 - Jamie Burrows - Building A Future Together: From The Air Force to Pioneering Technology
Episode Summary Founder and CEO of Vertical Future, Jamie Burrows is a passionate leader with extensive knowledge of the indoor AgTech space. Vertical Future is the world’s leading vertical farming technology and research company, providing revolutionary products and services that enable people and nature to thrive. Today, Harry and Jamie talk about Jamie’s passion for health, life sciences, and addressing critical issues like climate change, food inequalities and population health. Jamie expounds on his leadership style, the focus and mission of Vertical Future, and key milestones he’s reached along the journey. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Indoor AgTech NYC Key Takeaways 07:14 – Harry welcomes Founder and CEO of Vertical Future, Jamie Burrows, to discuss culture shock, his eclectic background, and his experience serving in the Air Force 14:17 – Jamie’s passion for health and life sciences and how he got involved in vertical farming 16:57 – Leadership styles and building an effective team as a first time CEO 24:45 – Key milestones of Jamie’s vertical farming journey 30:57 – The importance of developing in-house tech stack 37:31 – Jamie’s specific focus on the UK 47:19 – A tough question Jamie has had to ask himself recently and 50:53 – What keeps Jamie motivated and excited about the future 53:31 – Harry thanks Jamie for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can follow Jamie and Vertical Future Tweetable Quotes “Looking back seven to ten years, I’d had a tremendous amount of exposure to what a good leader is and what a bad leader is at the Air Force Academy. I saw many examples and was mentored personally by Colonels.” (17:31) (Jamie) “The unit economics of vertical farming demand that it’s all about space and scale. And, if you want to compete then you need big farms and you need a lot of capital.” (20:37) (Jamie) “I think that on our side of the equation, you’ve got the growers over here and the tech providers over here. You have a lot of companies that are building street components. So it might just be lights and great lighting companies. But then you’ve got what I would call systems integrators, where they’ll piecemeal tech from different people, position it as a system of their own, and sell it.” (31:12) (Jamie) “I think people underappreciate that, even in the UK, we still need to spend a helluva lot of money on building out vertical farming.” (40:06) (Jamie) “From a personal standpoint, I do really believe in the fact that what we are doing is addressing very important topics and will continue to.” (51:16) (Jamie) Resources Mentioned Vertical Future – <a href="https://verticalfutur
S5 E61 · Fri, July 08, 2022
s5e61 - Meena Sankaran - Social Entrepreneurism, Water Intelligence & Being a Change for Good
Episode Summary Founder and CEO of KETOS , Meena Sankaran joins the show to discuss her passion for leveraging disruptive technologies to make an impact as a social entrepreneur. KETOS is a vertically integrated water intelligence platform that is on a mission to transform how water operators measure, manage, and forecast water quality. Today, Harry and Meena talk about Meena’s inspirational immigration story, launching W.IN.S (Women INner Strength), and her passion for doing good and solving existential problems. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Indoor AgTech NYC Key Takeaways 07:14 – Harry welcomes Founder and CEO of KETOS, Meena Sankaran, to discuss where she calls home, her experience with culture shock, and her hunger and fire to do better 17:19 – Meena reflects on her background in electrical engineering and the culture of entrepreneurism 25:26 – The concept of ‘Help and Let Help Live’ 30:18 – The inspiration to launch Women INner Strength (W.IN.S) 33:49 – The origin story of KETOS and understanding water intelligence 48:26 – Challenges and wins for Meena and KETOS 57:14 – How Meena has grown as a leader and entrepreneur 59:02 – Harry thanks Meena for joining the show and Meena makes a specific ask of the audience Tweetable Quotes “I think for me [what called me to the States was] the drive to make my parents’ lives better, the hunger within me to collectively make the world a better place for India.” (11:32) (Meena) “I would say the ideation process, to me, is the most intriguing part, because people have millions of ideas. An idea isn’t worth a penny unless you can execute on it.” (21:12) (Meena) “I truly believe that women are such strong souls and you have so much inner strength that is untapped. And, if we are able to uplift each other, we would be unstoppable.” (32:19) (Meena) “What I was doing was really thinking through my mind of what is it that I want to do? Which area do I really want to dive in? And that was getting narrower and narrower. And, it actually came back to my childhood because I looked at what areas are going to make an impact and I thought it had to be in the space of water, air or food. It had to be that important of a challenge in terms of serving the community and solving a real challenge that’s affecting the planet.” (34:25) (Meena) “I believe that regardless of the outcome of where your startup ends up, it doesn’t matter, because what your experience and what your journey has been is so unique to you that no other job could have ever given you that experience.” (38:34) (Meena) “It’s a humbling expe
S5 E60 · Fri, July 01, 2022
s5e60 - Brian Sullivan - It’s Not the Problem, It’s How You Handle It: Traversing the Goat Path to Success
Episode Summary CEO of Indoor Ag-Con , Brian Sullivan joins the show to share his years of experience in event management and what led him to acquire Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show & conference for indoor vertical farming & controlled environment agriculture. Today, Harry and Brian discuss the highs and lows of the events industry, the resilience Brian showed throughout the course of the pandemic, and the importance Brian places on problem-solving and fostering a familial-type culture among his team. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Indoor AgTech NYC Key Takeaways 07:14 – Harry welcomes CEO of Indoor Ag-Con, Brian Sullivan, to discuss their shared love of New York City, how Brian got into the events industry and his path to entrepreneurship 18:11 – Brian reflects on two major snags he’s experienced while putting on trade shows 21:44 – Acquiring Indoor Ag-Con and Brian’s vertical farming origin story 25:17 – What Brian looks for in an event before deciding to acquire it 33:34 – Gathering input on how to grow, change, and make it better 36:44 – Brian speaks to some of his favorite moments from event management 43:36 – Brian shares what he learned about resilience and leadership throughout Covid 48:29 – Where Brian learned his resilience and why fostering familial support is so important 52:33 – Harry thanks Brian for joining the show and Brian makes a specific ask of the audience Tweetable Quotes “I fell in love with the [events] industry. It really is Lights, Camera, Action. It’s buildup and it’s creating something again and again. There’s always a twist. There’s always excitement. And business is transacted there.” (12:49) (Brian) “Connors Exhibition Group was the company I worked for. And the show I was brought onto was the National Hardware Show. It was actually the third-largest trade show in North America. I got a lot of experience but then I left honestly because it was very corporate. My wife was working in the same industry which is how we met. And we saw an opportunity to try to start a little company, and it worked.” (13:55) (Brian) “For me, it’s fun. I can’t see myself ever doing anything else. It gets in your blood and it’s a lot of fun producing events.” (21:03) (Brian) “If you’re building a farm, in my mind, where do you start? Do you start at building it or do you start on who your customer is going to be? Are you selling it to a restaurant? Are you going direct-to-consumer? Are you going to grocers?” <str
S5 E59 · Thu, June 23, 2022
s5e59 - Stephen Eaves - Flash of Inspiration: How Digital Electricity Is Changing the Vertical Farming Industry
Episode Summary CEO and Founder of VoltServer, Stephen Eaves joins the show to share over twenty years of experience in the energy industry and his passion for doing things that have never been done before. Stephen is an expert in battery management, power electronics and energy infrastructure and has fifteen patents issued or pending related to energy storage and power conversion. Today, Harry and Stephen talk about the origin story of VoltServer and the technology behind digital electricity. Stephen shares his thoughts on areas where digital electricity can benefit vertical farming, what the future holds for both industries and what the future holds for high-tech power distribution. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Indoor AgTech NYC Key Takeaways 07:14 – Harry welcomes CEO and Founder of VoltServer, Stephen Eaves, to talk about his entrepreneurial background and his passion for doing things that have never been done before 14:40 – Edison, Tesla, and Eaves 19:40 – Mentors who inspired and helped Stephen along his journey 20:48 – Digital electricity and the origin story of VoltServer 25:05 – Consumer and industry response 30:04 – How Stephen got involved in vertical farming 33:58 – Other areas of vertical farming that VoltServer can benefit 38:20 – The reaction of the electricians’ community and what’s on the horizon for VoltServer and digital electricity technology 43:48 – Opportunities Stephen sees in the vertical farming and indoor AgTech space 48:06 – A tough question Stephen has had to ask himself recently and an ask Stephen has for the audience 51:26 – What has Stephen excited about the future of VoltServer 52:23 – Harry thanks Stephen for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about VoltServer Tweetable Quotes “I’ve always had a passion or an obsession to do things that have never been done before - things that are uniquely different.” (12:54) (Stephen) “For me it’s just a lot of hard work. I wouldn’t say I’m in the category of what they call the flash of genius or flash of inspiration. It’s mainly about looking at problems and finding an un-thought of way to solve a problem that hasn’t been thought of before.” (17:26) (Stephen) “There’s nothing like digital electricity. There’s nothing out there where you can touch wires and it knows the difference between you and a vacuum cleaner or something like that.” (21:37) (Stephen) “We see this type of electricity being the next thing in electricity that will displace full AC infrastructure in buildings and probably cities. But it will take a w
S5 E58 · Fri, June 17, 2022
s5e58 - Max Loessl - A One Size Fits All Solution for Growing Greens at Home
Episode Summary Co-Founder & CEO of Agrilution, Max Loessl has a vision of bringing the revolutionary concept of vertical farming to every home to allow everyone to grow their own nutritious plants. Today, Harry and Max discuss the work Max and his co-founder have done to develop a viable Personal Vertical Farming System. Max shares what inspired his affinity for entrepreneurship and vertical farming, discusses the origins of Thought for Food, and expounds Agrilution’s offerings, including the Plantcube. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Indoor AgTech NYC Key Takeaways 04:27 – Harry welcomes Co-Founder & CEO of Agrilution, Max Loessl, to discuss his vertical farming origin story and the inspiration he got from the book, The Vertical Farm , and 13:14 – Lessons learned in the early years of vertical farming and how Max’s entrepreneurial spirit arose 17:56 – Failing Forward 20:44 – How Thought for Food came about 25:22 – Agrilution’s offerings and target market 27:55 – Challenges with hardware, software and controlling biology 31:37 – How Max has grown as a leader and why culture and communication are both critical 33:47 – Max speaks to the approach he takes in serving other markets and positive feedback on Agrilution appliances 42:35 – A tough question Max has asked himself recently and networking in the vertical farming industry 45:58 – What excites Max most about the future of Agrilution and vertical farming 47:00 – Harry thanks Max for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about Agrilution Tweetable Quotes “I was just so inspired, on the one side, drawing that grim reality that we’re living in and, on the other side, having that potential vision of the future of doing agriculture more in-line with our planetary boundaries.” (08:46) (Max) “It [vertical farming] really is a multi-billion dollar industry, but it’s also nowhere close to the potential of where it could one day be, I think. We’re still in the very early days.” (14:58) (Max) “We’ve basically invented this personal vertical farming category. It’s a home appliance in the size of a dishwasher with two layers. You can grow up to nine different plants per layers, so eighteen different plants in the entire product. And it takes care of the entire growing process, from seed to harvest.” (25:38) (Max) “One thing to highlight is how critically important culture is and hiring the right people. The other thing is communication. Everything succeeds or fails with the right communication and setting up t
S5 E57 · Fri, June 10, 2022
s5e57 - Niko Kivioja - Broadening the Farm: Providing Holistic Solutions & Innovation within the Vertical Farming Industry
Episode Summary CEO of Netled , Niko Kivioja spent the first part of his career in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) as a grower and has spent the last decade in high-tech closed-environment and vertical farming technology development. Today, Harry and Niko discuss how the vertical farming industry is growing and what opportunities exist for competitors within the industry to share technological advances to benefit all companies. Niko shares some exciting new projects and partnerships, including one with a Calgary-based wholesale supplier to bring Netled’s Vera vertical farming technology to the North American market. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 04:27 – Harry welcomes CEO of Netled, Niko Kivioja, to talk about the proprietary Vera vertical farming platform he’s been managing and the research that goes into shifting focus to new produce such as strawberries 14:34 – Providing holistic solutions and building a world-class vertical farming team 18:33 – Advancements and specialization of technology in vertical farming and sharing resources so all companies in the industry benefit 23:01 – Niko talks about the latest initiative between Netled and Calgary-based Rambridge Wholesale Supply to bring Vera vertical farming technology to the North American market 33:15 – What excites Niko most about future innovations in the vertical farming industry 35:54 – Niko shares a major production project he’s currently working on 38:55 – Power consumption at a vertical farm 41:06 – Raising awareness and educating the masses on vertical farming 45:18 – What keeps Niko motivated 48:35 – Harry thanks Niko for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about Netled Tweetable Quotes “I see that, to actually make a difference in this field when there is a lot of new commerce to the business, you have to offer broader offerings than just the farm and just the details of that farm.” (14:19) (Niko) “That’s the problem for all technology companies. The technology is only as good as the people making it.” (16:45 (Niko) “It’s always difficult when you risk sharing information with your competitors. Then again, when there is a limited amount of talent, that would benefit the entire industry to actually make a successful method so that all the interests of different companies can be met.” (21:58) (Niko) “Since the early days of vertical farming, there were challenges of getting financially feasible technology for actual commercial production.” (28:10) (Niko) “We’re wo
S5 E56 · Fri, June 03, 2022
s5e56 - Viraj Puri - Transforming Local Produce, One Rooftop Greenhouse at a Time
Episode Summary Co-founder and CEO of Gotham Greens , Viraj Puri is on a mission to transform the way we approach our food system by growing greener foods in better ways. Through his work at Gotham Greens, Viraj and his team help to build and operate sustainable greenhouses in cities across America. Today, Viraj and Harry dive deep into the urban farming industry and why it is critical to educate a future workforce of engineers, scientists and farmers to ensure its continued success. They touch on Viraj’s inspiration for launching Gotham Greens, revitalizing communities and innovating for a sustainable future. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 04:27 – Harry welcomes Co-founder and CEO of Gotham Greens, Viraj Puri, to discuss his circuitous path to vertical farming, clean technology, and the origin story of Gotham Greens 18:46 – Early lessons Viraj learned and where he gleaned inspiration along the way 22:01 – What Viraj would have done differently if given the chance 24:55 – Educating talented new engineers and farmers in the vertical farming industry 28:57 – A mission-driven organization 32:43 – Viraj reflects on his personal growth as a CEO and mentors who have helped him grow along the way 36:01 – What the future holds for Gotham Greens 40:24 – A tough question Viraj has asked himself recently and what excites him most about the future of vertical and urban farming 45:03 – Harry thanks Viraj for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about Gotham Greens Tweetable Quotes “One can obviously deploy technology. But then one has to also ensure that there’s a captive marketplace for those goods and services.” (11:17) (Viraj) “That’s what’s really cool about urban farming, broadly speaking, is that it touches on so many different socioeconomic themes such as public health, environmental education, urban planning. And then, of course, you can do it the way we do it. It’s much more commercial scale and a meaningful amount of food production and supply chain transformation.” ( 13:20) (Viraj) “We were and continue to be a mission-driven organization that’s deeply rooted in this ethos of trying to make the world a better place and to use fewer resources to produce healthier food.” (24:30) (Viraj) “I think that curiosity is a really important attribute or characteristic for strong leaders. And I think the fact that we built the business from the ground up has necessitated that sense of curiosity.” (34:00) (Viraj) Resources Mentioned Gotham Greens
S5 E55 · Mon, May 16, 2022
s5e55 - Vonnie Estes – Leveraging Technology to Achieve Revolutionary Results in AgTech
Episode Summary Vice President of Innovation at Produce Marketing Association, Vonnie Estes is driven by a passion for agriculture, sustainability and wanting to make an impact on serious issues such as climate change and broken supply chains. Today, Vonnie and Harry engage in a rich discussion on Plant Pathology, educating consumers on vertical farming, and promoting diversity in the AgTech industry. Vonnie shares lessons she’s learned from working at big corporations such as Monsanto, Syngenta and DuPont, and her mission to immerse others into the produce industry. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 07:13 – Harry welcomes Vice President of Innovation at Produce Marketing Association, Vonnie Estes, to discuss the work she’s doing in Produce and some of the recent vertical farming conferences she’s attended 11:08 – Genetic Engineering & Plant Pathology 13:55 – Lessons Vonnie learned from working at Monsanto, Syngenta and DuPont 17:52 – Vonnie’s vertical farming origin story 23:43 – What drives and motivates Vonnie 26:16 – The importance of promoting diversity in the AgTech industry and immersing others into the produce industry 32:25 – Vonnie goes into detail about ongoing projects at Produce Marketing Association 45:00 – The importance of educating consumers on AgTech and vertical farming 48:14 – A tough question Vonnie has asked herself recently and what excites her most about the future of AgTech 50:08 – Harry thanks Vonnie for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about Fresh Produce Tweetable Quotes “I think for big companies like that, being willing to let people try new things and let it fail, and try different technologies, and keep it a little bit separate from your ongoing revenue-generating business is a really smart way to do it.” (15:35) (Vonnie) “In part of my work with Caribou when I was looking at spinning out this Ag group, what I really wanted to focus on was what breeding could we do for vertical farms? If you’re growing something inside, does the architecture of the plant need to be different? What are some of the traits you can work with? And so, I was really thinking about breeding for vertical farms.” (20:43) (Vonnie) “I’ve always been driving by [wanting to make an impact]. I think, especially at this time looking at some of the scary macro-drivers around supply chain, and climate change, and some of the other issues we’re facing. And looking at human health and how people need to eat, we can have a big impact on that, on how we grow our food and what food we grow and what food people eat.” (23:51) (Vonnie) “One thing I would say - just to plug some of the w
S5 E54 · Sat, May 07, 2022
s5e54 - John Purcell – Innovation, Supply Chain and Expanding Beyond Leafy Greens
Episode Summary President and CEO of Unfold, Dr. John Purcell returns to the show to discuss the progress he’s made helping improve efficiencies within the indoor agriculture community. John speaks to his desire to branch out beyond leafy greens, tomatoes and cucumbers to other crops and talks about the recent launch of their Innovation Partner Program. John discusses the various challenges facing the vertical farming industry, how he approaches strategically growing a team, and what the next year holds for Unfold. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 03:41 – Harry welcomes back to the show CEO of Unfold, John Purcell, to discuss ongoing Vertical Farming conferences, supply chain and growing a team strategically 14:33 – The product mix at Unfold 18:29 – Identifying the ideal strategic partner 22:12 – The evolution of breeding programs in vertical farming 24:26 – Overcoming challenges of supply chain, food deserts, and access to local, fresh food 34:12 – Innovations that are happening in the vertical farming industry 44:10 – Exciting plans for Unfold 45:48 – A tough question John has asked himself recently and an ask he has for the audience 51:11 – Harry thanks John for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about the work he’s doing at Unfold Tweetable Quotes “I think for Vertical Farming to really realize its full potential , we have to be seen as part of the supply chain. We have to be seen as part of where produce is heading, an important part rather than just this island out there that has really cool tech.” (10:19) (John) “What we’re most interested in is companies that can generate data, do the testing and trialing, and then provide that on the performance of our specific genetic packages that we’re providing.” (20:23) (John) “It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, whether it’s urban areas or mega cities, people want fresh, local, great quality produce. And they want it produced near to where they’re consuming it. So that’s holding now everywhere in the world.” (25:25) (John) “One of the things I was taught early on when I went into the vegetable side of the business was don’t talk about taste, talk about sensory experience. Because the fact is, the way that we perceive an eating experience goes well beyond taste. It’s how it feels in your mouth. It’s even the sound. Is the crunch, right? It’s the color. It’s the appearance.” (32:04) (John) Resources Mentioned Vertical Farming Show – <a href="https://verticalfarmingshow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_bla
S5 E53 · Fri, April 29, 2022
s5e53 - Juan Gabriel Succar - Reinventing the Food Industry
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Juan Gabriel Succar, CEO and Director of Verde Compacto , the first vertical farming company out of Latin America. Verde Compacto is an organization that is dedicated to reinventing the food industry through technology. Today, Juan shares his origin story and how his passion for environmental sustainability led him to launch Verde Compacto. Juan and Harry talk about the exponential growth of the industry, why mass education and proper hiring are crucial and why government involvement in such endeavors has been lackluster at best. Finally, Juan talks about some of the upcoming projects he’s working on that will help to transform the agri-food industry in Mexico and around the world. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Juan Gabriel Succar who talks about how his passion for the environment led him and his cousin to launch the very first vertical farming organization in Latin America 11:29 – What Juan observed about vertical around the world that inspired him to launch Verde Compacto 12:47 – Partnerships and mixing family with business 17:38 – Mass education of vertical farming 19:26 – Verde Compacto’s offerings and explaining Huvster 22:21 – Feedback from early customers 26:03 – Government involvement (or non-involvement) in vertical farming 31:07 – What’s next for Juan and Verde Compacto 34:04 – Harry thanks Juan for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about Verde Compacto Tweetable Quotes “From 2016 to 2019, we focused on developing technology for indoor vertical farming to make it more productive at a lower cost and to reach more people and to get more people into the vertical farming industry.” (04:47) (Juan) “In the end, if we do not have a healthy environment, we cannot have a healthy population. Everything that we do and our lives depend on the environment.” (10:44) (Juan) “I think the most important thing here is to know where you want to go, have certain technical skills, but a lot of creativity and open mindedness to learn new things.” (18:31) (Juan) “That’s very important in this industry to get focused on what you’re good at and what your value proposition is and how to increase it. It’s grow fast, but grow smart as well.” (25:52) (Juan) “We are starting to develop a project for these food deserts. So we start creating a circular economy project, bringing container farms here in order to get better food to the people, which gets them healthy. Being healthy, everything starts working. Then you get jobs there and they can grow their own food. W
S4 E52 · Sat, February 12, 2022
s4e52 - Michael Sichenzia - The Deal and PR Blueprint for Launching Successful Vertical Farm Projects
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Michael Sichenzia. Michael is the Managing Director at Go Global Advisors and today, he shares his passion for bringing food to communities and what led him to pursue work in the vertical farming industry. Specifically, Michael speaks to the intricacies of developing container farms, everything from getting zoning approval from the local or city government to what he looks for when building a team. Michael is highly mission-focused and wants to leave a legacy of making the world a better place, or at the very least trying to. Michael touches on his involvement in the From Mary With Love project, his relationship with Freight Farms and his belief that education about the vertical farming industry comes through empowerment. Thanks to Our Sponsors Cultivatd Indoor Ag-Con Key Takeaways 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Michael Sichenzia who talks about his background in real estate and how he made the connection between public storage facilities and modular hydroponic space 08:46 – What Michael looks for when developing farms and when building a team 12:01 – From Mary With Love 15:09 – A budding relationship with Freight Farms 16:38 – Zoning and effectively communicating with your local government and community 19:39 – Empowerment through education 26:34 – Michael speaks to an exciting new project he’s working on in Buffalo 31:16 – Identifying the ideal investor 34:36 – Why Michael is so passionate about bringing food to the community 37:44 – Speculating on the future of vertical farming and why Marketing and PR are key 44:52 – Harry thanks Michael for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with Michael Tweetable Quotes “Having owned and operated restaurants in my past, I saw that that was an area that I wanted to get back to. And I saw that my real estate experience would play into that because I knew how to put together deal structures. And I felt that farming, and urban farming in particular, had a tremendous opportunity with the right deal structure. And that’s how I got into it.” (05:51) (Michael) “I looked at the hydroponics space and saw it’s really a play on storage. Public storage facilities and the way those deals are structured are ideally suited for modular, containerized, hydroponic space in an urban setting. And that was the connection for me.” (07:32) (Michael) “Passion, sticktoitiveness, the idea that we’re gonna make this work no matter what the obstacle is, that’s very important in any entrepreneurial venture.” <strong
S4 E51 · Sun, February 06, 2022
s4e51 - Christine Zimmermann-Loessl - Advancing Sustainability and the Vertical Farming Movement
Episode Summary: Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Christine Zimmermann-Loessl, Chairwoman at Association for Vertical Farming . Association for Vertical Farming (AVF for short) is an internationally active nonprofit organization of individuals, companies, research institutions and universities focusing on leading and advancing the sustainable growth and development of the vertical farming movement. Today, Harry and Christine talk about how Christine’s entrepreneurial spirit and natural curiosity led her from studying philosophy and political science to heading one of the largest vertical farming advocate organizations. Christine speaks to the need for all companies in the vertical farming industry to work together to combat issues like overpopulation, climate change and other existential planetary crises facing our world. Finally, Christine and Harry talk about the critical role technology continues to play in our world and our future as well as the importance of remembering that we are all part of nature. It is at this intersection of technology and nature that vertical farming can play a saving role. Episodes Sponsor: Global Vertical Farming Show – https://verticalfarmingshow.com/ Cultivatd – https://cultivatd.com/ What We Covered: 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Christine Zimmermann-Loessl who shares the origins of her entrepreneurial spirit, her background in philosophy and political science, and her goals to understand and positively impact the world 10:26 – An early passion for Chinese medicine 17:08 – The origin story of Association for Vertical Farming and early challenges faced 24:29 – The evolution of Christine’s role at AVF and what she’s observed about competitors and the overall industry 30:00 – Relationship-building in the vertical farming space and growing AVF through partnerships 40:53 – Christine makes a specific ask of the audience 45:56 – Harry thanks Christine for joining the show and reiterates where listeners can go to learn more about AVF and connect with Christine Tweetable Quotes: “My father was an entrepreneur, so I grew up with that spirit of being independent and working in the framework that is set by myself and not by somebody else. I could never imagine myself in an office job from nine to five.” (08:20) (Christine) “Now, with vertical farming, all of that comes together for me with technology and biology. The marriage of these two important developments i
S4 E50 · Fri, January 28, 2022
s4e50 - Ray Urrutia - Impacting Humanity and Feeding the World Organically through Terraponics
Episode Summary: Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Ray Urrutia, Founder and CEO of Terra Firma Foods, an organization seeking to develop vertical farms and an innovative way to grow organic crops. Today, Harry and Ray discuss how Ray’s illustrious business background and charitable nature led him to the vertical farming industry. Ray speaks to the challenges that Terra Firma Foods faces and their plans to develop and ‘branchise’ their model farms across the U.S. and, eventually, nationally and internationally. Ray also shares his unique viewpoint of other competing vertical farming organizations and his belief in acting on ideas. Finally, Ray speculates on what the future holds for Terra Firma Foods and invites listeners to reach out to him to learn more. Episodes Sponsor: Global Vertical Farming Show – https://verticalfarmingshow.com/ Cultivatd – https://cultivatd.com/ What We Covered: 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Ray Urrutia who speaks to his background in business and his charitable spirit 12:13 – The work Ray’s done at the Financial Strategist Consulting Firm, RAU 15:58 – Fostering lifelong relationships is business 17:24 – Ray recalls the moment he realized how critical vertical farming could be 20:41 – Terra Firma’s business model and terraponics explained 29:23 – Why Ray has no competition in the vertical farming landscape 32:19 – Challenges that Ray foresees for Terra Firma 36:54 – Securing funds and setting up R&D for Terra Firma 41:49 – Ray speaks to what leaving a legacy means to him as well as his ongoing spiritual journey 49:25 – Harry thanks Ray for joining the show and reiterates where listeners can go to learn more about Terra Firma and connect with Ray Tweetable Quotes: “And that’s where food comes in. The necessities of life are eating, shelter, clothing and, in today’s world, transportation. But I look at eating and it’s always been on my mind and in my heart because I couldn’t understand why a country like ours has so many hungry people or a country like ours has food shelters and shelters for people to live in because they don’t have housing.” (08:04) (Ray) “That process, when you look at it, is very archaic because when you cut something and chill it right away, it’s already dying. Chilling does not preserve it. If you take anything that’s wet and you chill it, it’s gonna get cold and freeze. When it freezes, it’s gotta thaw. And I
S4 E49 · Mon, January 17, 2022
s4e49 - Dandridge Melton - Solving Worldwide Agricultral Challenges through Hydroponic Technology & Shipping Containers
Episode Summary: Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Dandridge Melton, founder of Vertical Growth Farming Systems, an organization that’s seeking to change the way that the world approaches hunger, malnutrition, natural disasters and the effects traditional farming has on our environment through their unique container farms. Today, Harry and Dandridge discuss the vertical farming landscape, competitors to Vertical Growth Farming Systems and how Dandridge’s entrepreneurial spirit has contributed to his success in this immensely important field. They talk about the future of farming and why education is critical if we as a planet are going to be able to adapt to agricultural challenges we soon may face. Dandridge shares his profound belief in this project and talks more about his mission to change the way the world feeds itself. Episodes Sponsor: Global Vertical Farming Show – https://verticalfarmingshow.com/ Cultivatd – https://cultivatd.com/ What We Covered: 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Dandridge Melton who shares his fascinating journey as a serial entrepreneur and what inspired him to launch Vertical Growth Farming Systems 21:31 – Dandridge recalls the first time vertical farming came on his radar 26:52 – Competitors in the vertical farming landscape and the work Dandridge is doing at VGFS 34:18 – The importance of educating the youth on vertical farming 45:32 – A tough question Dandridge has had to ask himself recently and an ask Dandridge has for the audience 51:30 – Harry thanks Dandridge for joining the show and reiterates where listeners can go to learn more about VGFS and connect with Dandridge Tweetable Quotes: “I have learned this from playing hoops in the pickup gym. Every genre of occupation is represented. You’ve got your brain surgeon, your HVHC guy, your lawyer, your plumber, your restaurant owner, your barber. So, over time, you just never know when those relationships are gonna manifest into something you never even thought about.” (17:43) (Dandrige) “So, I think that we are gonna be a gamechanger in the vertical farming space. And I say that for a couple of reasons. So yes you’ve got your industrial-sized guys in vertical farming, the venture capitalist money, where they’re putting it in vertical farming. It’s all these behemoth implementations.” (27:32) (Dandrige) “We have a grow room in our shipping containers, so we can go from seed to seedling,
S4 E48 · Sat, January 08, 2022
s4e48 - Eric Levesque - Overcoming Obstacles When Starting an Indoor Farm, Finding the Right Partner & Raising Funds
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes back to the show Eric Levesque, co-founder and Managing Partner at Cultivatd , an organization that works with some of the indoor farming industry's best product developers and technologies to help people discover which vertical farm tech is best for their projects. Since he was last on the show, Cultivatd has made some incredible strides, including raising $3.5 million in funds during the past year. Today, Harry and Eric discuss the increasingly evolving vertical farming industry, what makes a great team and the process of educating larger, more entrenched corporations in the field of vertical farming. Eric expounds on how Cultivatd’s business model has changed in the past year and a half and their expansion efforts into the United States (USA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Australia. Finally, Eric speaks to what continues to drive and motivate him and speculates on new technologies that excite him about the future of vertical farming. Episodes Sponsor Cultivatd – https://cultivatd.com/ What We Covered: 03:41 – Harry welcomes back to the show Eric Levesque who provides an update on the insightful work he and his team are doing at Cultivatd and how they identify companies to partner with 12:13 – How Cultivatd’s business model has changed over the past year and how it has changed the trajectory of Cultivatd 17:38 – Massive Fundraising 25:12 – Eric shares what he’s seeing in the vertical farming environment in places like Dubai 32:09 – How Eric approaches building an effective team 33:48 – More and more vertical farming companies entering the industry 35:47 – New tech that has Eric excited about the future of AgTech 37:19 – Educating larger corporations on vertical farming 41:24 – Eric speculates on the evolution of the industry and how it impacts Cultivatd’s role 45:14 – The importance of continual education in the vertical farming space 46:33 – What keeps Eric driven and motivated 50:15 – Harry thanks Eric for joining the show and reiterates where listeners can go to learn more about Cultivatd and connect with Eric Tweetable Quotes: “The majority of our clients, on the small side at least, are telling us, ‘I want to grow something but I’m not sure how to get there.’ And so what we do is we will tailor a solution that we feel adequately resembles what they are trying to accomplish. And then we can tailor it from there depending on wh
S4 E47 · Mon, January 03, 2022
s4e47 - Scot Bryson - Integrating Advanced Technologies to Address Climate Change & World Hunger
Episode Summary: Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Scot Bryson, founder of Orbital Farm , a global agri tech company supplying fresh vegetables, fish, and vegan protein to local markets around the world. Scot has spent his life and career as a problem solver, from picking stones and baling hay in farm fields, to becoming an entrepreneur at 22 and building a multi-million dollar advertising agency over a decade. Today, Harry and Scot dive deep into the fascinating and honorable work Scot is doing to address existential threats such as climate change and other massive issues like world hunger. Scot gets technical and talks about the process by which he builds a team and how he and his team are integrating advanced technologies in vertical farming. Finally, Scot shares his vision for the future of Orbital Farm, which will include building 200 circular mega projects around the planet to support and feed billions of people here on earth today, and spend the next 20 years prototyping and developing the technology to feed people in space in the future. Episodes Sponsor: Freight Farms – https://www.freightfarms.com/ Global Vertical Farming Show – https://verticalfarmingshow.com/ Cultivatd – https://cultivatd.com/ What We Covered: 03:42 – Harry welcomes to the show space farmer and founder of Orbital Farm, Scot Bryson, who joins the show to discuss his passion for problem solving everything from Climate Change to World Hunger 19:32 – Orbital Farm’s origin story 24:04 – Scot breaks down ‘daily protein’ in layman’s terms 28:02 – How Scot approaches the team building process 38:09 – The complexities of solving issues like hunger and homelessness 46:27 – Scot’s vision for the future of Orbital Farm and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Orbital Farm and how to help 50:44 – Another critical piece of the vertical farming story 54:18 – Harry thanks Scot for joining the show and reiterates where listeners can go to learn more about Orbital Farms and connect with Scot Tweetable Quotes: “We have the same capacity and capability to get through these challenges and struggles. And that was really what I wanted to address and what kept me down this entrepreneurial pathway.” (06:49) (Scot) “The wa
S4 E46 · Sat, December 25, 2021
s4e46 - Simon Deacon of Light Science Technologies on AI, Sensors & the Future of LED Technology in Vertical Farming
Episode Summary: Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Simon Deacon, founder and CEO of Light Science Technologies , an organization that provides integrated solutions for the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) market. A dynamic and forward-looking entrepreneur, Simon has founded and grown businesses in Lighting, Electronics and Display manufacture markets. Today, Harry and Simon discuss the intricate and exciting work Simon is doing to disrupt the vertical farming industry. Simon talks in depth about his lighting products, the research his company does and the future of his company, including sensor technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Simon speaks to how Light Science Technologies differentiates themselves from their competitors, the impact supply chain issues have had on his business and how they are approaching customer relations through a lens of partnership. Episodes Sponsor: Freight Farms – https://www.freightfarms.com/ Global Vertical Farming Show – https://verticalfarmingshow.com/ Cultivatd – https://cultivatd.com/ What We Covered: 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Simon Deacon, who joins the show to discuss his roots growing up in Derby, his entrepreneurial spirit and what inspired him to launch Light Science Technologies 09:55 – Milestone moments in lighting technology 12:54 – Simon recalls some of the projects he worked on during his time at UK Circuits and Electronics Solutions 18:07 – Defining what it means to truly be ‘organic’ 20:33 – The inspiration to launch Light Science and growing more for less 27:03 – Why sustainability is so vital now more than ever 30:49 – How Light Science is differentiating themselves from their competitors 34:30 – Supply chain issues 37:31 – What’s next for Light Science 40:32 – A tough question Simon had to ask himself recently 45:50 – Harry thanks Simon for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Light Science Technologies and connect with Simon Tweetable Quotes: “People talk about recipe of light to grow plants, which is obviously extremely important because there’s lots of different species of plants around. But generally there’s about a thousand that we might consume as humans to eat.”
S4 E45 · Sat, December 18, 2021
s4e45 - Matt Ryan CEO of Soli Organic on Identifying a Clear Vision & Fulfilling a Vision
Episode Summary: Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Matt Ryan, CEO of Soli Organic . Formerly known as Shenandoah Growers, a name inspired by their start in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Soli Organic is a controlled environment agriculture company that grows exceptional organic produce, at an affordable price, nationwide. Today, Harry and Matt do a deep dive into Matt’s incredible business background, from working at Disney and Starbucks to eventually pursuing an exciting opportunity at Soli Organic. Matt talks about the high growth in the indoor agriculture sector, what Soli Organic is doing to differentiate themselves in this market and the importance of fulfilling the vision of a brand. Episodes Sponsor: Freight Farms – https://www.freightfarms.com/ Global Vertical Farming Show – https://verticalfarmingshow.com/ Cultivatd – https://cultivatd.com/ What We Covered: 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Matt Ryan, who joins the show to discuss his experience as a business leader going through Covid-19, what he learned from his time at Disney and Starbucks and the journey that brought him to Soli Organic 13:02 – Understanding markets and fulfilling the vision of a brand 19:27 – Matt’s vertical farming origin story and his first 90 days as CEO 29:49 – Matt explains how Soli Organic is differentiating themselves in the world of controlled agriculture 35:03 – From Shenandoah Growers to Soli Organic 42:32 – A tough question Matt has had to ask himself recently and how he thinks about expansion and growing Soli Organic 47:22 – Mentors who have inspired Matt along his journey and something that Matt has changed his mind about recently 50:36 – Harry thanks Matt for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Soli Organic and connect with Matt Tweetable Quotes: “There’s no such thing as a simple business I learned. And certainly that’s true at soli Organic as well. There’s complexity everywhere and understanding the nuances of business is really important. But, if you don’t understand what the consumer and the customer want, you’ll never get anywhere.” (12:27) (Matt) “I also knew, way back when, as soon as I started doing advertising that I felt like I understood markets. And I th
S4 E44 · Mon, December 06, 2021
s4e44 - Aja Atwood - Plant-Training Robotics
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Aja Atwood. Aja is the co-founder and CEO of Trella Technologies, an organization that provides technical, innovative solutions to make indoor and urban farming a sustainable, long-lasting industry. Today, Harry and Aja talk about the amazing technologies they’re developing at Trella, including automated plant-training robotics. Aja shares her entrepreneurial origin story which started with her natural curiosity and analytical mind and led her to building a company that aiming to change the vertical farming industry. She discusses the incredible work they’re doing with Trella’s partnership with Jean Charles Academy and speaks to the importance of fostering diversity in the workplace. Finally, Aja talks about what’s next for Trella and what excites her about the future of AgTech. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Freight Farms Key Takeaways 03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Aja Atwood, who joins the show to discuss her company, Trella, and her vertical farming origin story 11:00 – A curious and analytical mind 13:15 – Aja’s podcast origin story 18:39 – Partnering with Jean Charles Academy 25:33 – The Trella Story and the idea to grow plants horizontally 32:22 – No More Mondays: the decision to pursue entrepreneurship 35:35 – Biggest lessons Aja learned throughout her career 38:57 – Aja speaks to the market response to Trella 41:38 – What excites Aja most about the future of Trella and vertical farming 43:42 – Aja talks about some of the successful partnerships they’ve developed at Trella and some of the AgTech conferences she’s attended 46:55 – Aja comments on the lack of diversity in the AgTech industry 50:48 – A tough question Aja has had to ask herself recently 52:38 – Harry thanks Aja for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Trella and connect with Aja Tweetable Quotes “This is the time if you’re curious or you like to try new things. The world is open for you right now.” (13:07) (Aja) “What’s interesting is the
S4 E43 · Fri, October 29, 2021
s4e43 - Samantha Johnson - Nudging Students into an Aquaponics Tank
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Samantha Johnson. Samantha is the Director of Aquaponics Programs at Commonwealth Charter Academy, a top accredited K through 12 public cyber charter school located in Pennsylvania. Samantha is a highly skilled and student-focused leader who possesses a strong commitment to the development of students and staff through differentiated, innovative and individualized learning experiences Today, Harry and Samantha talk about the work she is doing educating young men and women on the AgTech industry, specifically through the aquaponics program at CCA. She talks about the partnerships CCA has with AeroFarms and Vertical Harvest and the goals they are striving to achieve together. Samantha also speaks to the importance she places on preparing her students for the professional world and the challenges they are likely to face in the vertical farming space. Finally, Samantha discusses what continues to motivate and drive her throughout her teaching and vertical farming journey. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Freight Farms Key Takeaways 01:13 – Harry welcomes to the show Samantha Johnson, who joins the show to discuss her background in education and the challenges COVID-19 has brought to her profession 10:36 – Commonwealth Charter Academy 12:23 – Samantha’s vertical farming origin story 18:07 – Partnering with AeroFarms and Vertical Harvest 19:40 – Student feedback on the Aquaponics Program 26:49 – Learning through mistakes 31:23 – Changes and trends Samantha has noticed in the vertical farming industry 35:48 – Companies and organizations Samantha would like to partner with in the future 39:51 – Challenges in AgTech and education 46:39 – Something Samantha has changed her mind about recently 48:49 – What motivates and drives Samantha 51:59 – Harry thanks Samantha for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about CCA and connect with Samantha Tweetable Quotes “Commonwealth Charter Academy is a public cyber charter school located in Pennsylvania. We have numerous building across the state because, although we’re a cyber school, we very much understand th
S4 E42 · Sat, October 16, 2021
s4e42 - Rosario Iacono - What a Tomato Should Be
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Rosario Iacono. Rosario is the Founder of Kasveista, a concept stage startup aiming to produce open-source seeds and seedlings for vertical farming. Their goal is to help modern vertical farms expand their range of products by providing seeds and seedlings of tomato of varieties specifically selected for vertical farming. Today, Harry and Rosario talk about the incredible work Rosario is doing at Kasveista and why he chose to focus on the tomatoes as his first crop. Rosario talks about the incredibly vast varieties of tomatoes and shares tips for those who want to grow tomatoes at home. They explain the open source model and why it’s critical to Rosario’s business. Finally, Rosario talks about what’s next for Kasveista, what excites him about the future and how we can educate the masses on vertical farming. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Freight Farms Key Takeaways 05:02 – Harry welcomes to the show Rosario Iacono, who joins the show to discuss his company, Kasveista, and his vertical farming origin story 11:13 – The incredible vast variety of tomatoes 16:18 – Tips for people growing tomatoes at home 17:01 – What Rosario has discovered about tomatoes throughout the years 20:54 – Intensive research and experimentation in vertical farming 28:24 – Rosario’s team at Kasveista 31:59 – The Open Source Model explained and why it is so critical 39:44 – Surprises and challenges from Rosario’s vertical farming journey 44:27 – What’s next for Kasveista 47:54 – Something Rosario has changed his mind about recently 51:52 – Harry thanks Rosario for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Kasveista and connect with Rosario Tweetable Quotes “I was getting tomatoes from Sicily in London. But there is no compromise. You either make a tomato that can travel for sixteen hour on a truck, or you make a tasty tomato.” (09:42) (Rosario “What I learned is you can influence a lot of the taste and you can change a lot by the techniques you use to grow the tomatoes.”
S4 E42 · Sat, October 16, 2021
s4e42 - Samantha Johnson - Nudging Students into an Aquaponics Tank
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Samantha Johnson. Samantha is the Director of Aquaponics Programs at Commonwealth Charter Academy, a top accredited K through 12 public cyber charter school located in Pennsylvania. Samantha is a highly skilled and student-focused leader who possesses a strong commitment to the development of students and staff through differentiated, innovative and individualized learning experiences Today, Harry and Samantha talk about the work she is doing educating young men and women on the AgTech industry, specifically through the aquaponics program at CCA. She talks about the partnerships CCA has with AeroFarms and Vertical Harvest and the goals they are striving to achieve together. Samantha also speaks to the importance she places on preparing her students for the professional world and the challenges they are likely to face in the vertical farming space. Finally, Samantha discusses what continues to motivate and drive her throughout her teaching and vertical farming journey. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Freight Farms Key Takeaways 01:13 – Harry welcomes to the show Samantha Johnson, who joins the show to discuss her background in education and the challenges COVID-19 has brought to her profession 10:36 – Commonwealth Charter Academy 12:23 – Samantha’s vertical farming origin story 18:07 – Partnering with AeroFarms and Vertical Harvest 19:40 – Student feedback on the Aquaponics Program 26:49 – Learning through mistakes 31:23 – Changes and trends Samantha has noticed in the vertical farming industry 35:48 – Companies and organizations Samantha would like to partner with in the future 39:51 – Challenges in AgTech and education 46:39 – Something Samantha has changed her mind about recently 48:49 – What motivates and drives Samantha 51:59 – Harry thanks Samantha for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about CCA and connect with Samantha Tweetable Quotes “Commonwealth Charter Academy is a public cyber charter school located in Pennsylvania. We have numerous building across the state because, although we’re a cyber school, we very much understand that some learners learn best in person or even in a blended model.”(10:41) (Samantha) “Our school itself is very large. We’re up to about sixteen to seventeen thousand students and our mantra is workforce development. We want students to have skills necessary to either enter the workforce after they graduate. Or, if they want to go to college, we want to help them through that entire process from start to finish.” (11:27) (Samantha) “At the end of the day, I want to give them skills that they can use when they graduate. And there are some basic ones that everyone needs to know. You have to show up on time. You have to show up appropriately dressed. Those kind of very basic skills.” (25:07) (Samantha) “I feel like the vertical farming industry changes a
S4 E41 · Fri, October 01, 2021
s4e41 - Craig Hurlbert - Going Slow To Go Fast
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co- founder & co-CEO at Local Bounti , Craig Hurlbert. Local Bounti is an organization that strives to deliver the freshest, locally grown produce in your neighborhood. Local Bounti sustainably grows fresh greens and herbs 365 days a year in their greenhouses, using 90% less water and 90% less land than conventional agriculture. Today, Harry and Craig talk about Craig’s extensive background in energy, from his time at General Electric (GE) to the origins of Local Bounti. Craig discusses the recent extreme weather and climate and how it has impacted the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. Craig shares his views on leadership and why he chooses to lead through a centralized vision and goal. Finally, Craig speaks to the work Local Bounti is doing to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and why he’s rooting for all of his competitors in the CEA industry. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Freight Farms Key Takeaways 01:14 – Harry welcomes to the show Craig Hurlbert, who joins the show to discuss his background in energy and the challenges we’re facing with the recent extreme weather and climate 10:12 – Mentors that shaped Craig’s career trajectory 14:45 – How Craig met his fellow co-founder, Travis Joyner and how their partnership has evolved 18:21 – Leading through foresight and vision 19:34 – Local Bounti’s origin story 25:10 – Key factors in scaling a business 28:53 – Working remotely vs. working in the office 32:12 – Lessons Craig learned throughout his journey at Local Bounti 35:52 – Supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 40:20 – Multiple winners in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry 46:12 – Never too high, never too low 47:33 – Something Craig has changed his mind about recently 50:42 – Harry thanks Craig for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Local Bounti and connect with Craig Tweetable Quotes “Our desire to move more rapidly into renewable
S4 E40 · Fri, September 10, 2021
s4e40 - Shannon O'Malley - Creating Your Neighborhood Farm
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co- founder & CEO at Brick Street Farms , Shannon O’Malley. Brick Street Farms is a hydroponic, indoor city farm that grows leafy greens year-round in technology based, climate controlled environments. Their mission is to grow the most nutritious produce at the heart of consumption. Today, Harry and Shannon talk about how Shannon became an ‘accidental co-founder’ within the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. Shannon discusses the key differentiating factor of Brick Street Farms and shares some of the amazing work they are doing to educate society on this growing segment. Harry and Shannon talk about the recent extreme weather, most notably the deep freeze in Texas, and how more of these climactic events are impacting how our food is grown, harvested and delivered to us. Finally, Shannon speaks to the initiatives Brick Street Farms is involved with, including combatting food deserts. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 02:58 – Harry welcomes to the show Shannon O’Malley, who joins the show to discuss her engineering background and her passion for building and creating 13:39 – An accidental co-founder 17:18 – Extreme weather and vertical farming 21:11 – Brick Street Farms’ origin story and a key differentiating factor about them 25:51 – An amazing reaction from the community 27:32 – Educating the masses on career opportunities within the vertical farming industry 32:30 – Challenges that the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry faces, including contamination 35:57 – Taking on a leadership role at Brick Street Farms and facing new challenges such as COVID-19 41:59 – Connecting with other CEA companies 44:08 – What’s next for Brick Street Farms as the grow and expand their team and organization 51:09 – Harry thanks Shannon for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Brick Street Farms and connect with Shannon Tweetable Quotes “I definitely think my passion for science and engineering laid the foundation for me today to at least have the curiosity to try.” (13:08) (Shannon) </strong
S3 E39 · Tue, July 20, 2021
s3e39 - Austin Webb - Transforming Modern Agriculture
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, CEO and co-founder of Fifth Season, Austin Webb. Fifth Season is a consumer tech company and indoor farming pioneer with Carnegie Mellon University roots that is creating a new era of fresh foods. Its commercial-scale indoor vertical farms use proprietary robotics, AI, and smart operations technology to grow leafy greens and herbs at affordable prices year-round. Today, Harry and Austin talk about the origin story of Fifth Season, the relationship he has with the city of Braddock and how Austin initially got involved in vertical farming. Austin expounds on the concepts of smart manufacturing and pest pressure and speaks to the learning curve he’s experienced as a first-time CEO. Finally, Austin speaks to the mission of Fifth Season and what excites him most about his future endeavors. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 03:14 – Harry welcomes to the show Austin Webb, who trends he’s noticed post-pandemic, his relationship with Carnegie Mellon University and the origin story of Fifth Season 08:53 – Austin speaks to when he first got involved in vertical farming 11:50 – How Fifth Season is applying robotics to the vertical farming industry 16:27 – Austin reflects on some of the memorable challenges and obstacles Fifth Season overcame throughout its journey 20:18 – Austin talks about Fifth Season’s accomplishment of achieving a 100% Food Safety Audit ranking 25:32 – Austin explains what ‘pest pressure’ means 28:21 – Austin talks about the relationship Fifth Season has with the city of Braddock and the impact they have had on the community 34:44 – Austin speaks to the learning curve he’s experienced as a first-time CEO 37:41 – A tough question Austin has had to ask himself recently 38:07 – Harry thanks Austin for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Fifth Season and connect with Austin Tweetable Quotes “We wanted to create this whole new platform to really change the way we think about vertical farming, to therefore make it an economic reality today instead of just a pipe dream for the future.” (08:43) (Austin) “We don’t really consider ourselves a verti
S3 E38 · Sat, July 10, 2021
s3e38 - Marc Oshima - Business as a Force for Good: Indoor Farming
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at AeroFarms , Marc Oshima. AeroFarms is an award-winning indoor farming company that is on a bold mission to grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity. Today, Harry and Marc talk about Marc’s background in marketing and how it has impacted his work at AeroFarms. Marc provides his thoughts on the concept of ‘speed breeding,’ speaks to his passion for food and expounds on the concept of utilizing business as a force for good Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 02:37 – Harry welcomes to the show Marc Oshima, who discusses the impact COVID-19 has had on his business, his background in marketing and the power of telling the story behind the food 08:23 – Marc talks about the value of AeroFarms being a Certified B Corporation 11:51 – Marc explains the concept of ‘speed breeding’ and how he got involved in marketing and food 17:22 – Marc reflects on the work he did at Toys R’ Us 20:54 – Marc expounds on the vision and mission of AeroFarms and the importance of food literacy 27:30 – Marc talks about the journey of AeroFarms and potential future expansions 29:06 – Marc speaks to the experience of AeroFarms going public 32:23 – Marketing trends Marc has noticed throughout his career and the impact of social media marketing 35:43 – Where Marc sees companies get it wrong in their approach to customer relations 37:48 – Marc speaks to some of the initiatives AeroFarms prioritizes 43:49 – A tough question Marc has had to ask himself recently 46:22 – Harry thanks Marc for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about AeroFarms and connect with Marc Tweetable Quotes “This idea that business can be a force for good expands beyond just the world of agriculture. This is about other verticals and we’re hoping that we can be an inspiration and a catalyst for other companies as well.” (09:04) (Marc) “Thinking about key genetic traits plus the rapid growing process,
Bonus · Fri, June 25, 2021
Season 3, Bonus 1 – Harry Duran
Episode Summary Harry takes a moment to thank the listeners and provide updates on the remaining Season 3 episodes. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Indoor A-Con - save $100 w/ promo code VFPOD2021 Links Mentioned VFP Chat Room Weekly Newsletter Sponsor Info: Cultivatd Website Cultivatd Instagram Cultivatd’s Twitter Cultivatd’s Facebook 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast : https://bit.ly/3sxZ34y See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Mentioned in this episode: 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com
S3 E37 · Fri, June 18, 2021
s3e37 - Thomas Oberlin - Micro Greens: A Gateway Vegetable
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co-founder at Fazenda Urbana, Thomas Oberlin. Fazenda Urbana is the producer of the MightyGreens brand of vegan microgreens and mushrooms. Today, Harry and Thomas talk about the origin story of Fazenda Urbana and how Thomas became involved in controlled environment agriculture. Thomas provides his thoughts on the evolution of entrepreneurship and why that spirit is so prominent in Brazillian culture. Finally, Thomas speaks to what excites him about the future of micro greens, the Mighty Greens brand and the AgTech industry as a whole. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 02:37 – Harry welcomes to the show Thomas Oberlin, who shares the story of how he ended up living in Brazil and how he got involved in controlled-environment agriculture 11:33 – Thomas speaks to how shocked he was to learn about food deserts in many wealthy countries 13:49 – Thomas reflects on the origin story of Fazenda Urbana 18:00 – The initial response Thomas and his team received after launching their micro greens 24:43 – Thomas explains why he approached chefs and restaurants first and foremost 28:28 – Thomas speaks to the evolution of the entrepreneur movement 34:27 – The relationship between Fazenda Urbana and the Mighty Greens brand and how Thomas and his company got involved in mushrooms 53:31 – Thomas explains the difference between fogponics, hydroponics and aeroponics 56:19 – What excites Thomas the most about the future of micro greens and the vertical farming industry 1:01:21 – Harry thanks Thomas for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Fazenda Urbana and connect with Thomas Tweetable Quotes “The reality is I grew up on a farm. Rodrigo’s a vegetarian. But beyond that, we didn’t have any touch with agriculture.” (15:32) “And so, our restaurant business grew literally by going door-to door in the start. And then combined with word of mouth from one well-known chef and then another well- known chef.” (26:09) “I think entrepreneurship is very
S3 E36 · Fri, June 11, 2021
s3e36 - David Cohen - LED Innovation and Helping the World Grow Smarter
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, CEO at Fluence , David Cohen. Fluence is a horticultural lighting company owned by OSRAM. They explore physiological plant development under various levels of photosynthetically active radiation and custom spectra compositions. Today, Harry and David talk about David’s eclectic background in the LED lighting industry and the circuitous route that led him to Fluence. David reflects on the learning curve he experienced transitioning into his role as CEO of Fluence, highlights from his earlier career and best practices for scaling quickly in the fast-paced industry of vertical farming. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 02:37 – Harry welcomes to the show David Cohen, who talks about his fervor for health and wellness, what leadership means to him and mentors who have impacted him 16:52 – David recalls highlights and lessons he learned during his time at Fraen 23:42 – David talks about how he got involved in the controlled environment agriculture market and the circuitous route that brought him to Fluence 28:45 – David reflects on the learning curve he experienced moving into his role at Fluence 37:02 – David provides best practices for scaling extremely quickly 42:25 – David discusses the pivoting he and his organization needed to do in the midst of the global pandemic 43:31 – David describes the current offerings that Fluence offers 47:51 – David talks about where he’s seeing the most innovation in the LED industry 51:04 – A tough question David has had to ask himself recently 55:23 – Harry thanks David for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Fluence and connect with David Tweetable Quotes “Over all the different jobs I’ve had that you do your best to keep customers happy, but it’s not always gonna work out. There are times when customers are just going to be furious. That’s a great opportunity to get closer to a customer. Don’t be afraid of negativity and don’t be afraid of aggression. Absorb it and do something with it rather than let it intimidate you.” (14:24) <a href="https://ctt.ac/7ynaG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"
S3 E35 · Fri, June 04, 2021
s3e35- Hiroki Koga - Vertical Farming at Commercial Scale
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co-founder and CEO at Oishii , Hiroki Koga. Oishii grows the best fruit in the world by deploying ground-breaking vertical farming technology that pushes the boundaries of agriculture. Today, Harry and Hiroki talk about the origin story of Oishii and how they became the first in the world to grow fruit in an indoor vertical farm at commercial scale. Hiroki reflects on lessons he’s learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey, speaks to those who have influenced and inspired him and expounds on the importance he places on living up to the quality and standards of the Oishii brand. Finally, Hiroki shares his excitement for future expansion of his business and what excites him the most about the future of Oishii. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 02:45 – Harry welcomes to the show Hiroki Koga, who talks about his experience living in Europe as a child, the decision to go into consulting and finding his passion 07:52 – Hiroki recalls the culture shock he encountered the first time he came to the U.S. 09:36 – Hiroki’s vertical farming origin story 15:41 – Hiroki speaks to what inspired him to launch Oishii 23:24 – Hiroki expounds on why he embraces tough challenges 25:12 – Harry and Hiroki talk about some of the more popular brands of fruit in Japan 28:00 – When Hiroki realized there was an opportunity in the vertical farming industry 32:36 – Hiroki recalls some of the early days of Oishii and what his marketing strategy was 38:19 – Hiroki describes the Omakase Berry to the audience and shares his plans for growth 43:03 – Hiroki reflects on lessons and takeaways from his journey thus far 45:41 – Who Hiroki looks to for inspiration and a tough question Hiroki has had to ask himself recently 50:52 – Harry thanks Hiroki for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Oishii and connect with Hiroki Tweetable Quotes “I was always trying to look for what my passion in life was. And I kinda struggled to find what I was truly passionate about when I graduated from college. And I went into consulting to try to find my passion.”
S3 E34 · Fri, May 21, 2021
s3e34- Charlie Guy - Simple, Efficient and Sustainable Growing
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of LettUs Grow , Charlie Guy. LettUs Grow brings affordable food growing to the modern city through their patent-pending aeroponics technology. With a background in renewable energy consultancy and engineering design, Charlie is a proponent of tech for good and is passionate about all manners of sustainability. In this episode, Harry and Charlie discuss the work Charlie is doing at LettUs Grow to connect greenhouses with vertical farms. They talk about some of the benefits of aeroponics and technological advances that have been made in recent years. Finally, Charlie speaks to the connection between our food systems and our energy grids and shares what he’s most excited about for the future of LettUs Grow and the overall AgTech industry. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 02:37 – Harry welcomes to the show Charlie Guy, CEO and co-founder of LettUs Grow, who talks about the personal and professional impact of Covid-19 and what inspired him to get involved in vertical farming 09:49 – How Charlie shares the origin story of LettUs Grow and their current offerings 13:03 – Charlie expounds on their Drop & Grow platform and opportunities for growth 19:50 – Charlie talks about the work he’s doing to connect greenhouses with vertical farms 23:24 – Charlie explains the various benefits of aeroponics and speaks to the advances in aeroponics technology 27:50 – Changing trends Charlie has noticed in the vertical farming industry 31:47 – Charlie discusses the connection between food and energy grids 36:01 – What excites Charlie the most about opportunities for innovation in vertical farming and at LettUs Grow 44:35 – Challenges Charlie has faced and lessons he’s learned as a leader at LettUs Grow 45:55 – Charlie opens up about what community means to him and a tough question he’s recently had to ask himself 50:31 – Harry thanks Charlie for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about LettUs Grow and connect with Charlie Tweetable Quotes “My background is in sustainable systems thinking and renewable energy. And just taking a look at the
S3 E33 · Sat, May 08, 2021
s3e33 - Dave Dinesen - Localized Growing: If Not Now, When
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show serial entrepreneur, Dave Dinesen. Dave is the CEO of CubicFarm Systems, a local chain agtech company that provides unique automated onsite commercial-scale food and livestock feed technologies. Dave is committed to applying technology to address global challenges like food security and climate change. In this episode, Harry and Dave discuss the impact the pandemic has had on the vertical farming industry, why Dave places such a high value on equity in the workplace and the critical tipping point we’ve arrived at for the future of our food supply. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 02:37 – Harry welcomes to the show Dave Dinesen, CEO of CubicFarm Systems Netled, who talks about the effects of the global pandemic and how the vertical farming industry has evolved throughout the years 06:33 – What inspired Dave to launch CubicFarms Systems and early stages of the company 09:53 – Dave talks about why he believes so many are leaving their fields to work in AgTech 13:31 – Dave discusses his strong belief in equity, treating his employees the best he possibly can and where this vision originated from 21:40 – Dave speaks to the evolution of CubicFarms Systems’ offerings, current offerings and the markets they serve 29:53 – Dave talks about CubicFarms Systems winning the Dairy Farmers for Nexus Innovation Award 31:22 – What excites Dave the most about the future of vertical farming 33:33 – Positive trends Dave hopes to continue post-pandemic world 35:46 – Challenges and opportunities that CubicFarms faces in the near future 36:48 – A tough question Dave has had to ask himself recently 37:54 – Dave provides best practices for leadership and who he looks to for inspiration 41:08 – What Dave does to unwind at the end of the workday and what’s something Dave has changed his mind about recently 43:22 – What has Dave excited about the future of CubicFarms Systems 45:25 – Harry thanks Dave for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about CubicFarms Systems and connect with Dave Tweetable Quotes “We are looking for people that get really, really jazzed by what we are doing. So
S3 E32 · Fri, April 30, 2021
s3e32 Nona Yehia & Caroline Croft Estay - Empowering the Underserved
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show co-founders of Vertical Harvest, Nona Yehia and Caroline Croft Estay. An architect and entrepreneur, Nona conceptualized and built Vertical Harvest, the first vertical hydroponic greenhouse in the world. Combining her expertise in behavioral health and experience in training and case management, Caroline crafted and implemented the innovative “Grow Well” employee model at Vertical Harvest. In today’s episode, Harry, Nona and Caroline discuss the inspirational work they are doing to bring architectural, economic, and social innovation to communities nationwide. Their mission is to bring meaningful employment to underserved populations and educate communities on how good jobs help differently abled individuals to thrive. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 03:05 – Harry welcomes to the show, Nona Yehia and Caroline Croft Estay, who share the story of how they met and the work they’re doing at Vertical Harvest 09:27 – The origin story of Vertical Harvest 15:39 – Caroline talks about her vision for diversity and inclusion at Vertical Harvest 19:22 – How Nona and Caroline became ‘unexpected farmers’ 24:07 – Caroline talks about the ‘Grow Well’ model they’ve developed at Vertical Harvest 28:02 – Caroline and Nona reflect on the passion they share for working with those with disabilities 35:44 – Nona talks about a powerful life lesson she learned early on 37:51 – Caroline shares why her father was such an influential person in her life 41:01 – Nona and Caroline talk about the importance of representation in the vertical farming industry 49:43 – What excites Nona and Caroline the most about the future of Vertical Harvest 56:33 – A little known fact about Nona and Caroline 58:34 – Harry thanks Nona and Caroline for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Vertical Harvest and connect with Nona and Caroline Tweetable Quotes “We like to say at Vertical Harvest that necessity is the mother of invention. And it does bring people together to think innovatively, as Caroline has always done, and to come together to really focus on solutions.” (06:17) <a href="https://ctt.ac/52T81
S3 E31 · Wed, April 21, 2021
s3e31 Niko Kivioja - High-Tech for Small Vertical Farms
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Niko Kivioja. Niko is the CEO of Netled , an organization that designs and builds the high-tech platform for the world's smartest vertical farms. Niko spent the first part of his career in controlled-environment-agriculture as a grower and has spent the last decade in high-tech closed-environment and vertical farming technology development. In this episode, Harry and Niko discuss the Niko’s familial history of entrepreneurship and the inspiration to start Netled. Niko speaks to the proprietary Vera vertical farming platform development that he’s recently been managing, how the global pandemic impacted the food supply chain and what excites him the most about the future of Netled and the vertical farming industry as a whole. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 05:49 – Harry welcomes to the show Niko Kivioja, CEO of Netled, who talks about his educational background and the work he’s doing at Netled 12:59 – Niko speaks to his family’s history of entrepreneurship 16:30 – The inspiration to launch Netled and how vertical farming changed the traditional idea of greenhouses 21:28 – Niko expounds on Vera Instore solutions 24:23 – Companies that expressed early interest in Netled 26:03 – Niko talks about expanding and building their first vertical farm in North America and how the pandemic has impacted his business 30:40 – Netled’s partnership with Vertigo Farms 35:59 – Shifting trends in demand that Niko has noticed 38:04 – Niko speaks to Netled’s growth and his own personal growth as a leader 40:58 – Niko discusses challenges and opportunities for growing his team 44:32 – A difficult question Niko has had to ask himself recently 47:26 – What excites Niko the most about the future of vertical farming 48:54 – Harry thanks Niko for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Netled and connect with Niko Tweetable Quotes “The climate conditions are, of course, quite challenging part is what’s challenging. If you look at the map of where Finland is located, we are the northern-most agricultural country in the world
S3 E30 · Tue, April 13, 2021
s3e30 Eric Levesque - Lending Farmers a Helping Hand
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Eric Levesque. Eric is the co-founder and VP of Business Development and Sales at Cultivatd , an organization that works with a wide range of industry-proven technology partners to provide the best fit for a project’s needs. Cultivatd also offers farming guidance, design consulting, and lending and leasing services to its clients. In this episode, Harry and Eric talk about how the pandemic has impacted our food supply chains and the desperate need for our society to solve these issues. They discuss Eric’s time at ZipGrow, the need for indoor and outdoor Ag to coexist and what the future holds for Cultivatd and the AgTech industry. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 03:29 – Harry welcomes to the show Eric Levesque, co-founder of Cultivatd, who talks about his organization, how the pandemic has impacted his business and how he got involved in vertical farming 08:44 – Eric reflects back on his time at ZipGrow and expounds on his sales background 11:58 – Eric talks about what was different about working for ZipGrow and learning the industry on the fly 14:59 – The inspiration to start Cultivatd and what the business model looks like 18:13 – Eric breaks down the three different types of clients that Cultivatd services 21:05 – The work Cultivatd is doing to educate the world on opportunities in AgTech and other offerings the provide to their clients 27:28 – How controlled environment agriculture and traditional agriculture co-exis 32:42 – Eric talks about some of the partnerships between Cultivatd and other companies 34:19 – Eric speaks to Cultivatd’s plans for growth, strategies he utilizes to grow his team and how Cultivatd is approaching the future of AgTech 36:44 – How Eric keeps up with the changing trends of AgTech 38:47 – Mentors who have helped Eric along his journey 40:46 – A tough question Eric has had to ask himself recently 43:21 – What excites Eric the most about the future of vertical farming 43:56 – Harry thanks Eric for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect with him Tweetable Quotes <a href="https://ctt.ac/W5s90" rel="noopener noreferre
S3 E29 · Fri, April 02, 2021
s3e29 Nicholas Dyner - Nanobubbles, Aquaculture and Access to Clean, Safe Water
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Nicholas Dyner. Nick is the CEO of Moleaer , an organization that produces commercial nanobubble generators to deliver sustainable, chemical-free water quality improvement for agriculture, reservoirs, lakes, ponds, and more. In this episode, Harry and Nick discuss Nick’s extensive background working in the water treatment industry. Nick expounds on nanobubble technology, what it is and how it can be used to improve vertical farming and the agricultural industry as a whole. Finally, Harry and Nick talk about the ongoing struggle for universal access to safe water and how advancements in technology can help restore and improve the quality of sea life. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Nick Dyner, CEO of Moleaer, who talks about his organization, the benefits of nanobubble technology and how the pandemic has impacted his business 10:53 – Nick discusses Moleaer’s entry into the agriculture space 14:41 – Nick’s background in water 18:31 – Nick provides his opinion on the best water to drink on a daily basis 20:59 – Challenges surrounding global access to water and the amount of water that is required for farming and agriculture 24:23 – Nick breaks down horticulture, aquaculture and food safety 27:52 – How technology can help restore and improve the quality of sea life 29:26 – Nick recalls the moment he met the founders of Moleaer and reflects on the journey to his first executive leadership role as CEO 35:50 – How Nick has grown as a leader and how he approaches growing his team 38:54 – Other opportunities for nanobubble technology 40:20 – Nick talks about the most interesting thing he learned about the vertical farming industry 42:27 – A tough question Nick has had to ask himself recently 44:35 – Harry thanks Nick for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect with him Tweetable Quotes “The value proposition of transferring oxygen or air very efficiently, particularly in shallow water, caught the attention of a few folks in the greenhouse horticulture space. The first
S3 E28 · Mon, March 29, 2021
s3e28 Robert Laing - Farms of the Future
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show founder, leader and author, Robert Laing. Rob is the Founder and CEO at Farm.One , an organization that has reinvented specialty farming, and now supplies some of the best chefs in New York. In this episode, Harry and Rob discuss Rob’s background in design and how Rob’s entrepreneurial drive led him to launch Farm.One. Rob talks about how the pandemic impacted his business and how he was able to pivot to different business models to combat those challenges. Rob shares the work he and his organization are doing to help underrepresented groups as well as the work they’re doing with Google to address sustainability. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Rob Laing, Founder and CEO of Farm.One, who talks about his roots and his passion for food 13:56 – Rob speaks to his background in design and his entrepreneurial spirit 18:54 – The origin story of Farm.One 25:10 – Rob talks about the strategic decision to pursue higher end restaurants as customers 27:57 – What Rob would do differently about building Farm.One if given the chance 31:49 – Rob speaks to the incredible response he’s received on his products from New York City chefs 37:10 – Rob shares sustainability work he’s been doing with Google to address plastics in the environment 40:35 – Challenges Rob and his organization had to overcome amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and how the pandemic changed his business approach 54:00 – Rob speaks to what inspired him to start his podcast and what excites him about future initiatives of Farm.One 56:35 – Harry thanks Rob for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect with him Tweetable Quotes “There’s so much creativity around food in New York City.” (13:38) “Design is often about defining the problem that you want to solve rather than rushing ahead and doing the perfect sketch. Discovering what are we really trying to do here and trying to think through in a thoughtful way is something that designers do really well. And I really enjoy that part o
S3 E27 · Tue, March 23, 2021
s3e27 Allison Kopf - Leveraging Software & Technology in the AgTech Space
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show speaker, investor and entrepreneur, Allison Kopf. Allison is the Founder and CEO of Artemis, the market-leading Cultivation Management Platform serving the fruit, vegetable, floriculture, cannabis, and hemp industries. Allison was named one of Forbes 2019 30 Under 30 as well as one of New York Business Journal's 2019 "Women of Influence." In this episode, Harry and Allison discuss Allison’s background in physics and what influenced her to enter into the field of AgTech. They talk about Allison’s time at the startup BrightFarms, lessons she’s learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey and her passion for developing software that can help the overall AgTech industry. Episode Sponsor CULTIVATD Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Allison Kopf, Founder and CEO of Artemis, who talks about her passion for science and what inspired her to work in agriculture 14:56 – Allison talks about the supportive role her mother played in her entrepreneurial journey and what she loves about mentoring other founders 18:01 – Allison recalls her time working at the startup BrightFarms and provides best practices for aspiring entrepreneurs 32:14 – The inspiration to launch Artemis and the need to leverage new technologies and systematize processes 47:21 – What excites Allison the most about the future initiatives of Artemis 50:40 – Allison’s role at the investment firm XFactor Ventures 56:49 – A tough question Allison has had to ask herself recently 58:23 – Harry thanks Allison for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect with her Tweetable Quotes “My mother always tells me, ‘A girl can dream.’ She loves to let me dream and always has supported my brain and the weirdness that comes with that.” (15:12) “I love mentoring. I really love coaching other founders, if only just to avoid all the mistakes that I’ve made and to speed up their paths to success. It’s a lot of fun. There’s something infectious about founders and entrepreneurs in that, it’s being around that energy of ‘I can do something that has a meaningful impact on this world and can make a dent and secure my place in this universe.’” (17:02)</
S2 E26 · Fri, February 26, 2021
s2e26 Sepehr Mousavi - Sustainability, Innovation and the Future of AgTech
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show speaker, futurist and Chief Sustainability Officer at SweGreen, Sepehr Mousavi. Sepehr is a sustainability strategist, innovation catalyst and a passionate futurist with an international and multicultural background. His organization, SweGreen, is the number one AgTech company in Sweden and is revolutionizing the vertical farming industry by providing futuristic, smart and circular solutions for controlled-environment growing systems. In this episode, Harry and Sepehr discuss Sepehr’s unique background and vertical farming origin story. They delve deep into the concepts of symbiosis, smart real estate solutions and the importance of Research and Development. Finally, Sepehr speaks to the importance of educating the world on vertical farming and what excites him the most about the future of SweGreen and the AgTech industry. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Sepehr Mousavi, Chief Sustainability Officer and Founding partner at SweGreen, who discusses his background and roots, what brought him to Sweden and how he got involved in vertical farming and AgTech 11:38 – What Sepehr learned from his time at Plantagon, one of the early pioneers in AgTech 20:15 – Sepehr expounds on the concept of symbiosis 24:18 – Sepehr talks about farming as a service 30:47 – Sepehr expounds on SweGreen’s smart real estate solutions 34:37 – The importance of Research and Development (R&D) 36:41 – Sepehr speaks to why he identifies as a futurist, where he looks for inspiration and what excites him about the future of AgTech 44:42 – The importance of educating consumers and those looking to enter a career in AgTech or vertical farming 47:46 – Sepehr shares the SweGreen initiatives he’s most excited about 53:11 – Harry thanks Sepehr for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect with him Tweetable Quotes “If you’re going to scale down the innovation from a city function to something that could feed neighborhoods, then you could look at smart buildings and how you could build up symbiosis.” (21:09) “The logistics of food i
S2 E25 · Sat, February 20, 2021
s2e25 Sam Norton - Seawater Agriculture: Tapping into the Earth’s Largest Resource
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Founder of Heron Farms, Sam Norton. It is the mission of Heron Farms to create a sustainable agricultural system and restore the marsh using earth’s most abundant resource: seawater. In this episode, Harry and Sam talk all about sea beans, Sam’s fact-finding mission to Bangladesh to learn more about how seawater crops are grown, and the work Heron Farms is doing with other brands to help rebuild salt marshes across the globe. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Sam Norton, founder of Heron Farms, who speaks to his passion for environmental studies and what inspired him to get involved in AgTech 10:07 – Sam discusses why he chose to focus on seawater agriculture, the startup competition he entered and won and the mission of Heron Farms 15:17 – Mentors who have motivated and inspired Sam 20:30 – Sam speaks to the various challenges that he faced when moving to indoor farming 23:47 – The most eye-opening part of Sam’s trip to Bangladesh 26:35 – Sam shares some of the tech stack he’s utilizing with Heron Farms and the skillset necessary to succeed in AgTech 30:18 – Sam discusses some of the benefits and nutritional value of sea beans 34:35 – Marketing challenges with sea beans 38:28 – What Sam would do differently in building his team if given the chance 41:52 – Sam talks about the work he’s doing with Dalai Sofia 45:13 – How Sam has grown as a first-time CEO, what excites Sam most about the future and a tough question Sam has had to ask himself recently 49:19 – Harry thanks Sam for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect with him Tweetable Quotes “The mission of Heron Farms is to tap into the largest resource on the planet, which is seawater. And if we can do that while rebuilding the planet, that’s really a win-win.” (12:44) “We’re fixing the car as we drive it down the road. We have the good kinds of problems. We have more demand than we can grow for so we’re fixing it as we go and trying to get ready to scale.” (14:55)
S2 E24 · Tue, February 16, 2021
s2e24 Alexander Olesen & Graham Smith - Farming for a Better Future
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show co-founders of Babylon MicroFarms, Alexander Olesen and Graham Smith. Alexander and Graham met at the University of Virginia where they first designed a low-cost micro-farm to provide nutritious produce for food-insecure refugees in the Middle East. They were initially inspired by the desire to bring benefits of sustainable hydroponic farming to those who need it the most. In this episode, Harry talks to Alexander and Graham about the genesis of Babylon MicroFarms, why AgTech and vertical farming are critical to the advancement of our society and technological developments that have been made in vertical farming. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Alexander Olesen and Graham Smith, co-founders of Babylon, who share their intriguing origin stories 05:41 – Alexander and Graham discuss their initial educational pursuits and what led them to AgTech 11:41 – Where the inspiration came from to start Babylon MicroFarms and challenges and obstacles Alexander and Graham faced along the way 18:46 – How Alexander and Graham decided where to focus their resources in vertical farming 22:38 – Alexander and Graham share how they’ve grown their team and why they chose to set up shop in Virginia 25:17 – The impact COVID-19 has had on Alexander and Graham’s business 27:17 – Alexander and Graham discuss Networking in AgTech 29:09 – Graham talks about his passion for making products that make people happy and Alexander explains why vertical farming is so important in today’s society 38:06 – What excites Alexander and Graham the most about the future of AgTech 41:36 – A tough question Alexander and Graham have had to ask themselves recently and mentors in the AgTech space that they admire 43:48 – Harry thanks Alexander & Graham for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect with them Tweetable Quotes “We were just genuinely interested and motivated by the sustainability methods of hydroponics.” (07:53) “I think pretty early on we saw that for these smaller scale farms to succeed the
S2 E23 · Sun, February 07, 2021
s2e23 Melvin Medina - An Agricultural Globetrotter
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Agricultural Officer at FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Melvin Medina. The FAO is an organization that is striving for zero hunger, a sustainable planet and a future of food for all. In this episode, Harry and Melvin talk about Melvin’s passion for horticulture, the numerous roles Melvin has held in the AgTech industry and the impactful work Melvin has done in Jamaica, Tanzania, Cambodia and Italy. They touch on specific projects Melvin and his team have worked on throughout the years as well as the message Melvin would like to leave about the future of AgTech and vertical farming. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Melvin Medina, who shares his passion for horticulture and how he initially got involved in AgTech 10:02 – Melvin recalls the decision to join Fintrac and the work he did building greenhouses in Jamaica 15:02 – Challenges Melvin and his team faced in constructing greenhouses in an area where hurricanes are commonplace 17:46 – Other projects Melvin worked on during his time at Fintrac 20:43 – Melvin discusses the culture shock he experienced while working in places such as Tanzania and Cambodia 24:04 – Melvin opens up about the challenges of raising a family while traveling so extensively for work and what eventually led his to FAO 28:38 – Melvin discusses the common issues he sees among farmers across the globe and what opportunities he sees for technology to address these issues 38:42 – Melvin provides a brief history of FAO, their mission and the important work they do 42:08 – Melvin speaks to how the global pandemic has affected how we all view agriculture and the overall supply of food 44:31 – Melvin speculates on the future of his career and shares a message with the overall community about AgTech 48:59 – Harry thanks Melvin for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect with him Tweetable Quotes “In 2005 I was moved to Jamaica to replicate what we were doing in El Salvador. And it was a great experience be
S2 E22 · Fri, January 29, 2021
s2e22 Kyle Barnett - Ponic Jobs, Podcasting & Paying It Forward
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show founder of Ponic Jobs and co-host of the CropTalk Podcast, Kyle Barnett. Kyle is currently serving as Account Manager in the horticulture division at WestRock, focusing on helping growers create superior packaging, labels and merchandising solutions. In this episode, Harry and Kyle discuss the varying facets of ponics, from deep water culture and NFTs to vertical farming and aquaponics. They talk about the vital role distribution plays in the AgTech industry, what inspired Kyle to create the Ponic Jobs website, as well as his collaboration with CropTalk Media. His podcast segment, Kyle Talks AgTech, focuses on CEA, vertical farms, greenhouse technology as well as industry leaders. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Kyle Barnett, who shares his personal journey to AgTech 12:14 – How Kyle’s love of cooking inspired him to pursue a career in agriculture and the importance Kyle places on pivoting 20:42 – The work Kyle did with the Farm Tech Society and the inspiration to create the site, Ponic Jobs 29:22 – Educating future generations on AgTech and how Kyle got involved in the CropTalk Podcast 38:30 – How Kyle has grown as a podcast host and what excites him the most about the potential and the future of AgTech 45:30 – Kyle speaks to the work he is doing at WestRock 52:37 – A little known fact about Kyle that most people don’t know 54:51 – Harry thanks Kyle for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect with him Tweetable Quotes “My segment [on the CropTalk Podcast] was ‘Kyle Talks AgTech.’ And it’s been great. I’ve had over thirty-five episodes now and it’s really given me a lot of clarity into what the industry needs. As I said in the beginning, it’s been an eclectic journey but I’ve been so grateful.” (10:41) “A common theme I’ve seen is the idea that ‘if you grow it, they will come’ is not a reality, unfortunately. You need to sell your food and then grow it. So, if I had one piece of advice for anyone looking to get into this is know your market and know where your food’s going, because we’re working with a perishable.” (15:23)
S2 E21 · Fri, January 22, 2021
s2e21 Ed Harwood - Aeroponics, SOPs & Serendipity
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Chief Science Officer (CSO) of AeroFarms , Ed Harwood. It is the mission of AeroFarms to grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity. With over forty years of agricultural and engineering experience, Ed founded GreatVeggies before transitioning to AeroFarms. In this episode, Harry and Ed share a discussion on the difference between hydroponics and aeroponics, the merits and disadvantages of both and Ed’s never-ending quest to change the world for the better through education, technology and science. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Ed Harwood, who shares new hobbies he’s picked up during the pandemic, the benefits of living in Ithaca, NY and his affinity for poker and reading 11:44 – What sparked Ed’s interest in biology, agriculture and AgTech 17:08 – Ed shares lessons he learned from founding his own company, GreatVeggies, and the path that led him to AeroFarms 30:40 – The importance of having Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place and obstacles Ed encountered as he transitioned into the role of CSO of AeroFarms 34:15 – Ed expounds on the difference between aeroponics and hydroponics and the pros and cons to both 36:31 – Advances in aeroponics technology that Ed has witnessed throughout the years 38:49 – Ed speaks to the importance AeroFarms places on taste 43:08 – The work Ed is doing with schools in New York and New Jersey to combat food deserts and improve access to food 49:51 – Ed speaks to AeroFarms’ involvement with the Lettuce Project initiative 51:39 – What excites Ed most about the future of aeroponics, a tough question Ed has had to ask himself recently, and what he thinks of being compared to the Wright Brothers 56:22 – Harry thanks Ed for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about AeroFarms Tweetable Quotes “Serendipity – if you’re ready for it – will really help you out. If you’re persistently curious, curiosity c an really take you a long way. So, if you want to start a new business, stay curious and be ready for serendipity.” <strong
S2 E20 · Sun, January 17, 2021
s2e20 Marc Plinke - Rethinking Greenhouses and Our Approach to Growing Food
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ceres Greenhouse Solutions , Marc Plinke. Ceres designs and builds advanced, energy-efficient greenhouses that grow year-round while saving energy and water. In this episode, Harry and Marc dissect Marc’s career trajectory, from his time at Synergistic Building Technologies to his current role with Ceres. Marc breaks down his passion for bringing about positive change in the world, the inspiring work he’s doing with Ceres and the state of food in our society. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Marc Plinke, who discusses his natural curiosity, growing up in a family of engineers and the inspiration to launch Ceres Greenhouse Solutions 13:37 – Marc reflects on his early career, including his time at Synergistic Building Technologies 16:17 – Challenges Marc had to overcome as the founder of Ceres 24:04 – Marc expounds on what it means to design and reinvent greenhouses 38:02 – Marc shares a unique perspective about food deserts and the state of our food 46:25 – What excites Marc most about the future of AgTech 53:29 – Marc recalls his first invention 56:19 – Harry thanks Marc for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Ceres Tweetable Quotes “The world is waiting for you to change the world. That’s what I want to tell kids. You have the power and all you need to do is pay attention and ask yourself, ‘Why is that happening?’” (09:59) “Every decision that we make we ask, ‘Is that better for everyone or is it just better for me?’ And that better for me is not the option that we often choose. We look for the win on the bigger scale.” (19:09) “We’re an engineering and architecture office in essence. We’re not actually producing the steel itself. The beauty of this is we’re quite flexible to change according to customer demand.” (29
S2 E19 · Fri, January 08, 2021
s2e19 Nate Storey - Long-Distance Supply Chains, Accessing Capital & Doing Meaningful Work through Vertical Farming
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show co-founder and Chief Science Officer (CSO) of Plenty , Nate Storey. Plenty is on a mission to bring fresh, local produce to communities everywhere in a way that’s better for the environment. In this episode, Harry and Nate discuss Plenty’s local field-scale indoor farms, the importance of having supportive infrastructure for vertical farming and the work Nate is doing at Plenty to promote social responsibility and better food for all. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Nate Storey, who shares his thoughts on the impact of COVID-19, what piqued his interest in vertical farming and what inspired him to start his first business, Bright Agrotech 12:18 – Nate speaks to mentors who have influenced his career, lessons he’s learned and why vertical farming is truly his calling 16:19 – Nate tells the story of how he met fellow Plenty co-founder, Matt Barnard as well as common misconceptions towards indoor agriculture 21:18 – How Plenty’s mission has evolved and innovated throughout the years 24:20 – The importance of having a supporting infrastructure for vertical farming 27:59 – How Plenty decides on where to locate its farms and where they are focusing their growth 34:13 – Nate discusses the work Plenty is doing to advance social responsibility 38:43 – Nate expounds on his roles and responsibilities as Chief Science Officer 42:54 – Harry and Nate discuss the unique technologies that Plenty utilizes 49:33 – A tough question Nate has had to ask himself lately and a hobby that keeps Nate busy 53:00 – Harry thanks Nate for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Plenty Tweetable Quotes “Covid has been a bit of a reckoning for the world in a lot of different spheres. But certainly in the sphere of managing long-distance supply chains and keeping things on the shelf – things that people have always taken for granted.” (04:23) “I believe that great design starts with inten
Bonus · Thu, December 31, 2020
2020 Year End Review - Harry Duran
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Mentioned in this episode: AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
S2 E18 · Sat, December 19, 2020
s2e18 Henry Sztul - Technology, R&D & Building Resilient Food Systems
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show physicist, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed tinkerer, Henry Sztul. Henry is the Chief Science Officer at Bowery Farming , a modern farming company on an ambitious mission to transform the future of food and change the face of agriculture. In this episode, Harry and Henry discuss the promise that vertical farming provides to the world and why it resonated so soundly with Henry. Henry shares his personal career journey, his thoughts on the current state of agriculture and what excites him most about the future of hydroponics and the AgTech industry in general. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:22 – Harry welcomes to the show Henry Sztul, who shares his origin story, inventions he’s collaborated on and his earliest recollection of the AgTech industry 09:39 – Henry speaks to the promise of vertical farming and why it resonated with him 11:34 – Henry recalls how he met Irving Fain, the Founder and CEO of Bowery 14:49 – Digging into the technology that Bowery utilizes and their commitment to do better 22:26 – Harry and Henry discuss Bowery’s extensive Research and Development process 27:28 – How Covid-19 has affected Bowery’s approach to building resilient food systems 30:04 – Henry speculates on Bowery’s future growth in the AgTech space 34:46 – A tough question Henry has had to ask himself lately, something Henry has changed his mind about recently and mentors who have influenced Henry’s career 39:05 – What excites Henry about the future of vertical farming 41:51 – Harry thanks Henry for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Bowery Farming Tweetable Quotes “What really clicked with me about vertical farming is that it’s not just feeding people now. It’s feeding people to come in the future.” (09:47) “People on this planet are moving towards urban areas. And, the agriculture system at large is just taking more and giving less. I think what really strikes a nerve with me is the need to find new ways
S2 E17 · Fri, December 11, 2020
s2E17John Purcell - Building a Sustainable Future by Falling In Love with the Solution, Not the Science
Episode Summary Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show President and CEO of Unfold, Dr. John Purcell. John has dedicated his life to helping farmers safely and sustainably grow food using less of the earth’s natural resources. In his new role as President and CEO of Unfold Bio, John is continuing this same mission to improve the food ecosystem with more sustainable, fresher, and better-tasting fruits and vegetables. In this episode, Harry and John discuss John’s previous work at Bayer and Monsanto, which led to innovations and diverse technologies for important global crops. John opens up about the passion he has for sustainability, the respect he has for farmers and his family ranching operation in Montana. Episode Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 02:29 – Harry welcomes to the show John Purcell, who shares his background in vertical farming, the impact of COVID-19 and the value he places on sustainability 09:21 – What John learned from his time working at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and highlights from his career overall 16:12 – Leaders and mentors who have influenced John’s career 20:17 – John details his time at Bayer and the transition to his current role as CEO of Unfold 24:40 – John speaks to the challenges of growing a startup and building a team 29:58 – John reflects on the many segments of vertical farming and where Unfold operates in this landscape 36:45 – John defines the term ‘germplasm’ and talks about how he decides which crops to work on 43:28 – John provides his thoughts on preparing for unforeseen circumstances 44:59 – A tough question John has had to ask himself lately, something John has changed his mind about recently and what excites John about the future of vertical farming 51:45 – Harry thanks John for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Unfold Tweetable Quotes “Any definition of sustainability also has to include the economic sustainability for the farmer.” (09:01) “It’s great to have incredible science – and we need incredible science – but if you’re using that science to come up with a solution that actuall
S2 E16 · Thu, December 03, 2020
s2E16 DeMario Vitalis - Leaving Hydroponics Better Than How He Found It
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Founder of New Age Provisions , DeMario Vitalis. New Age Provisions is an urban farm that uses state of the art hydroponic technology to farm the freshest culinary herbs, lettuces, leafy greens, and cannabis. In this episode, Harry and DeMario discuss DeMario’s inspirational story, the success he’s achieving and how he’s bringing awareness to possibilities for minority farm owners. DeMario speaks to challenges he’s had to overcome, how ‘food deserts’ are affecting communities throughout the world and the importance of having a supportive family and community. Special thanks to our Season 2 Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:09 – Harry welcomes to the show DeMario Vitalis, who shares his entrepreneurial journey, what attracted him to greeneries and the importance of having a supportive family and community 12:12 – How DeMario decides what he plants in his greenery and what the demand looks like in his market 19:33 – DeMario speaks to the negative impact that ‘food deserts’ have on local communities 23:38 – The value DeMario places on giving back to his community and lessons he’s learned in the vertical farming space 32:56 – DeMario take the audience through a typical day in the life and what he has learned as a business owner 36:30 – DeMario discusses what has influenced his grit, drive and determination and other relationships that have inspired DeMario’s life and career 41:14 – A tough question DeMario has had to ask himself lately, what excites DeMario about the future of hydroponics and a little known fun fact about DeMario 49:03 – Harry thanks DeMario for joining the show and the work he’s doing for his community and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about New Age Provisions Tweetables: “It was very important for me not only knowing how to grow crops but knowing how to control nutrients and to control the electronic connectivity.” (08:31) “I’m trying to get things that consumers will appreciate. If I’m growing greens, they’re Top Bunch Collard. If I’m growing mint, it’s not the common mint that you can get in the stores; it’s the spearmint, the peppermint.” (14:52) <a href="https://ctt.ac/4JU_G" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blan
S2 E15 · Fri, November 20, 2020
s2e15 Eddy Badrina - Creating Exponential Positive Change
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show CEO of Eden Green , Eddy Badrina. Eden Green is a vertical farming technology company dedicated to changing the way we farm our food, and feed our communities. In this episode, Harry and Eddy discuss Eddy’s entrepreneurial journey, from working in politics, to launching his own start-up, to becoming CEO of Eden Green. Eddy speaks to his background in digital marketing, his thoughts on risk-taking and his longtime personal and professional goal of creating exponential positive social and cultural change. Special thanks to our Season 2 Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 03:00 – Harry welcomes to the show Eddy Badrina, who shares his first memories of entrepreneurship, his former role at the State Department and how his faith and the Bush family impacted his career 11:43 – Eddy discusses his first start-up, Buzzshift, trends he’s observed in the vertical farming industry, and the origin story of Eden Green 26:45 – Eddy speaks to Eden Green’s business model, current offerings and future target markets 42:28 – The value Eddy places on social and cultural change and growing an organization built on purpose 44:23 – How Eddy leveraged his background in digital marketing to help grow Eden Green 52:19 – A hard question Eddy has had to ask himself lately and Eddy’s thoughts on the future from 2021 and beyond 1:00:51 – Harry thanks Eddy for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Eden Green Tweetables: “I wanted to leave a social and cultural impact that was a multiple of my level of effort. So, for one unit of energy or effort I was giving out, I wanted it to produce – through a company – 10 or 12x of that unit.” (08:53) “I remember distinctly H.W. Bush who has since passed away. But, I had a chance to sit down with him and he said to me, ‘I love that you’re interested in public service, but I’d encourage you to establish a career for yourself and make that mark and then, either in tandem or after the fact, go into public service. Because then you’re not necessarily beholden to a salary from that service.” (09:44) “My parents, what they had taught me in work and in faith is
S2 E14 · Thu, November 12, 2020
s2e14 Tobias Peggs - Discovering a More Resilient Food System through Vertical Farming
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show co-founder and CEO of Square Roots, Tobias Peggs. Square Roots is an indoor urban farming company that connects people in cities to local, real food. In this episode, Harry and Tobias discuss the growing demand for a more efficient global food system. Tobias speaks to the importance his organization places on transparency and visionary thinking as well as future initiatives he and his team are currently planning. Special thanks to our Season 2 Sponsor Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Key Takeaways 01:34 – Harry welcomes Tobias Peggs to the show to share his background as a data scientist, the genesis of his company Square Roots, and the impact Covid-19 has had on the industry 08:17 – Tobias recalls the vertical farming landscape back in 2016 when he initially launched Square Roots and how his past experience helped him to scale his business 16:24 – The value Tobias and Square Roots place on transparency and forward-thinking 22:21 – Trends Tobias has observed from the overall AgTech industry, including collaboration between organizations and the role of technology and software 32:18 – The evolution of Square Roots’ Farmer Training program 36:52 – How Tobias has grown personally and professionally during his tenure at Square Roots and mentors who have influenced him throughout his career 43:38 – Tobias speaks to the differences in how Americans and Europeans receive and consume their food 47:27 – What is something Tobias has changed his mind about recently and a tough question Tobias has had to ask himself recently 50:33 – What excites Tobias most about the future of vertical farming and where listeners can learn more about Square Roots Tweetables: “ It became very obvious quite early that the world really needs this [vertical farming]. And that has acted as a very galvanizing and energizing focus through what, to your point, has been the craziest year any of us could ever possibly imagine.” (03:43) “Plants are not just widgets; they don’t just grow on demand. You need a person in there willing these plants to come to life.” (06:58) “The average age of a farmer in the U.S. is fifty-eight. The average age of a farmer in countries like Japan is sixty-eight. You’ve got this demograph
S1 E13 · Wed, September 23, 2020
013 Michelle Bonahoom - Lighting the Way Forward: How Heilux is Impacting the AgTech Industry
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Interim CEO at Heilux , Michelle Bonahoom. In this episode, Harry and Michelle talk all about what’s happening in the world of lighting and it’s impact on the vertical farming industry. Michelle discusses her decision to take on the role of Interim CEO at Heilux, the impact Covid-19 has had on her consulting business and what excites her the most about the future of AgTech. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 03:01 – Harry welcomes Michelle Bonahoom to the show to discuss her role at Heilux and the different technologies they develop for the vertical farming industry 08:13 – How Heilux works to address their clients’ challenges 12:39 – Michelle speaks to product development and the genesis of her entrepreneurial journey 15:51 – Where Michelle developed her passion for helping small businesses 21:36 – How Heilux operates within the vertical farming and indoor AgTech industry 27:38 – Michelle talks about the upcoming Vertical Farming Congress, where she will be a guest speaker 29:22 – Michelle discusses how Covid-19 has impacted her consulting business and Heilux 34:35 – What excites Michelle the most about the future of vertical farming 36:24 – A tough question Michelle has had to ask herself lately and where listeners can follow Michelle and Heilux Tweetables: “In 2016, the company [Heilux] was really, really good at knowing the science of light and how to leverage the science of light to be able to solve human problems.” (05:38) “Instead of building it and then hoping they come, you involve the customer along the way.” (13:21) “A lot of people, like seventy percent of the population – are afraid of change. And I love change.” (16:02) “There’s infinite possibilities with how you can use light. And so, we’re really focusing on building a system that allows you to leverage those infinite possibilities with light spectrum.” (23:39) <p
S1 E12 · Fri, September 11, 2020
012 David Farquhar - Leveraging Science and Scale
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes back to the show CEO of Intelligent Growth Solutions , David Farquhar. In this episode, Harry and David talk all about the resounding economic and societal impact that Covid-19 has had on the AgTech industry and our daily lives. David shares the amount of science and scale that goes into every aspect of what IGS does as well as some of the latest projects they’re working on, including developing technologies to replicate the weather. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Vertical Farming Congress Key Takeaways 02:50 – Harry welcomes David Farquhar back to the show to discuss how Covid-19 has altered the AgTech industry and his business strategy specifically 10:26 – David speaks to the initiatives and innovations that his organization, Intelligent Growth Solutions, has been working on lately 15:42 – David breaks down the amount of science, development, processing power and scale that goes into AgTech 20:42 – What Intelligent Growth Solutions is doing to give back to the community amidst Covid-19 24:54 – David talks about promoting awareness among the next generation about the opportunities that vertical farming provides 32:53 – New models in AgTech that are likely to manifest over the next few years 38:46 – David speculates on the future of technology development at IGS and shares the work IGS is doing with weather and climate technologies 47:56 – A tough question David has had to ask himself lately Tweetables: “I am not a fan of the phrase, ‘a new normal.’ I do think that we need to be flexible though. And I think that we’ve probably learned to do several things in a different way, and that’s good. But I am keen to see people actually socially get back together as soon as it’s safe.” (08:16) “I think if people put their hand on their hearts and were honest with you in this sector, they would probably admit that once you’ve cracked the lighting, the power, the automation and handling, and the irrigation, the thing that is left on the table that is the toughest nut to crack is around the area of ventilation.” (11:14) <p
S1 E11 · Tue, August 25, 2020
011 Alex Tyink - Fork Farms: Growing Food for Positive Change
Alex Tyink is the President of Fork Farms , an organization that started on the principle that growing fresh and healthy food is a vehicle for positive change in the world. It is their belief that having consistent access to the freshest, highest quality food is a human right. Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he and Alex discuss Alex’s unorthodox path to entrepreneurship, hydroponic farming and the impact Covid-19 has had on Alex’s business, Fork Farms. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 02:54 – Alex expounds on the impact Covid-19 has had on his business, Fork Farms, and how he got involved in AgTech 13:02 – Where Alex got his entrepreneurial drive and motivation and Alex’s experience moving to NYC 20:12 – Alex breaks down the business model of Fork Farms, the curriculum package they offer and the idea behind Flex Farm 32:28 – What Alex has learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey in AgTech 37:55 – Challenges and obstacles Alex has had to overcome as he continues to grow his team and business 43:14 – Alex talks about what excites him the most about the future of Fork Farms, AgTech, and a tough question he had to ask himself recently 50:29 – Harry thanks Alex for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can connect and engage with Alex and Fork Farms Tweetables: “I started eating food that I was growing, and it completely changed my eating habits. I started eating better. I started feeling better. I started taking better care of myself.” (09:21) “Labor efficiency and energy efficiency is really what we [Fork Farms] are all about.” (12:26) “When I really started to dig into the industry, I learned how broken the food system really is. Sixty percent of all the food that we’re eating as Americans is ultra-processed. And we know – through all of these clinical studies – that ultra-processed food is directly linked to increase mortality due to all sorts of chronic diseases.” (18:25) “I would say the majority of our growth as a company is organic.”<
S1 E10 · Sun, August 16, 2020
010 Scott Massey - GroPod: How a Bold Aeroponic Appliance is Changing the AgTech Landscape
Scott Massey is the Founder and CEO of Heliponix, an organization that provides consumers with the GroPod, an aeroponic appliance that can yield a full head of leafy greens on a daily basis, or sizable harvests of dwarf varieties of larger plants. Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he and Scott discuss the business model of GroPods, challenges Scott had to overcome as an entrepreneur and pivots Scott had to make in order to scale and sustain his business amidst a global pandemic. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 00:01 – Scott expounds on his education and background, how he got involved in AgTech and hydroponics and the origin story of GroPod, his rotary-aeroponics appliance 15:41 – Scott speaks to the importance of understanding consumer habits and breaks down his business model 25:32 – Scott talks about the vital role that form, function, design and aesthetic play in vertical farming 31:51 – Scott dissects the impact the global pandemic has had on his business, his thoughts on scaling up and sustainability 38:27 – Challenges and obstacles Scott has had to overcome as an entrepreneur 46:08 – Scott talks about what excites him the most about the future of AgTech and a tough question he had to ask himself recently 50:18 – Scott speaks to what the future holds for GroPod 54:53 – Harry thanks Scott for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can follow and connect with Scott and GroPod Tweetables: “As a young person, I realized that it’s a lot easier to build one small thing than to try and convince someone to give me funding for one big thing.” (08:22) “I firmly believe that no amount of capital will resolve fundamental flaws in business models. Those need to be and have to be addressed before you talk to those investors because it creates expectations of liquidity and profitability that if you’re anything but delivering on those deadlines, you have failed your fiduciary commitment to the investors who bought into that company.” (11:15) “I have a lot of respect for vertical farms, but I would also make the comment that grocers are the primary beneficiary in most vertical farming models.” (23:14)
S1 E9 · Mon, August 03, 2020
009 Andrew Carter - Distributed Farming: How Smallhold Is Growing and Networking in the Ag Space
Andrew Carter is the co-founder and CEO at Smallhold the first, and only, organic farm in NYC. Andrew is a greenhouse and vertical farming specialist, with extensive experience with baby cut greens, lettuce, basil, tomatoes, and mushroom production. Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he and Andrew discuss the intricate nature of mushroom farming, challenges that Smallhold has overcome in the wake of Covid-19 and myths and preconceived notions about mushrooms as a crop. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 02:35 – Andrew expounds on his education and background in ecological design and environmental science, how he got involved in AgTech and the origin story of Smallhold 16:44 – Andrew speaks to the extent he needed to educate himself on mushrooms as a crop and early challenges he worked through with Smallhold 23:36 – Andrew discusses how he strategically expanded his container farms and the technology involved with Smallhold’s units 29:13 – Andrew breaks down Smallhold’s business model and client feedback he’s received 37:07 – Andrew debunks some of the myths and preconceived notions about mushrooms 41:15 – Andrew speaks to the growth strategy for the future of Smallhold and overcoming the challenges posed by Covid-19 49:04 – What is something that Andrew has changed his mind about recently 50:44 – Harry thanks Andrew for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can follow and connect with Andrew and Smallhold Tweetables: “I think it’s an issue in the indoor Ag space – and just food in general – is people think that you can have the same solutions for every city. But I think that you need a mix of solutions because every city is different.” (14:38) “Anyway, I was like ‘Ok, three thousand dollars to play a song while walk down the aisle.’ And they’re like, ‘Yeah, great.’ So, I played Daft Punk at their wedding on the cello, they gave me three thousand dollars and, the following week, bought a shipping container and planted in Williamsburg. That was definitely the first money into the indoor company. And we were like, ‘Let’s definitely try to grow some mushrooms in there.’” (19:48) <a href="https://ctt.ac/Rz7_0" rel="noopener noreferrer
S1 E8 · Tue, July 21, 2020
008 Virginia Emery - Frass Happens: Dissecting Insect Farming
Virginia Emery is an entrepreneur with a passion for insects and the founder and CEO of Beta Hatch , a company that grows insects as sustainable protein for animal feed. Virginia’s current mission is the save the world by breeding a bug that tastes like bacon. Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he and Virginia discuss the fascinating world of insect farming, its impact on the vertical farming industry and the importance of promoting diversity in this ever-growing market. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 00:01 – Virginia expounds on her background as an Insect Entrepreneur, speaks to the many ‘bug banquets’ she’s attended and shares her passion for changing the world 06:12 – Virginia speaks to how she educated herself about the indoor agriculture industry, the work she does with Beta Hatch and surprises she learned along the way 13:37 – Other vertical farming business models that inspired Virginia during the early stages of Beta Hatch 16:16 – Virginia breaks down the supply chain aspect of Beta Hatch and the impact of robotics technology on this industry 24:55 – How Virginia has grown and evolved as a business owner and entrepreneur 30:16 – Virginia shares her thoughts on opportunities for women and minorities in the AgTech industry and can be done to promote diversity 40:43 – The decision to seek out funding through a third party investor and a hard question Virginia has had to ask herself and answer recently 47:34 – Harry thanks Virginia for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can follow and connect with Virginia and Beta Hatch Tweetables: “If you can identify what your passion is and you can use that to fuel your career, that means that work is not ‘work’ in a sense of something you’re not enjoying or something that’s burdensome but rather something that you feel passionate about.” (05:50) “The U.S. is a net exported of feed – because we produce a lot of soy – but we’re a net importer of aqua culture, seafood and aqua feed products. So, there’s some interesting geographical components to the food system that, again, most people are not realizing when they go to the grocery store and get their food.” (13:09) <a href="https://ctt.ac/Lpy1A" rel="
S1 E7 · Fri, July 10, 2020
007 Nicola Kerslake - Funding the Indoor AgTech Space
Nikola Kerslake is a registered investment adviser and founder of Contain , a fintech platform for indoor agriculture that aids indoor farmers in finding lease funding for their projects. Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he and Nicola discuss common misconceptions about the indoor AgTech space, access to funding, and how her experience as a manager of private equity funds has contributed to her success in the vertical farming industry. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 00:01 – Nicola shares her background in indoor agriculture and the origin story and goals of her FinTech company, Contain 05:09 – Nicola expounds on how she got involved in finance 08:42 – Nicola speaks to common misconceptions people have about the indoor AgTech space and lessons she’s learned from her work with Techstars 15:54 – Nicola details the process of how Contain identifies new companies to work with 20:21 – Trends and shifts in the indoor AgTech space that Nicola has noticed over the past few months and years 27:45 – What excites Nicola the most about the future of indoor AgTech and vertical farming 29:21 – What is something that Nicola has changed her mind about recently and where listeners can follow and connect with Nicola and Contain Tweetables: “The biggest challenge that indoor farmers face is not necessarily technical or growing, it’s just they can’t finance their farms. So, that looked like a problem I could solve.” (03:03) “It’s been a fairly circumlocutious route, but I think every entrepreneur has to hustle. And we certainly do that every single day.” (06:41) “Lenders don’t work like equity investors or like private investors. They have checklists and black boxes that they use and you are not going to be able to charm them, or impress them with your vision, into committing earlier.” (16:55) “There are many more sources of funding than t
S1 E6 · Mon, June 29, 2020
006 Dave Ridill - From Paramedic Firefighter to Vertical Farmer
Dave Ridill is a hydroponic farmer as well as the owner and head of operations at Clawson Greens , an organization that supplies Teton Valley and surrounding areas with fresh clean greens, locally grown year-round. Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he and Dave discuss the learning curve of vertical farming, the impact that Covid-19 has had on the industry and the importance of being nimble as an entrepreneur. Dave tells the story of how he chose a career as a vertical farmer over that of a paramedic firefighter and the impact he wishes to make with his AgTech organization. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 00:01 – Dave shares his background as a ski patrolman, his origin story as a vertical farmer and the work he’s doing at Clawson Greens 09:55 – Dave speaks to the learning curve of vertical farming, the breakdown of his clientele and how he is assisting his local community 16:35 – Dave expounds on the importance of remaining nimble as an entrepreneur in the AgTech space 20:09 – Dave breaks down a typical day in the life as a vertical farmer and the challenges that emerged due to Covid-19 27:32 – Best practices and insights Dave has learned from other hydroponic farms 30:56 – Dave talks about his marketing plans for Clawson Greens 35:49 – What Dave has learned about himself throughout his entrepreneurial journey 38:27 – What is something that Dave has changed his mind about recently 40:22 – Dave speaks to the trends that excite him about the future of vertical farming and where listeners can follow and connect with Dave Tweetables: “You have to understand that it [vertical farming] is a business in that if you want to actually do this you have there has to be this idea that you want to be successful. And, failure was not an option.” (08:17) “I think that there’s a benefit for small farms like myself and all over the country – whether that’s indoor farming or just small scale farming in a community – is we have the ability to transition in a day or two from restaurants to a direct-to-consumer, to a drive-up.” <s
S1 E5 · Thu, June 18, 2020
005 Jon Friedman - A Green Mind
Jon Friedman is the COO and co-founder of Freight Farms , an organization that provides agricultural products and services that enable on-site commercial food production anywhere in the world. Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he and Jon discuss the growth of the AgTech industry, the value of marketing and the grant Jon and his team received from NASA to further their work with vertical farming. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 00:01 – Jon shares his origin story of how he originally became interested in AgTech and the inspiration to start Freight Farms. 13:19 – Jon speaks to the importance of educating those looking to enter the industry in order to scale agriculture 20:25 – The value of having Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and marketing plans in place 25:58 – Jon expounds on Freight Farms’ latest model, The Greenery 29:13 – Jon talks about the grant he and his organization received from NASA 32:30 – Jon speaks to the trends that excite him about the future of AgTech 38:23 – Where listeners can follow and connect with Jon Tweetables “Admittedly, I don’t have a green thumb, I would say, but I have a green mind.” (00:52) “The current food supply chain is not set up to support the entire globe, even though it’s a very centralized global system.” (10:05) “Our goal as a company is to continually lower the barrier of entry for anybody looking to get in or anybody looking to scale agriculture.” (13:48) “What a lot of folks in this space look at first is, ‘What’s my ROI? What’s the economics of growing?’ And, if it works at that scale, scaling gets a lot more realistic.” (22:46) “NASA’s a really interesting organization because you go there and they forget that they’re NASA somet
S1 E4 · Wed, June 10, 2020
004 Henry Gordon Smith - Exploring the Socioeconomic Divide in Agriculture
Henry Gordon Smith is a global AgTech leader, speaker and founder of Agritecture , a global leader in urban agriculture consulting services. Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he and Henry discuss the business model of vertical farming and urban agriculture. They expound on the racial and socioeconomic divide within agriculture as well as the ongoing ‘food apartheid.’ Finally, Henry speaks to upcoming events and projects he and his organization are working towards. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 00:01 – Henry shares his origin story and how he originally became interested in vertical farming and podcasting 07:52 – The biggest challenges Henry has faced as an entrepreneur and how investments have shaped the vertical farming business model 13:04 – Complex questions about vertical farming that Henry is seeking answers to 20:23 – Henry shares his definition of vertical farming and solutions he suggests for the industry 29:13 – Henry’s speaks to the mission of his company Agritecture, and some of its offerings 36:15 – Henry’s unique perspective on race, the ‘food apartheid’ and urban agriculture 42:49 – Upcoming vents Henry is launching with Agritecture 45:29 – Henry expounds on what excites him about the future of vertical farming and AgTech in general 50:25 – Where listeners can follow Henry Tweetables “As I was exploring my interest in doing business solutions to sustainability challenges, I created three blogs to kind of test the market and to see what people responded to.” (03:38) “I’m not about hype. I’m happy to encourage and talk about the benefits of urban agriculture and vertical farming, but I really want to talk about the complex questions.” (12:49) “My definition is really about three dimensional farming. It could be one floor, it could be a container, it could be a basement. It’s really about saying, ‘Ok, when we think three dimensionally about agriculture and the potential to photosynthesize plants using LEDs, what could we do
S1 E3 · Fri, May 29, 2020
003 Stephen Pankhurst - Analyzing the Evolution and Profitability of Vertical Farming
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show process improvement engineer and vertical farming expert, Stephen Pankhurst. In this episode, Stephen talks about the origin story of his wildly popular YouTube channel, Exa Cognition, which touches on all things technology including vertical farming. He expounds on the barriers of entry, profitability and evolution of vertical farming. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 00:43 – Stephen shares his origin story and how he originally became interested in vertical farming 09:25 – Stephen expounds on the time and energy that went into his YouTube channel dedicated entirely to vertical farming 14:05 – Stephen breaks down the progress of technological advances in the industry and profitability of vertical farms 20:29 – Stephen speaks to challenges, barriers to entry and the importance of light energy for vertical farming 35:02 – The incredible growth of Stephen’s video series and his plans for the future of this channel 49:24 – Where listeners can follow Stephen Tweetables “It’s very clear that it [vertical farming] does work and it’s working right now. There’s a lot of companies having success with it. And the question I wanted to answer was, ‘Can it really scale to the global level?’” (05:00) “I guess you could say I get obsessive about certain topics and I kind of go all-in on them.” (08:52) “A lot of things that really surprised me when I was doing the research is just how absolutely massive agriculture is. I mean it is truly vast. Of our habitable land, fifty percent of it is agriculture.” (24:25) “When you first hear something crazy for the first time, you say, ‘No.’ And then, the more you start to hear about it, at some point it doesn’t matter that much about the data you provide. At some point, once you’ve been exposed to an idea enough, people tend to go, ‘Yeah, yeah. Of course that was always going to happen.’” (33:59) “My initial idea for the channel…what I reall
S1 E2 · Wed, May 20, 2020
002 Louisa Burwood-Taylor - The Biggest Challenges Facing Indoor Agriculture
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show AgTech journalist, Louisa Burwood-Taylor. As a journalist and editor, Louisa covers foodtech, agriculture, venture capital investment and corporate innovation within the indoor agriculture industry. In this episode, Harry and Louisa discuss the societal impact of indoor agriculture and vertical farming, the emergence of competition, and biggest threats and challenges currently facing this niche industry. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 02:00 – Louisa’s background in AgTech journalism and how she became passionate about this topic 07:06 – The origin story behind AgFunder News 09:35 – Louisa shares her thoughts on the developments being made in vertical farming 15:24 – Harry and Louisa discuss the emergence of competition and other players entering the indoor agriculture industry 20:28 – Louisa speaks to why the timing is right for our society to embrace vertical farming and best practices companies are putting into place 22:51 – The three biggest challenges facing indoor agriculture and what has Louisa excited about the future of the industry 28:01 – Concerns with Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) foods 31:03 – Where listeners can follow Louisa and AgFunder News Tweetables “It’s hard to ignore the impact of climate change and the impact that humans have on this planet.” (05:59) “I think that the use of software programs, robotics – all of that technology which has, in itself, improved over the last couple of years – it’s now come to a point where I think it’s becoming effective indoors.” (11:30) “I think there’s absolutely potential for people to build new farms in smaller locations in more niche areas or products.” (16:19) “A lot of times a valuation of a company is dependent on their access to capital and not necessarily the stage at which their company is in terms of bringing in revenues and being a sustainable business.” (18:17) <a href="https://ctt.ac/IOdfb" rel="noop
S1 E1 · Tue, May 05, 2020
001 David Farquhar - It's Time For the Industry to Grow Up
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show serial entrepreneur and CEO of Intelligent Growth Solutions , David Farquhar. In this episode, Harry and David break down the emergence of vertical farming technologies, opportunities that have been created due to the current global pandemic, and projects that David and his team have been working on within his organization. Special thanks to our Season 1 Sponsor IGS – https://intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ Key Takeaways 01:36 – David and Harry discuss the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and the importance of leadership during this difficult time 07:48 – Opportunities David sees in the marketplace for his organization, Intelligent Growth Solutions 12:53 – David’s background in business and technology 22:16 – How the emergence of global technologies like vertical farming can impact the future of our society 29:50 – David expounds on the direct impact that weather, handling and ventilation have on vertical farming 41:54 – What is something David has changed his mind about recently 43:46 – Where listeners can follow David and IGS Tweetable Quotes “What we’ve tried to do is be clear, be concise and be decisive. I think, at times, that is exactly what you need.” (05:42) - David Farquhar “We think we can contribute. We want to do it in a non-cynical way. And we’re working with quite a lot of governments now on thinking about how this might happen.” (07:39) - David Farquhar “I think we may see a shift in some habits. Things like how we get to work, where we work, what we choose to work on, how we shop, the reduction of waste, our diet, all kinds of different things.” (22:53) - David Farquhar “Particularly with vertical farming, we are right at the start gate. This is the beginning of a marathon. And anyone who tells you otherwise, frankly, is lying.” (23:39) - David Farquhar <br
Trailer · Sat, May 02, 2020
Vertical Farming Podcast Trailer
In this trailer episode I share the origin story of the Vertical Farming Podcast, including what inspired me to start the show, as well as a preview of the upcoming guests for Season 1. Visit to https://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/ to be notified as soon as new episodes are published. Mentioned in this episode: Indoor AgCon 2025 Indoor AgCon 2025
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