Vertical Farming Podcast

Harry Duran
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NATURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Vertical Farming Podcast

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/

  1. S11E148 Floris Berghout/Viemose DGS - From Greenhouses to Global Impact - Viemose’s Journey

    8 NOV

    S11E148 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 SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways05:00 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 MentionedWebsite - 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 UsVFP - 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 Vertical Farming Jobs - a href="http://verticalfarmingjobs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    41 min
  2. S11E147 Daniel Bosman/Our Greenery - From Surfboards to Vertical Farms: Daniel Bosman and Our Greenery’s Hyper-Local Solution

    1 NOV

    S11E147 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 SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways05:00 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 MentionedWebsite - 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 UsVFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/ VFP Facebook - a href="https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    59 min
  3. S11E146 Jacob Savageau/FarmBox Foods - FarmBox’s Mission-Driven Growth is Empowering Communities

    25 OCT

    S11E146 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 SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways05:34 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 MentionedWebsite - 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 UsVFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod VFP Instagram - a href="https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/"...

    49 min
  4. S11E145 Mattias Karls/Direct Carbon - The Importance of Carbon Capture Solutions

    18 OCT

    S11E145 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 SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways02:05 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 MentionedWebsite - www.direct-carbon.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattiaskarls/ Connect With UsVFP - 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 Vertical Farming Jobs - a href="http://verticalfarmingjobs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    50 min
  5. S11E144 Juan Gabriel Succar/Verde Compacto - The Secrets of Container Farming Success

    27 SEPT

    S11E144 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 SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways04:22 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 MentionedLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-gabriel-succar-abascal-53331b191/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerdeCompacto Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verdecompacto/ Connect With UsVFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/ VFP Facebook - a...

    52 min
  6. S11E143 Elmar Mair/Neatleaf - AI Crop Management Powered by Neatleaf’s Spider

    20 SEPT

    S11E143 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. Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways1:07 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 MentionedWebsite - https://www.neatleaf.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmar-mair/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/neatleaf.inc/ Connect With UsVFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod VFP

    58 min
  7. S11E142 Junell Abdi/GEIA.AI - From IT Architect to AI AgTech Innovator

    6 SEPT

    S11E142 Junell Abdi/GEIA.AI - From IT Architect to AI AgTech Innovator

    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. Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways5:21 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 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 MentionedWebsite - https://geia.ai LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/junell-/ Connect With UsVFP - 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 Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com Vertical Farming Weekly - a href="https://www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    53 min
  8. S11E141 Scott Massey/Anu - How Anu is Transforming Health Through Homegrown Produce

    31 AUG

    S11E141 Scott Massey/Anu - How Anu is Transforming Health Through Homegrown Produce

    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. Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520 Key Takeaways5:42 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 Tweetable Quotes"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."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.growanu.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-massey-755419b9/ Connect With UsVFP - 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 Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com Vertical Farming Weekly - www.getrevue.co/profile/verticalfarmingpodcast 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: Indoor AgCon 2025 a...

    1h 3m
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About

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/

Information

  • Creator
    Harry Duran
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 FullCast
  • Show Website
    Vertical Farming Podcast

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