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Vertical Farming Podcast
Harry Duran
The #1 show dedicated to Vertical Farming
- 42 minutes 54 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
Bio520
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/
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
Indoor AgCon 2025
10 January 2025, 8:00 am - 49 minutes 29 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
Bio520
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/
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
CEA Summit East 2024
Indoor AgCon 2025
29 December 2024, 6:30 am - 47 minutes 43 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
Bio520
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/
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
CEA Summit East 2024
Indoor AgCon 2025
16 December 2024, 6:30 am - 51 minutes 4 secondsS11E150 Alexander Jaworski/GreenHub - Building a Sustainable Future: The GreenHub 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
Bio520
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/
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
CEA Summit East 2024
Indoor AgCon 2025
6 December 2024, 8:00 am - 52 minutes 13 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
Bio520
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
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:
CEA Summit East 2024
Indoor AgCon 2025
28 November 2024, 6:00 am - 40 minutes 54 secondsS11E148 Floris Berghout/Viemose DGS - From Greenhouses to Global Impact - Viemose’s 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
Bio520
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/ViemoseDgs
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHPRlFRsoGmCVj6usewG-FQ
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
Indoor AgCon 2025
8 November 2024, 6:30 am - 59 minutes 22 secondsS11E147 Daniel Bosman/Our Greenery - From Surfboards to Vertical Farms: Daniel Bosman and Our Greenery’s 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
Bio520
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 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bosman-og/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ourgreenery_de/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz0J896ueMg
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
CEA Summit East 2024
1 November 2024, 9:00 am - 49 minutes 5 secondsS11E146 Jacob Savageau/FarmBox Foods - FarmBox’s 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
Bio520
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 - https://farmboxfoods.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-savageau-0b99a5193/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/farmboxfoods/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@farmboxfoods
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
Indoor AgCon 2025
25 October 2024, 9:00 am - 50 minutes 28 secondsS11E145 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
Bio520
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."Resources Mentioned
Website - www.direct-carbon.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattiaskarls/
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
CEA Summit East 2024
18 October 2024, 9:00 am - 52 minutes 25 secondsS11E144 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 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-gabriel-succar-abascal-53331b191/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerdeCompacto
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verdecompacto/
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
Indoor AgCon 2025
27 September 2024, 9:00 am - 57 minutes 34 secondsS11E143 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.
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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 on, and interpret the language of the plants. It's such a complex space with all these factors—temperature, humidity, CO2, lighting, irrigation, nutrients—all correlated and impacting each other. And a human goes in there and subjectively assesses the situation."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://www.neatleaf.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmar-mair/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/neatleaf.inc/
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Mentioned in this episode:
CEA Summit East 2024
Indoor AgCon 2025
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