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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S11E142 Junell Abdi/GEIA.AI - From IT Architect to AI AgTech Innovator
Season 11 · Episode 142
Friday, September 6, 2024 • Duration 50:51
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.
41:07 Philosophical Approach to Plant Lighting Automation
Tweetable Quotes"I always had to autodidact, always learning by myself. When I did that server, that was the first journey of me on the Internet. I decided to make my own servers and became a data host ever since.""We lived in Haifa, just 50 meters from the market, so fresh veggies and fruits were always near us. My father, an artist, had a small garden in the city where I planted tomatoes and cucumbers. Those early experiences shaped my love for being close to the source of food.""The toughest thing as a startup is the chicken and egg issue. We invest a lot of time and resources, but to build up further, especially in marketing, we need more investment. Finding investors is not easy these days."Resources Mentioned
S11E141 Scott Massey/Anu - How Anu is Transforming Health Through Homegrown Produce
Season 11 · Episode 141
Saturday, August 31, 2024 • Duration 01:00:32
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.
22:18 Vision for Future Partnerships and Collaborations
28:36 Integration of Nature in Dwellings
30:08 Appliance Placement
Tweetable QuotesResources MentionedConnect With Us
S10E133 Matt Lohr/Secretary of Agriculture - Virginia Goes All-In on Indoor Farming
Season 10 · Episode 133
Friday, May 24, 2024 • Duration 37:15
In this episode, I speak with Matt Lohr, Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for agriculture. Matt shares his journey as a fifth-generation farmer from the Shenandoah Valley and how his early experiences on the farm with his grandfather shaped his love for the land and conservation. We dive into his varied career, from local public service roles to leading the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the USDA, and how these experiences have fueled his commitment to supporting the agricultural industry. Matt's stories about preserving his family's farming legacy and the importance of connecting people to the source of their food are truly heartwarming.
We also explore Virginia's ambitious goals in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) space, driven by Governor Youngkin's vision to make the state a leader in indoor farming. Matt discusses the strategic advantages Virginia offers, from its geographical location to state investments and educational initiatives. He highlights the exciting developments in CEA, including innovative technologies and partnerships that are transforming the industry. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an urban dweller curious about where your food comes from, or someone interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Join us for a conversation that celebrates the past, present, and future of farming in Virginia.
00:05:51: Importance of Local Food and Indoor Farming
00:09:39: Becoming Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry
00:13:35: Virginia's Commitment to Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
00:21:34: Diverse CEA Companies in Virginia
00:27:08: Tough Questions and Economic Challenges
Tweetable QuotesConnect With Us
S4E43: Samantha Johnson - Nudging Students into an Aquaponics Tank
Season 4 · Episode 43
Friday, October 29, 2021 • Duration 59:20
Episode Summary
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Samantha Johnson. Samantha is the Director of Aquaponics Programs at Commonwealth Charter Academy, a top accredited K through 12 public cyber charter school located in Pennsylvania. Samantha is a highly skilled and student-focused leader who possesses a strong commitment to the development of students and staff through differentiated, innovative and individualized learning experiences
Today, Harry and Samantha talk about the work she is doing educating young men and women on the AgTech industry, specifically through the aquaponics program at CCA. She talks about the partnerships CCA has with AeroFarms and Vertical Harvest and the goals they are striving to achieve together. Samantha also speaks to the importance she places on preparing her students for the professional world and the challenges they are likely to face in the vertical farming space. Finally, Samantha discusses what continues to motivate and drive her throughout her teaching and vertical farming journey.
01:13 – Harry welcomes to the show Samantha Johnson, who joins the show to discuss her background in education and the challenges COVID-19 has brought to her profession
10:36 – Commonwealth Charter Academy
12:23 – Samantha’s vertical farming origin story
18:07 – Partnering with AeroFarms and Vertical Harvest
19:40 – Student feedback on the Aquaponics Program
S4E42: Rosario Iacono - What a Tomato Should Be
Season 4 · Episode 42
Saturday, October 16, 2021 • Duration 55:21
Episode Summary
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Rosario Iacono. Rosario is the Founder of Kasveista, a concept stage startup aiming to produce open-source seeds and seedlings for vertical farming. Their goal is to help modern vertical farms expand their range of products by providing seeds and seedlings of tomato of varieties specifically selected for vertical farming.
Today, Harry and Rosario talk about the incredible work Rosario is doing at Kasveista and why he chose to focus on the tomatoes as his first crop. Rosario talks about the incredibly vast varieties of tomatoes and shares tips for those who want to grow tomatoes at home. They explain the open source model and why it’s critical to Rosario’s business. Finally, Rosario talks about what’s next for Kasveista, what excites him about the future and how we can educate the masses on vertical farming.
05:02 – Harry welcomes to the show Rosario Iacono, who joins the show to discuss his company, Kasveista, and his vertical farming origin story
11:13 – The incredible vast variety of tomatoes
16:18 – Tips for people growing tomatoes at home
17:01 – What Rosario has discovered about tomatoes throughout the years
20:54 – Intensive research and experimentation in vertical farming
28:24 – Rosario’s team at Kasveista
31:59 – The Open Source Model explained and why it is so critical
S4E41: Craig Hurlbert - Going Slow To Go Fast
Season 4 · Episode 41
Friday, October 1, 2021 • Duration 57:42
Episode Summary
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co- founder & co-CEO at Local Bounti, Craig Hurlbert. Local Bounti is an organization that strives to deliver the freshest, locally grown produce in your neighborhood. Local Bounti sustainably grows fresh greens and herbs 365 days a year in their greenhouses, using 90% less water and 90% less land than conventional agriculture.
Today, Harry and Craig talk about Craig’s extensive background in energy, from his time at General Electric (GE) to the origins of Local Bounti. Craig discusses the recent extreme weather and climate and how it has impacted the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. Craig shares his views on leadership and why he chooses to lead through a centralized vision and goal. Finally, Craig speaks to the work Local Bounti is doing to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and why he’s rooting for all of his competitors in the CEA industry.
01:14 – Harry welcomes to the show Craig Hurlbert, who joins the show to discuss his background in energy and the challenges we’re facing with the recent extreme weather and climate
10:12 – Mentors that shaped Craig’s career trajectory
14:45 – How Craig met his fellow co-founder, Travis Joyner and how their partnership has evolved
18:21 – Leading through foresight and vision
19:34 – Local Bounti’s origin story
S4E40: Shannon O'Malley - Creating Your Neighborhood Farm
Season 4 · Episode 40
Friday, September 10, 2021 • Duration 58:42
Episode Summary
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co- founder & CEO at Brick Street Farms, Shannon O’Malley. Brick Street Farms is a hydroponic, indoor city farm that grows leafy greens year-round in technology based, climate controlled environments. Their mission is to grow the most nutritious produce at the heart of consumption.
Today, Harry and Shannon talk about how Shannon became an ‘accidental co-founder’ within the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. Shannon discusses the key differentiating factor of Brick Street Farms and shares some of the amazing work they are doing to educate society on this growing segment. Harry and Shannon talk about the recent extreme weather, most notably the deep freeze in Texas, and how more of these climactic events are impacting how our food is grown, harvested and delivered to us. Finally, Shannon speaks to the initiatives Brick Street Farms is involved with, including combatting food deserts.
02:58 – Harry welcomes to the show Shannon O’Malley, who joins the show to discuss her engineering background and her passion for building and creating
13:39 – An accidental co-founder
17:18 – Extreme weather and vertical farming
21:11 – Brick Street Farms’ origin story and a key differentiating factor about them
25:51 – An amazing reaction from the community
27:32 – Educating the masses on career opportunities within the vertical farming industry
S3E39: Austin Webb - Transforming Modern Agriculture
Season 3 · Episode 39
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 • Duration 42:57
Episode Summary
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, CEO and co-founder of Fifth Season, Austin Webb. Fifth Season is a consumer tech company and indoor farming pioneer with Carnegie Mellon University roots that is creating a new era of fresh foods. Its commercial-scale indoor vertical farms use proprietary robotics, AI, and smart operations technology to grow leafy greens and herbs at affordable prices year-round. Today, Harry and Austin talk about the origin story of Fifth Season, the relationship he has with the city of Braddock and how Austin initially got involved in vertical farming. Austin expounds on the concepts of smart manufacturing and pest pressure and speaks to the learning curve he’s experienced as a first-time CEO. Finally, Austin speaks to the mission of Fifth Season and what excites him most about his future endeavors.
03:14 – Harry welcomes to the show Austin Webb, who trends he’s noticed post-pandemic, his relationship with Carnegie Mellon University and the origin story of Fifth Season
08:53 – Austin speaks to when he first got involved in vertical farming
11:50 – How Fifth Season is applying robotics to the vertical farming industry
16:27 – Austin reflects on some of the memorable challenges and obstacles Fifth Season overcame throughout its journey
20:18 – Austin talks about Fifth Season’s accomplishment of achieving a 100% Food Safety Audit ranking
25:32 – Austin explains what ‘pest pressure’ means
28:21 – Austin talks about the relationship Fifth Season has with the city of Braddock and the impact they have had on the community
S3E38: Marc Oshima - Business as a Force for Good: Indoor Farming
Season 3 · Episode 38
Saturday, July 10, 2021 • Duration 52:52
Episode Summary
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at AeroFarms, Marc Oshima. AeroFarms is an award-winning indoor farming company that is on a bold mission to grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity. Today, Harry and Marc talk about Marc’s background in marketing and how it has impacted his work at AeroFarms. Marc provides his thoughts on the concept of ‘speed breeding,’ speaks to his passion for food and expounds on the concept of utilizing business as a force for good
02:37 – Harry welcomes to the show Marc Oshima, who discusses the impact COVID-19 has had on his business, his background in marketing and the power of telling the story behind the food
08:23 – Marc talks about the value of AeroFarms being a Certified B Corporation
11:51 – Marc explains the concept of ‘speed breeding’ and how he got involved in marketing and food
17:22 – Marc reflects on the work he did at Toys R’ Us
20:54 – Marc expounds on the vision and mission of AeroFarms and the importance of food literacy
27:30 – Marc talks about the journey of AeroFarms and potential future expansions
29:06 – Marc speaks to the experience of AeroFarms going public
32:23 – Marketing trends Marc has noticed throughout his career and the impact of social media marketing
S3E1: Season 3, Bonus 1 – Harry Duran
Season 3 · Episode 1
Friday, June 25, 2021 • Duration 07:00
Episode Summary
Harry takes a moment to thank the listeners and provide updates on the remaining Season 3 episodes.
"Anu is a health and wellness brand that seeks to empower individuals and communities to become self-sufficient in the production of pure produce."
"We are not just a box that grows food and does so profitably and efficiently. We are a machine that makes health accessible through food that is produced."
"The best technology is the one that the operator does not even know exists; it's so seamless into the user experience that it becomes non-obvious."
"I'm a fifth-generation farmer in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, which is one of the breadbaskets of the country when it comes to ag production. Rockingham County is one of the top 30 or 40 counties in the country for ag production. Farming and agriculture have been my life. As a young child, I remember my earliest memories were walking alongside my grandfather on the farm and learning a love of the land and conservation. We have conservation easements on our farm to ensure my kids can be the sixth generation. Agriculture is in my life, and every part of my career over the last 30 years has been directly tied back to supporting the agricultural industry."
"I grew up in a family where public service was stressed from day one. My father was very active with church and the Ruittian club, a service club community. My parents were active in the volunteer rescue squad and fire department for their entire career. I grew up around people who served. My first chance to serve was as a state international officer for the FFA organization, Future Farmers of America. I took a year out of college for both the state and then another year out as a national officer, dedicating my time for two years serving the ag industry, speaking in schools and communities, and lobbying for agriculture. I learned pretty early on that I wanted to have a career in advocacy and public service."
"We have around 20 CEA companies in Virginia, and I've visited all of them. They all have their own secret sauce, whether it's a vertical farm or a greenhouse, the type of lighting or automation, or the types of products they're producing. The technology is incredible. I'm very excited to travel to Amsterdam for Greentech in June. The Dutch are the world leaders in greenhouse and food production, and they've got a great story to tell. The technology piece has been the most exciting. We have companies of all sizes, from the large ones like Plenty and AeroFarms to smaller ones like Beanstalk in Fairfax County. It's great to see how they are all different but serve a great purpose."
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