131 episodes

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/

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Vertical Farming Podcast Harry Duran

    • Science

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/

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    S10E128 Katherine Soll / Teens for Food Justice - Building a Resilient Food Future & Growing Young Minds

    S10E128 Katherine Soll / Teens for Food Justice - Building a Resilient Food Future & Growing Young Minds

    In this episode, I speak with Katherine Soll , a powerhouse of knowledge and change in the realm of urban agriculture. She takes us through her inspiring journey from her New York City upbringing to her influential role as the founder and CEO of Teens for Food Justice.
    With a nod to Agritechture’s Henry Gordon- Smith for his support and insight, Katherine and I delve into the transformative world of hydroponic farms, the importance of food equity, and the incredible shift from food deserts to the more nuanced concept of food apartheid. It's a conversation that's not only about the growth of plants but also about the growth of young minds and communities.
    We really dig into what it takes to cultivate an organization that stands firm against the winds of challenge. Katherine 's narrative is a testament to the resilience needed to lead such impactful work, and her experiences offer a treasure trove of wisdom on nurturing the next generation of leaders.
    By integrating technology with hands-on education, Katherine 's team is planting the seeds for a greener, more equitable NYC, and beyond. It's a tale of hope, hard work, and the harvest that comes from truly rooting for change.
    Join us as we explore the greening of urban spaces and the empowerment of youth in a movement that's redefining our relationship with food and community.
    Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520Indoor AgCon
    AgTech Weekly Review

    Key Takeaways00:00 Growing Up in NYC
    10:25 Evolution of Teens for Food Justice
    17:26 Building Resilient Community Farming Organization
    25:09 Urban Farming Impact and Student Success
    30:33 Expanding Urban Agriculture and Food Access
    35:46 Letting Go and Trusting Your Team
    41:19 Navigating Mission Creep in Vertical Farming
    46:15 Teen Food Justice Organization Promotion
    Tweetable Quotes"One of the things that was really amazing about growing up in New York, I think, was the level of independence that you have when you're really very young. Being able to walk to school by yourself, go places with your friends by yourself, that independence gives you a perspective on the world that's really different than when you grow up in a car culture.""I think that service is an incredible way to get people to look outside of their own self and their own interests and to understand that we're only going to thrive if we're all thriving together.""I think that if you never have the experience of really needing to show that level of vulnerability and see that you're gonna survive, that yeah, you miss something. I think that's a really important honing process that has served me. It was extremely hard, but again, I try to approach things by saying what is the beneficial lying underneath this thing that didn't go the way I planned."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://teensforfoodjustice.org/
    Twitter - https://twitter.com/tffjinitiative
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/teensforfoodjustice/?hl=en
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/katherine.soll/
    Linkedin - a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/teensforfoodjustice/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    • 54 min
    S10E127 Rick Vanzura / Freight Farms - Buliding a Resilient Food Future & Collaborative Partners

    S10E127 Rick Vanzura / Freight Farms - Buliding a Resilient Food Future & Collaborative Partners

    In this episode, I speak with Rick Vanzura, CEO of Freight Farms, who takes us on a captivating journey from his days in the retail trenches to becoming a trailblazer in the vertical farming industry. Rick’s transformation from working with household names like Borders Group and Panera Bread to redefining local food systems with Freight Farms is nothing short of inspiring.
    He generously shares his Bostonian roots and the pivotal encounters that shaped his business acumen, particularly a chance meeting with Jeff Bezos that reshaped his view on potential versus present limitations. It's a tale that’s as much about personal evolution as it is about the growing promise of urban agriculture.
    Dive into the world of vertical farming as Rick lays out the complexities of supply chain management and the innovative strides Freight Farms is making in controlled environment agriculture. Our discussion navigates through the importance of industry collaboration, learning from mistakes, and creating a culture that empowers and educates.
    Rick's blueprint for success isn’t just about thriving in business; it's about building a resilient and sustainable future for food production. So, if you're curious about the inner workings of vertical farming and how leaders like Rick are steering this burgeoning industry, you'll want to tune in.
    This conversation is an eye-opener for anyone interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship.
    Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520Indoor AgCon
    AgTech Weekly Review

    Key Takeaways00:00 Innovation and Collaboration in Vertical Farming
    09:48 Collaboration and Progress in Farming
    15:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Vertical Farming
    26:35 Vertical Farming Industry Trends and Leadership
    32:11 Leadership in Vertical Farming Collaboration
    Tweetable Quotes"We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children, and here's our chance to play our role in paying back a little for our kids, which in so many ways I think is important.""The right model is definitely going to be co-opetition. We have to recognize we all need to develop and protect stuff that makes us unique and special, but at the same time, we're all going to benefit from things like common R&D and industry standards.""If you really focus on where that huge opportunity lies, that was a big part of what brought me to Freight Farms. Understanding how big the potential could be, I never again am going to allow myself to be short sighted and overly analytical about where something is today versus thinking about what can be in the future."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.freightfarms.com/
    Twitter - https://twitter.com/FreightFarms
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freightfarms/?hl=en
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/freightfarms/
    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/freight-farms/
    Youtube - a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Freightfarms" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    • 52 min
    S10E126 Alex Babich / Nuravine - Cultivating the Future: From Startup Entrepreneur to AI-Driven CEA Innovator

    S10E126 Alex Babich / Nuravine - Cultivating the Future: From Startup Entrepreneur to AI-Driven CEA Innovator

    In this episode, I speak with Alex Babich, who's pioneering the agricultural tech revolution with his startup, Nuravine. We dive into Alex's childhood, his journey through self-education and college, and the formative experiences that led him to combine technology with sustainable farming. Alex's vision of AI-driven vertical farms is a game-changer for the future of agriculture, and it was an absolute pleasure to get an insider's look at how he's bringing this vision to life.
    Hearing Alex detail the steps of Nuravine's evolution, from its inception during a college competition to the resilient growth during COVID, truly showcases the spirit of entrepreneurship. His insights into the fusion of computer engineering with agriculture and the potential of AI to revolutionize farming practices are inspiring.
    Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520Indoor AgCon
    AgTech Weekly Review

    Key Takeaways00:00 Growing Up in NYC and Carmel
    08:11 Future City With Vertical Farming
    12:39 The Journey of Nuravine
    22:41 Choosing Between Pump Systems in Agriculture
    26:39 Cannabis Entrepreneurship and Pump Systems
    29:42 Building Nuravine
    35:38 The Advanced and Flexible Dosing System
    41:15 Continuous Nutrient Dosing in Farming Benefits
    45:56 Expanding Product Development and Funding Opportunities
    54:52 AI and the Future of Farming
    01:00:11 Connecting With Nuravine
    Tweetable Quotes"I love learning math, I want to understand it all, and I started to have this vision of, I really want to know math because I want to like look outside and I want to see equations, I want to see the world in a mathematical way."
    "There are enough resources on earth for everyone to have a very high standard of living and in a certain sense, the monetary system can get in the way of that."
    "They have a competition where you could either win 25,000 or 50,000 dollars. And I went to him and I asked, do you want to start a business together?"
    Resources MentionedNuravine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nuravine/
    Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alex.babich/
    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-babich-nuravine/
    Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@nuravine7984
    Website - https://nuravine.com/
    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...

    • 1 hr 8 min
    S10E125 Daniel Plant / Plant Dynamics - The Unconventional Path From the Armed Forces to AgTech Strategist

    S10E125 Daniel Plant / Plant Dynamics - The Unconventional Path From the Armed Forces to AgTech Strategist

    In this episode, I speak with Daniel Plant, the inspiring mind behind Plant Dynamics, as we delve into his remarkable transition from the disciplined life of the Canadian Armed Forces to becoming a consultant in the agtech space. Daniel's unique journey has not only shaped a resilient work ethic but has also carved out an innovative path in the world of modern farming. Through his stories, we uncover how embracing a global perspective can significantly influence both personal growth and professional endeavors. It's not every day you meet someone who can seamlessly merge military precision with the dynamic needs of an agtech consultancy, and Daniel's experiences offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact.
    We'll navigate the intricate transformation of Plant Dynamics from its early days to its current role as a guiding light in agtech strategy. Daniel generously shares the hurdles and triumphs encountered along the way, including adapting to the startup culture and confronting challenges like the global pandemic and shifting supply chains. As we explore the future of CEA, Daniel's insights into the critical importance of data and clear business communication illuminate the path forward for the industry. This conversation is a must-listen for those curious about the intersection of agriculture, technology, and business strategy, as we connect the dots between resilience, innovation, and the drive to revolutionize farming practices.
    Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520Indoor AgCon
    AgTech Weekly Review

    Key Takeaways00:00 Exploring Worldview and Career Choices
    16:13 The Evolution of Plant Dynamics
    25:10 Shift Towards Detailed Microeconomics in AgTech
    36:13 Challenges and Opportunities in CEA Development
    44:56 Communication Challenges in the CEA Industry
    52:14 Advancing CEA Infrastructure for Fresh Produce
    Tweetable Quotes"What pays for the nation's bills is the earnings of the people. And if you do all kinds of analysis on this question different places, different points of time what determines GDP per capita you will find that the most powerful explanatory variable is the cost of extracting energy."
    "Now I am seeing a big shift from scale to super detailed microeconomics and unit economics... there's now, I think, full appreciation that you need to come in and have some kind of a corporate structure around your production facility, which includes sales and marketing and should include offtake agreements, such that you have a business plan that is more than just a design of a facility before you begin."
    "I want to make economics more actionable because it is very helpful. It can clarify strategy. But how you bridge that gap, to take something that feels so esoteric and far-flung from the immediate problems people are trying to address, and communicate it in a simple way that it can be adopted that's always a challenge."
    Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.plantdynamics.co/
    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danplant/
    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/"...

    • 1 hr 1 min
    S10E124 Joe Swartz / AmHydro - The Evolution of Farming Through a Hydroponic Lens

    S10E124 Joe Swartz / AmHydro - The Evolution of Farming Through a Hydroponic Lens

    In this eye-opening episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the hydroponic maestro himself, Joe Swartz. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, drawing from nearly four decades of experience in the realm of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). With Joe's guidance, we journey through the evolution of farming, bursting myths like bubbles and paving a clear path through the oft-misunderstood landscape of hydroponic agriculture. He shares his rich history, from traditional farming roots to the forefront of agricultural innovation, and reminds us that while the tools may change, the core principles of good farming remain steadfast. Joe's candid insights and personal anecdotes truly bring the conversation to life, offering a treasure trove of green wisdom that's both grounding and revolutionary.
    Diving into the nitty-gritty of indoor vertical farming, Joe unravels the complexities with the finesse of a seasoned expert. He doesn't shy away from the hard truths, confronting the economic and logistical challenges head-on and providing a balanced view that blends caution with optimism. As Joe unveils AmHydro's cutting-edge contributions—think AI, machine learning, and automation—it's hard not to feel a surge of excitement for the future of farming. Yet, he encourages a healthy skepticism and the importance of validating technology's promise, ensuring we remain rooted in practical, successful practices. By the end of our talk, I was left feeling incredibly inspired and humbled by the depth of knowledge Joe imparted. This is an episode brimming with valuable takeaways for anyone curious about the future of sustainable agriculture. So join us as we cultivate not just crops, but a flourishing community of knowledge-seekers in this dynamic field.
    Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520Indoor AgCon
    AgTech Weekly Review

    Key Takeaways00:00 The Journey of a Hydroponic Farmer
    14:00 Myths and Mistakes in CEA Industry
    23:00 Challenges and Myths of Vertical Farming
    26:34 Cyclical Indoor Farming Technologies
    30:57 AmHydro's Tools for Growers
    45:41 Indoor Farming Tips and Wisdom
    53:29 Social Media and YouTube for AmHydro
    Tweetable Quotes"The process that makes up traditional farming are no different... We're using different tools, but the process is exactly the same."
    "The idea of CEA controlled environment agriculture really, again, it's not about technology. It's about taking the equipment, the tools, the methods, the technologies that we have available and farming with them. Agriculture."
    "We're not trying to develop a technology and say, hey, buy our technology because it's really cool. We actually wanna come to the industry and say, here's a tool that we've developed based on your needs, based on where your pain points are."
    Resources MentionedEmail - Joe@AmHydro.com
    Twitter - https://twitter.com/HydroConsultant
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joeswartz1325/
    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-swartz-5549331a/
    Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanHydroponics
    Connect With UsVFP - LinkedIn - a...

    • 1 hr 1 min
    S10E123 Viktor Kulcsar / Veles Farming - Growing Saffron in the Cradle of Civilization

    S10E123 Viktor Kulcsar / Veles Farming - Growing Saffron in the Cradle of Civilization

    This week I speak with Viktor Kulcsar, Co-Founder of Veles Farming. From a childhood in post-Soviet Slovakia to challenging cultural norms and diving into entrepreneurship, Victor's story is one of ambition. Victor opens up about the early struggles of being a young entrepreneur in a region with little support for startups, the invaluable lessons from mentors, and the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge – all while forging a path in the exciting world of saffron cultivation.
    Ever wondered what it takes to bring a luxury spice like saffron to your table, and how authenticity and quality can be guaranteed? Victor provides a fascinating look into the meticulous process of educating the market, navigating the challenges of direct-to-consumer sales, and building trust within high-end culinary circles. He shares industry insights on sourcing, the potential of indoor farming, and the cultural significance of this ancient crop. We discuss transparency in the supply chain and the value of traditional knowledge blended with cutting-edge cultivation techniques.
    As we look to the future of vertical farming with Victor, he talks about the importance of effective leadership and fostering a culture of openness to tackling significant challenges like capital expenditure and energy costs. Victor's enthusiasm for the potential of indoor agriculture – from enhancing flavors in gastronomy to meeting pharmaceutical industry standards – is contagious, offering listeners a compelling glimpse into not only the present landscape but also the boundless possibilities for growth and innovation in CEA.
    Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520Indoor AgCon
    AgTech Weekly Review

    Key Takeaways00:00 Entrepreneurship and Vertical Farming Journey
    07:20 Learning and Collaboration in Business Growth
    14:28 Education and Marketing of Saffron Challenges
    21:18 Saffron Farm CEO Discusses Industry Insights
    29:20 Relationships in Business
    37:36 Challenges and Growth in Vertical Farming
    43:46 The Future of Vertical Farming
    Tweetable Quotes“I need to get off my competitiveness in some way and I found business, a way to where I can do this."“It's very hard in the beginning to get it running. But I think when you get the first results in the first section and then it's so snowballs into a big thing."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://velesfarming.com/
    Email - viktor.kulcsar@velesfarming.com
    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktor-kulcsar-089b02175
    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"...

    • 58 min

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