Vertical farming is a revolutionary approach to produce production leveraging controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technology and systems in innovative ways...
S11E154 Jessica Fong/Common Farms - Microgreens and Mega Dreams: Common Farms' 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 SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways5:07 Starting a business during COVID10:22 Origin story of Common Farms15:05 Building relationships with chefs26:20 Customizing produce for chefs32:31 Focusing on functional food43:10 Tough questions for entrepreneurs46:42 Collaboration in indoor farmingTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - https://commonfarms.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-naomi-fong/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest -
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S11E153 Per Lysaa/Intravision Group AS - Gravity Flow: The Secret Behind Automated Indoor Agriculture
Ever wondered how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing indoor farming? I've got the inside scoop on the latest innovations that are changing the game. In this episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, host Harry Duran sits down with Per Lysaa, CTO and co-founder of Elevate Farms and founder of Intravision Group AS. With over two decades of experience in photobiology and LED technology, Per brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation about controlled environment agriculture.Per shares his journey from architecture to pioneering LED applications in plant growth, discussing the development of Elevate Farms' patented gravity flow system. This innovative approach allows for highly automated, large-scale production of leafy greens at commodity pricing, potentially disrupting traditional farming methods.The conversation delves into the challenges of scaling vertical farming operations, the importance of partnerships in innovation, and the potential for machine learning and AI to further advance the industry. Per also touches on the global water crisis and its implications for future food production, highlighting the critical role vertical farming could play in addressing these challenges.If you're curious about the future of food production and how technology is shaping sustainable agriculture, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain insights from one of the industry's leading innovators and discover the potential of vertical farming to address global food security challenges.Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways5:22 Early Work with LEDs and Photobiology10:09 Space Research and Plant Growth15:52 Cannabis Research and LED Advancements20:29 Founding Elevate and Business Strategy25:21 Balancing Roles in Two CompaniesTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - https://www.elevate.farm/ & https://www.intravisiongroup.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-aage-lysaa-9685592/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook -...
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S11E152 Simon Wardle/Gooddrop Ltd - Sustainable Cotton: A New Era in Vertical Farming
Ever wondered how vertical farming could revolutionize the cotton industry? I sat down with Simon Wardle, CEO of Gooddrop, to explore this groundbreaking concept.Simon Wardle brings a unique perspective to vertical farming, combining his background in design with a vision for sustainable cotton production. As the leader of Good Drop, he's spearheading an initiative to grow cotton in controlled environments, potentially transforming the textile industry.In this episode, we delve into Good Drop's ambitious plans to create a closed-loop system for cotton production. Simon shares insights on their progress, from container-based experiments to plans for a pilot facility, and discusses the challenges of reinventing the cotton supply chain.We also explore the broader implications of this innovation, touching on topics such as energy sustainability, the potential for localized production, and the hurdles of disrupting a centuries-old industry. Simon offers a candid look at the realities of bringing a new concept to market in the vertical farming space.If you're curious about the future of sustainable textiles and the role vertical farming could play, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Simon's fascinating journey and the potential impact of vertically farmed cotton.Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways00:42 Collaboration and Industry Insights06:00 Thanksgiving and Cultural Differences12:00 Design Background and Transition24:00 Challenges and Innovations30:00 Leadership and Team Building36:00 Industry Disruption and Future PlansTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - https://www.good-drop.com/LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/simon-w-09900827Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights -
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S11E151 Daryl Urbanski/Best Business Coach - Agrocapsules & Oasis: A New Era in Vertical Farming
Are you tired of the rat race and dreaming of a self-sufficient lifestyle? In this episode, I chat with Daryl Urbanski, a seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for personal sovereignty. Daryl's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful business strategist is nothing short of inspiring. With over 17 years of experience in helping businesses thrive, Daryl has now turned his focus to innovative housing solutions.We dive into the concept of the Oasis Biohome, a revolutionary approach to off-grid living that promises self-reliance and sustainability. Daryl shares how these homes can be built quickly and affordably, offering a path to freedom from traditional utility dependencies. We also explore the potential of vertical farming within these homes, providing fresh produce right at your doorstep.Beyond housing, we touch on broader themes of personal freedom, the importance of self-reliance, and the challenges of modern living. Daryl's insights into the future of sustainable living are both thought-provoking and practical. If you're curious about breaking free from conventional living and embracing a more independent lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen. Click to hear more about how you can take control of your future!Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways14:00 Self-Reliance and Business Philosophy26:00 Challenges and Opportunities32:00 Steps to Building an Oasis Home38:00 Sovereignty and Sustainable LivingTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - https://members.bestbusinesscoach.ca/ & https://wonderfulstructures.com/oasis-bio-homes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylurbanski/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastMentioned in this episode:CEA Summit East 2024CEA Summit East 2024Indoor...
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S11E150 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 SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways05:44 Starting the Aquaponics Project17:36 Industry Challenges and Opportunities30:49 Leadership and Mentorship35:31 Future of GreenHub and Vertical Farming38:03 Collaboration and Data Sharing in the IndustryTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - 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/featuredConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook -
Vertical farming is a revolutionary approach to produce production leveraging controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technology and systems in innovative ways. It facilitates production of huge quantities of nutritious and quality fresh food without relying on favorable weather, high water usage, skilled labor, and high soil fertility. This ensures reliable yield and consistency in crop production year-round with climate control, and no effects of external environment factors such as diseases, pests, or predator attacks.
Join Harry Duran, Host of the Apple-recommended Podcast Junkies and Founder of FullCast, as he explores the world of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). Tune in every week for fascinating conversations with CEOs, Founders and luminaries from the exciting and fast-growing world of Vertical Farming.
If you've been interested in the world of Indoor AgTech and want to hear inspiring stories from the innovators on the frontlines of this fast-moving industry, then this most definitely the show for you!
Subscribe and learn more by visiting http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/
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