Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:21 Leonardo da Vinci's Influence on Junell

8:17 Junell's Childhood Memories of Fresh Produce

10:35 Junell's Journey into Vertical Farming

15:53 GEIA’s Evolution and Target Market

18:46 GEIA’s Technology and Automation Solutions

22:21 Advanced Sensor Integration

24:08 IoT Ecosystem in Growing Environments

27:04 Data Overwhelm in IoT

31:51 GEIA Hub Knowledge Sharing Community

33:57 Integrating Robotics with GEIA

41:07 Philosophical Approach to Plant Lighting Automation

Website - https://geia.ai

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/junell-/

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AgTech Digest -

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.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:42 Consumer Experience Focus

8:45 Core Theme

10:44 Business Ideas

14:26 Business Ideas

18:14 Core Investment Thesis at Land Betterment

22:18 Vision for Future Partnerships and Collaborations

28:36 Integration of Nature in Dwellings

30:08 Appliance Placement

32:10 User Verticals

36:02 Leadership Inspiration

39:00 Indoor Agtech Events

43:41 Indoor Agriculture Innovation

Website - https://www.growanu.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-massey-755419b9/

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AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com

The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/

Horti-Gen Insights -

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.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

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

00:29:37: Energy Demands in CEA

00:29:55: Message to CEA Leaders and Innovator

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.

Episode Sponsor

CULTIVATD

Freight Farms

Key Takeaways

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• 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
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• 10:36 – Commonwealth Charter Academy
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• 12:23 – Samantha’s vertical farming origin story
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• 18:07 – Partnering with AeroFarms and Vertical Harvest
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• 19:40 – Student feedback on the Aquaponics Program
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• 26:49 – Learning through mistakes
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• 31:23 – Changes and trends Samantha has noticed in the vertical farming industry
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• 35:48 – Companies and organizations Samantha would like to partner with in the future
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• 39:51 – Challenges in AgTech and education
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• 46:39 – Something Samantha has changed her mind about recently
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• 48:49 – What motivates and drives Samantha
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• 51:59 – Harry thanks Samantha for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about CCA and connect with Samantha
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Tweetable Quotes

“Commonwealth Charter Academy is a public cyber charter school located in Pennsylvania. We have numerous building across the state because, although we’re a cyber school, we very much understand that some learners learn best in person or even in a blended model.” (10:41) (Samantha)

“Our school itself is very large. We’re up to about sixteen to seventeen thousand students and our mantra is workforce development. We want students to have skills necessary to either enter the workforce after they graduate. Or, if they want to go to college, we want to help them through that entire process from start to finish.” (11:27) (Samantha)

“At the end of the day, I want to give them skills that they can use when they graduate. And there are some basic ones that everyone needs to know. You have to show up on time. You have to show up appropriately dressed. Those kind of very basic skills.”...

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.

Episode Sponsor

CULTIVATD

Freight Farms

Key Takeaways

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• 05:02 – Harry welcomes to the show Rosario Iacono, who joins the show to discuss his company, Kasveista, and his vertical farming origin story
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• 11:13 – The incredible vast variety of tomatoes
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• 16:18 – Tips for people growing tomatoes at home
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• 17:01 – What Rosario has discovered about tomatoes throughout the years
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• 20:54 – Intensive research and experimentation in vertical farming
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• 28:24 – Rosario’s team at Kasveista
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• 31:59 – The Open Source Model explained and why it is so critical
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• 39:44 – Surprises and challenges from Rosario’s vertical farming journey
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• 44:27 – What’s next for Kasveista
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• 47:54 – Something Rosario has changed his mind about recently
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• 51:52 – Harry thanks Rosario for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Kasveista and connect with Rosario
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Tweetable Quotes

“I was getting tomatoes from Sicily in London. But there is no compromise. You either make a tomato that can travel for sixteen hour on a truck, or you make a tasty tomato.” (09:42) (Rosario

“What I learned is you can influence a lot of the taste and you can change a lot by the techniques you use to grow the tomatoes.” (17:47) (Rosario)

“I try to not think about what a tomato is. I try to think in terms of what a tomato should be now and redraw it from scratch.” (19:01) (Rosario)

“Everyone should have access to food. And access to food is access to seeds.” (34:39) (Rosario)

“Assuming we can get the funding, I have many ideas that I would like to see happening. First of all, expanding to more and more crops that can be grown in vertical farming. I see the world asking for it.” (44:42) (Rosario)

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.

Episode Sponsor

CULTIVATD

Freight Farms

Key Takeaways

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• 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
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• 10:12 – Mentors that shaped Craig’s career trajectory
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• 14:45 – How Craig met his fellow co-founder, Travis Joyner and how their partnership has evolved
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• 18:21 – Leading through foresight and vision
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• 19:34 – Local Bounti’s origin story
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• 25:10 – Key factors in scaling a business
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• 28:53 – Working remotely vs. working in the office
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• 32:12 – Lessons Craig learned throughout his journey at Local Bounti
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• 35:52 – Supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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• 40:20 – Multiple winners in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry
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• 46:12 – Never too high, never too low
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• 47:33 – Something Craig has changed his mind about recently
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• 50:42 – Harry thanks Craig for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Local Bounti and connect with Craig
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Tweetable Quotes

“Our desire to move more rapidly into renewable energy has cut out a bunch of what I would call ‘reliable 24/7/365 power supplies’ that are less renewable but more reliable. And that has created some challenges for the different grid systems across the United States.” (05:40) (Craig)

“I think when you approach every room you walk into in this manner – park your ego at the door, walk in, roll up your sleeves, we’re all peers, let’s move things forward – I think things work better.” (18:03) (Craig)

“Without unit economics, you don’t have a business.” (21:56) (Craig)

“I don’t like people who dabble. I don’t like dabbling.

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.

Episode Sponsor

CULTIVATD

Key Takeaways

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• 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
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• 13:39 – An accidental co-founder
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• 17:18 – Extreme weather and vertical farming
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• 21:11 – Brick Street Farms’ origin story and a key differentiating factor about them
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• 25:51 – An amazing reaction from the community
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• 27:32 – Educating the masses on career opportunities within the vertical farming industry
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• 32:30 – Challenges that the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry faces, including contamination
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• 35:57 – Taking on a leadership role at Brick Street Farms and facing new challenges such as COVID-19
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• 41:59 – Connecting with other CEA companies
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• 44:08 – What’s next for Brick Street Farms as the grow and expand their team and organization
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• 51:09 – Harry thanks Shannon for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Brick Street Farms and connect with Shannon
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Tweetable Quotes

“I definitely think my passion for science and engineering laid the foundation for me today to at least have the curiosity to try.” (13:08) (Shannon)

“A key differentiating factor for Brick Street Farms is that our focus is wholesale hospitality and direct-to-consumer and not mass distribution through grocery stores or food supply companies.” (22:29) (Shannon)

“We would not have been able to get where we are today if we didn’t have the amazing reaction and support of our community.” (26:25) (Shannon)

“We like to use a phrase called, ‘Advanced Simplicity.’ We build our machines so that anyone can operate them because you have to be able to build this labor force and this workforce. And we get folks from all walks of life, former delivery drivers and warehouse...

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.

Episode Sponsor

CULTIVATD

Key Takeaways

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• 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
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• 08:53 – Austin speaks to when he first got involved in vertical farming
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• 11:50 – How Fifth Season is applying robotics to the vertical farming industry
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• 16:27 – Austin reflects on some of the memorable challenges and obstacles Fifth Season overcame throughout its journey
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• 20:18 – Austin talks about Fifth Season’s accomplishment of achieving a 100% Food Safety Audit ranking
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• 25:32 – Austin explains what ‘pest pressure’ means
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• 28:21 – Austin talks about the relationship Fifth Season has with the city of Braddock and the impact they have had on the community
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• 34:44 – Austin speaks to the learning curve he’s experienced as a first-time CEO
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• 37:41 – A tough question Austin has had to ask himself recently
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• 38:07 – Harry thanks Austin for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Fifth Season and connect with Austin
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Tweetable Quotes

“We wanted to create this whole new platform to really change the way we think about vertical farming, to therefore make it an economic reality today instead of just a pipe dream for the future.” (08:43) (Austin)

“We don’t really consider ourselves a vertical farming company. We’re a new food system pioneer that’s creating a whole new era of fresh foods and we started that journey with vertical farming.” (19:18) (Austin)

“The first Carnegie Library was in Braddock. So when you think of how we’re changing the way that we think about growing food and then creating this whole new consumer experience around changing the definition of what fresh food should taste like and making it fun again. And then creating this joy and delight around eating healthy because again you’re just creating this whole new category of fresh food and making it more ubiquitous and making it easier to eat healthier.” (29:37) (Austin)

“It [the CEO role] is just a very hard job. And, you just...

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

Episode Sponsor

CULTIVATD

Key Takeaways

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• 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
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• 08:23 – Marc talks about the value of AeroFarms being a Certified B Corporation
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• 11:51 – Marc explains the concept of ‘speed breeding’ and how he got involved in marketing and food
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• 17:22 – Marc reflects on the work he did at Toys R’ Us
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• 20:54 – Marc expounds on the vision and mission of AeroFarms and the importance of food literacy
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• 27:30 – Marc talks about the journey of AeroFarms and potential future expansions
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• 29:06 – Marc speaks to the experience of AeroFarms going public
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• 32:23 – Marketing trends Marc has noticed throughout his career and the impact of social media marketing
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• 35:43 – Where Marc sees companies get it wrong in their approach to customer relations
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• 37:48 – Marc speaks to some of the initiatives AeroFarms prioritizes
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• 43:49 – A tough question Marc has had to ask himself recently
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• 46:22 – Harry thanks Marc for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about AeroFarms and connect with Marc
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Tweetable Quotes

“This idea that business can be a force for good expands beyond just the world of agriculture. This is about other verticals and we’re hoping that we can be an inspiration and a catalyst for other companies as well.” (09:04) (Marc)

“Thinking about key genetic traits plus the rapid growing process, that’s really leading to this rapid cultivation, this speed breeding. This is what we think about as the next generation of the indoor farming opportunities that we continue to unlock.” (12:15) (Marc)

“For us, what we’re doing and have been doing in the category of leafy greens is we’re creating different flavor experiences.” (20:54) (Marc)

“We’ve been very specific about how to build our brand. And I think that’s a very important part of the equation today without question. And part of that is the journey with the consumer hand-in-hand and how do we collectively get them to be our brand advocates and brand ambassadors.” (33:30) (Marc)

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Episode Summary

Harry takes a moment to thank the listeners and provide updates on the remaining Season 3 episodes.

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