Vertical Farming Podcast
Harry Duran
The #1 show dedicated to Vertical Farming
- 48 minutes 58 secondsS12E159 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 grow with.""We span the education sphere from kindergarten all the way through PhD research. With little kids it's often just about showing them where food comes from and it's not just from the grocery store and getting hands-on experience. So education is a great venue. It's something people are really interested in and we're happy to be part of it because it really drives the industry as well."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://justvertical.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connertidd/
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VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast
VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod
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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/
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
28 March 2025, 8:00 am - 53 minutes 3 secondsS12E158 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 their return, but to maximize the return of all our stakeholders.""The challenge with any farming is external environment and human error. We solve the external environment by doing it inside a shipping container. Our competition doesn't solve for the human error component, but the Anu team does.""I think that everybody has the ability to make something out of themselves and be proud of what they do. Not everybody realizes that. By providing direct roadmaps, direct opportunity for these community members, we can give them the steps that they can walk up on their own."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://www.landbetterment.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkptaylor/
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:
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
21 March 2025, 8:00 am - 48 minutes 11 secondsS11E157 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 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-halter-082043a3/
X - https://x.com/TerraFerm_Ag
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/terraferm_agtech/
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/
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
Indoor AgCon 2025
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
7 March 2025, 8:00 am - 48 minutes 19 secondsS11E156 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 - https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvest-today/
YouTube - @harvesttoday
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harvest.today/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HarvestTodayLLC/
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:
Indoor AgCon 2025
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
21 February 2025, 7:00 am - 8 minutes 3 secondsDickson 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
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://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
14 February 2025, 7:00 am - 59 minutes 46 secondsS11E154 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 - https://commonfarms.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-naomi-fong/
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:
Indoor AgCon 2025
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
24 January 2025, 7:00 am - 43 minutes 41 secondsS11E153 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."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://www.elevate.farm/ & https://www.intravisiongroup.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-aage-lysaa-9685592/
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
Indoor AgCon 2025
10 January 2025, 7:00 am - 48 minutes 28 secondsS11E152 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 - 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:
CEA Summit East 2024
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
29 December 2024, 5:30 am - 46 minutes 42 secondsS11E151 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/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
CEA Summit East 2024
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
16 December 2024, 5:30 am - 50 minutes 3 secondsS11E150 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/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenhub.eu/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@greenhub7525/featured
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:
CEA Summit East 2024
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
6 December 2024, 7:00 am - 51 minutes 12 secondsS11E149 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/
Connect With Us
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Mentioned in this episode:
CEA Summit East 2024
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
28 November 2024, 5:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App