The #1 show dedicated to Vertical Farming
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.
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
Website - https://viemose-dgs.dk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/floris-berghout-88630a9/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ViemoseDgs
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHPRlFRsoGmCVj6usewG-FQ
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Mentioned in this episode:
CEA Summit East 2024
Indoor AgCon 2025
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.
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
Website - http://www.ourgreenery.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bosman-og/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ourgreenery_de/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz0J896ueMg
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Mentioned in this episode:
Indoor AgCon 2025
CEA Summit East 2024
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.
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
Website - https://farmboxfoods.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-savageau-0b99a5193/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/farmboxfoods/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@farmboxfoods
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
Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Mentioned in this episode:
CEA Summit East 2024
Indoor AgCon 2025
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.
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
Website - www.direct-carbon.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattiaskarls/
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
Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Mentioned in this episode:
Indoor AgCon 2025
CEA Summit East 2024
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.
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
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-gabriel-succar-abascal-53331b191/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerdeCompacto
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verdecompacto/
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
Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Mentioned in this episode:
CEA Summit East 2024
Indoor AgCon 2025
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.
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
Website - https://www.neatleaf.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmar-mair/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/neatleaf.inc/
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
Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
CEA Summit East 2024
Indoor AgCon 2025
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.
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
Website - https://geia.ai
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/junell-/
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
Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Mentioned in this episode:
Indoor AgCon 2025
CEA Summit East 2024
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.
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
Website - https://www.growanu.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-massey-755419b9/
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
Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Mentioned in this episode:
Indoor AgCon 2025
CEA Summit East 2024
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 [email protected] with the subject line "Let's Chat."
Stay tuned for more great conversations and thank you for being part of this journey!
01:00 Recap of Season Ten Guests
08:52 Roster of Confirmed Guests for Season Eleven
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
Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Mentioned in this episode:
Bio520
Indoor AgCon 2025
CEA Summit East 2024
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.
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
Website - https://hundred-acre.org/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-corkery-ba72b54/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hundredacre_mke/?hl=en
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
Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Mentioned in this episode:
Bio520
Indoor AgCon 2025
CEA Summit East 2024
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.
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
Website - https://v-greens.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-hey-ba9099130/
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
Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
Bio520
Indoor AgCon 2025
CEA Summit East 2024
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