Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA

Harry Duran
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  • HVER UKE

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. 177: How Mary Wetherill Discovered the Business Model Shift That Makes Urban Farming Profitable

    -6 D.

    177: How Mary Wetherill Discovered the Business Model Shift That Makes Urban Farming Profitable

    I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched passionate urban farmers burn out because their business model wasn’t sustainable—what if there were a better way? This week on Vertical Farming, I sit down with Mary Wetherill, founding president and CEO of Green Food Solutions, for a candid conversation about building a truly sustainable urban farming business. Mary’s unique journey—from the service industry and massage therapy to pioneering food access solutions in city environments—gives her an unmatched perspective on both the struggles and opportunities vertical farmers face today. In this episode, Mary demystifies how Green Food Solutions is reimagining the food system with a “farming as a service” franchise model that prioritizes support, profitability, and genuine community impact. We dig into what makes a good franchise partner, why most farms face recurring challenges, and how Mary’s mission-driven approach is shaking up the industry’s status quo. If you’ve ever wondered how to make real money in urban farming—without sacrificing your values—this conversation is your playbook. Beyond the business model, you’ll hear stories about navigating Silicon Valley hype cycles, lessons learned from early accelerator programs, the importance of resourcefulness, and the surprising ways personal experience shapes entrepreneurial journeys. Plus, discover how Green Food Solutions fosters partnerships that work, advice for new farmers, and eye-opening discussions on market realities and PR. Ready to stop dreaming and start building a profitable, impactful vertical farm that transcends tired food system models? Click to listen and get inspired by Mary’s story, strategy, and actionable insights! Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/ Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/ Key Takeaways00:00 Jersey City Roots and Entrepreneurial Beginnings 06:10 Entering Urban Farming & The Square Roots Experience 12:35 Green Food Solutions Business Model Explained 18:26 Franchising, Farmers, and Fit for New Owners 24:57 Green Food Solutions Origin Story & Mission 30:22 Monetization, Resourcefulness, and Revenue Streams 36:48 Team Management & Leadership Values 41:02 Industry Reflections & Farmers’ Challenges 46:16 Closing Thoughts & Contact Information Tweetable Quotes"Honestly, when I worked for Merrill Lynch, I quit. I was in with my boss and I was getting a promotion. She brought me in her office and I was just going to give my two weeks. I'd rather stick a pencil in my eyes than take your promotion. I just really didn't like the corporate environment.""We were disgusted by how consultants and all these people were charging tens, twenties of thousands of dollars for things we were giving for free, and honestly, manufacturers usually give those for free—so I didn’t like what I saw happening when I was so originally excited about it.""There was a day that my mom had a box of food that was brought into the house by a priest. I think that was the first day I had an experience of feeling poor, regardless of what level it was. I started selling my toys and shining shoes—I think I got my knowledge about monetization and being resourceful because of having grown up poor."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.greenfoodsolutions.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18566881 Facebook - a...

    56 min
  2. 176: From Panic to Prevention: Pathogen Management Strategies for Indoor Growers

    10. OKT.

    176: From Panic to Prevention: Pathogen Management Strategies for Indoor Growers

    Are you worried about potential pathogens lurking in your indoor farm's water system or substrate? I've got you covered with insights from an expert in agricultural analytics. I sat down with Taylor Robinson, Chief Scientist and founder of Rimrock Analytical, to discuss the critical role of proactive monitoring in controlled environment agriculture. Taylor's unique background in molecular sciences and agriculture has positioned him as a leader in providing cutting-edge analytical services to indoor farms. Taylor shed light on the common challenges indoor farmers face, from biofouling in water systems to unexpected pathogen outbreaks. He stressed the importance of having a solid biosecurity plan and regular monitoring to catch issues early. We delved into real-world case studies, including a Pythium outbreak that nearly devastated a farm's operations, and how data-driven solutions helped turn the situation around. We also explored the evolving landscape of indoor farming, discussing the industry's consolidation and the lessons learned from early adopters. Taylor shared valuable insights on how farms of all sizes can benefit from analytical services, emphasizing the return on investment in preventing crop losses. If you're involved in indoor farming or curious about the science behind growing food in controlled environments, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you won't want to miss. Ready to unlock the secrets of maintaining a healthy indoor farm environment? Listen now to gain valuable insights that could save your crops and optimize your growing operations. Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/ Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/ Key Takeaways5:03 Water treatment challenges in indoor farming 10:31 Proactive monitoring vs. reactive troubleshooting 16:23 Education and support for growers 22:25 Risks of pathogen spread in grow systems 26:50 State of the indoor farming industry 31:32 Rimrock team size and recent hires 34:36 Importance of preventative maintenance for farms Tweetable Quotes"We take the mantra of 'data to decisions' at Rimrock. We see ourselves as a vehicle to streamline what can be barriers for growers and operators to get the necessary data.""Microbes have the capacity to multiply and spread very rapidly. So keeping a close eye on things, establishing routine monitoring surveys we've found is key.""We're rolling out a microbial heat map to help you better visualize your microbial results mapped to your process flow in your facility. With that you can see potential hotspots for pathogens and how they might integrate to downstream systems."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://rimrockanalytical.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/65487487/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rimrock_analytical/ 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/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    46 min
  3. 175: Advanced Aeroponics & Why Vertical Farming’s Future Lies in Glasshouses

    12. SEP.

    175: Advanced Aeroponics & Why Vertical Farming’s Future Lies in Glasshouses

    Are you curious about the latest innovations in sustainable agriculture? I recently caught up with Charlie Guy, CEO of Let Us Grow, to discuss the fascinating world of advanced aeroponics and its potential to revolutionize greenhouse farming. Charlie shared insights on Let Us Grow's journey from vertical farming to focusing on aeroponics technology for greenhouses. He explained how their advanced aeroponics system offers significant advantages over traditional hydroponic methods, including increased yields, improved plant health, and reduced water usage. Charlie also touched on the company's expansion into global markets and their efforts to educate both industry professionals and the public about the benefits of controlled environment agriculture. We delved into the challenges faced by the vertical farming industry and how Let Us Grow has adapted to changing market conditions. Charlie emphasized the importance of collaboration within the industry and highlighted their partnerships with established greenhouse builders and system integrators. He also discussed their community outreach efforts, such as the Bristol Basil Company initiative, which demonstrates the potential of local food production using advanced growing techniques. Throughout our conversation, Charlie provided valuable insights into the future of controlled environment agriculture and the role of aeroponics in creating more sustainable and resilient food systems. If you're interested in the intersection of technology and agriculture, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the cutting-edge world of advanced growing methods. Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/ Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/ Key Takeaways5:07 Shifting focus to glasshouses and partnerships 11:40 Biking to GreenTech conference and industry events 16:44 Building relationships with government agencies 20:21 Bristol Basil Company and local food initiatives 28:12 BBC Radio 4 feature on sustainable growing 34:57 Challenges of running a company in this environment 39:06 Future plans and global expansion goals 44:01 Closing thoughts on collaboration in indoor farming Tweetable Quotes"We've taken the rolling bench architecture widely used in the greenhouse industry and integrated our advanced aeroponics technology into it. This means we can partner with numerous Dutch large greenhouse builders to deliver these systems, providing the smarts while they handle the delivery.""There's no point in doing vertical farming unless it's powered by renewable energy. It doesn't make sense from an environmental standpoint to burn fossil fuels to convert them into electrons to power lights to grow plants when the sun is free.""We're showing you can turn disused greenhouses into productive grows that are profitable and give back to your local food community. You can achieve many of the same outcomes as vertical farming with a slightly lower tech structure like a greenhouse, while still growing the best produce year-round with the least water."Resources MentionedWebsite - www.lettusgrow.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lettus-grow Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LettUsGrow/ Instagram - a...

    51 min
  4. 174: The Hidden Power of Steam in Indoor Farming

    29. AUG.

    174: The Hidden Power of Steam in Indoor Farming

    Are you struggling to maintain soil health and reduce costs in your indoor farming operation? Soil steaming technology might be the solution you've been searching for. In this episode, I speak with Hans Kristian Westrum, Chief Strategy Manager at Soil Steam, about their innovative soil steaming technology. Hans grew up on a farm in Norway and later pursued a career in business before returning to agriculture. His company, Soil Steam, has developed machines that use steam to sanitize soil and substrates, eliminating harmful pathogens and weeds without chemicals. We discuss how Soil Steam's technology evolved from open field applications to containerized solutions for indoor farming. Hans shares insights on how their machines can effectively treat substrates, allowing farmers to recycle growing media and reduce costs. Recent trials with strawberry growers in Belgium demonstrated that steamed, recycled substrates performed as well as new substrates, opening up exciting possibilities for sustainable farming practices. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing different market demands, from construction projects to indoor farms. Hans emphasizes the importance of focusing on containerized solutions to meet the growing needs of indoor farmers worldwide. We explore future plans for expansion into North America and the company's commitment to participating in industry conferences to share their research and technology. If you're curious about innovative solutions for sustainable indoor farming and want to learn how soil steaming technology could revolutionize your growing practices, don't miss this fascinating conversation with Hans Kristian Westrum. Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/ Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/ Key Takeaways0:00 Intro: Steaming soil for construction and farming 5:13 Early experiences with steam on the farm 16:53 Expanding into indoor farming and substrates 21:15 Research on steaming to eliminate pathogens 27:52 Positive results from substrate recycling tests 34:00 Focusing on container-based steaming machines 39:02 Closing thoughts and future plans Tweetable Quotes"We steam the substrate before they took it in the first time to have control. Be 100% sure that this is clean. These guys cannot take a risk on anything. If you have one disease in that coco coir or whatever you get, if something can happen, it means it comes from Sri Lanka and it can go by boat, what happens all this distance.""We got rid of the harmful organisms that were there and the natural life was back two weeks after. It comes from surroundings, from the soil beneath and stuff like that.""I think it's a fantastic combination. You can talk about sustainability, but if there's no saving money, it's impossible. We say that we can recycle one cube of the substrate at the cost of maybe five to ten dollars. Approximately something between 50 and 60, 70, $80 per cube."Resources MentionedWebsite - http://www.soilsteam.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-kristian-westrum-12023444/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/soilsteam Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    46 min
  5. 173: Unlocking Million Dollar Grants for Indoor Farmers with Andy Seckinger

    15. AUG.

    173: Unlocking Million Dollar Grants for Indoor Farmers with Andy Seckinger

    Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of applying for agricultural grants? I sat down with Andy Seckinger, Sales Director at United Grants of America, to demystify the process and explore effective sales strategies for farmers and entrepreneurs. Andy's journey from a skeptical view of sales to becoming a passionate advocate for helping others is truly inspiring. He shares how his experiences in Iowa and personal challenges shaped his approach to sales and client relationships. Andy emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs, asking the right questions, and maintaining integrity throughout the sales process. We delve into the world of agricultural grants, discussing how United Grants of America assists farmers in navigating complex government programs. Andy explains their team-based approach, which includes compliance experts, analysts, and account executives with farming backgrounds. He highlights the value of personalized service and the company's success-based fee structure. Andy also touches on recent trends in agricultural grants, including changes in government programs and the increasing availability of funding opportunities. His insights provide valuable guidance for farmers looking to secure financial support for their operations. If you're a farmer or entrepreneur seeking to improve your sales skills or explore grant opportunities, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on sales, personal growth, and the world of agricultural grants. Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/ Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/ Key Takeaways5:02 History and mission of United Grants of America 9:16 Andy's journey into sales and professional development 14:26 Lessons from stand-up comedy applied to sales 19:40 The importance of self-improvement in sales 30:59 Overcoming personal struggles and professional growth 37:45 How United Grants of America assists farmers 42:55 Keys to success in securing agricultural grants 46:58 Exploring spirituality and vulnerability in business Tweetable Quotes"At the end of the day, there's three reasons why people buy. Are you going to make me money? Are you going to save me money? You're going to make my life easy.""Life is here to help us. It's up to us not to say bad or good. Life is here to really help us.""I don't think farmers' lives always fit perfectly into what's being offered. So you got to do a little brain surgery and understand what the end is mine and ask really good questions."Resources MentionedAPPLY HERE: https://www.verticalfarmingpodcast.com/grants Website - https://www.unitedgrantsofamerica.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-grants-of-america 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/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    57 min
  6. 172: Gyroplant's Game-Changing Superstructures for CEA with Marcus Comaschi

    8. AUG.

    172: Gyroplant's Game-Changing Superstructures for CEA with Marcus Comaschi

    Struggling with the complexities of indoor farming and looking for innovative solutions to streamline your operations? Join me as I explore groundbreaking ideas with Marcus Comaschi, R&D engineer at Gyroplant, who is revolutionizing the way we think about plant substrates in controlled environment agriculture. Marcus Comaschi, an R&D engineer at Gyroplant, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in design and engineering to the world of indoor farming. With a background that spans from working at Ford Motor to developing hydroponic systems, Marcus has a unique perspective on how to innovate within the agricultural sector. His journey from traditional engineering to creating reusable plant-holding superstructures is a testament to his passion for sustainable and efficient farming solutions. The main focus of our conversation is Gyroplant's innovative approach to eliminating traditional substrates in indoor farming. Marcus shares how his company developed reusable silicone rubber superstructures that hold plants without the need for messy, single-use materials. This advancement not only simplifies the growing process but also addresses issues of cleanliness, cost, and supply chain reliability, making it a game-changer for growers worldwide. Beyond the main topic, we delve into the challenges of standardization in the vertical farming industry and the importance of collaboration among growers and technology providers. Marcus also discusses the role of 3D printing in prototyping and developing custom solutions, highlighting how this technology has been pivotal in Gyroplant's success. Curious to learn how Gyroplant's solutions can transform your indoor farming operations? Click to listen and discover how Marcus Comaschi's insights could help you achieve cleaner, more efficient plant production. Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/ Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/ Key Takeaways0:00 Intro: Marcus Comaschi joins Vertical Farming podcast 5:20 Marcus's journey from engineering to food 10:41 3D printing's crucial role in prototyping 18:29 Eliminating substrate: Drivers and challenges 24:38 Need for standardization in vertical farming 31:21 Design process for crop-specific superstructures 37:42 Balancing focus and opportunities in business 42:39 Closing thoughts on indoor farming's future Tweetable Quotes"We don't like to problem solve, but problem eliminate. Traditionally an engineer solves a problem and creates 20 other problems.""There's this great mesh of the engineered and the organic together in one and that's never going to go to plan initially.""I think the indoor farming world is finding its feet and we really would like to say to people to look at some of our case studies online to see how we slightly disrupted the traditional models."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.gyroplant.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-comaschi-05b9327b/?originalSubdomain=uk Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod VFP Instagram - a...

    53 min
  7. 171: Vertical Farming’s Missing Link: Integrating Greenhouse Wisdom with Wessel van Paassen of Green Simplicity

    1. AUG.

    171: Vertical Farming’s Missing Link: Integrating Greenhouse Wisdom with Wessel van Paassen of Green Simplicity

    Ever wondered why some vertical farms thrive while others struggle? The answer might lie in combining traditional horticultural wisdom with cutting-edge technology. I sat down with Wessel van Paassen, Managing Director at Green Simplicity, to explore the intersection of greenhouse expertise and vertical farming innovation. Born into a family of flower growers, Wessel brings a unique perspective to the vertical farming industry. His company, Green Simplicity, has been at the forefront of developing research chambers and vertical farming solutions for the past decade. Wessel shares how his background in traditional horticulture has shaped his approach to vertical farming. He emphasizes the importance of efficiency, optimization, and practical knowledge in developing successful systems. We discuss the challenges faced by the vertical farming industry and how lessons from greenhouse cultivation can be applied to indoor farming. Our conversation covers a range of topics, including the evolution of vertical farming technology, the importance of collaboration within the industry, and the potential for hybrid approaches that combine greenhouse and indoor farming techniques. Wessel also offers insights into the future of vertical farming and the role of companies like Green Simplicity in driving innovation. If you're interested in the future of agriculture and want to understand how traditional farming wisdom can inform cutting-edge vertical farming solutions, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the industry's most experienced voices. Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/ Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/ Key Takeaways5:27 Evolution from research chambers to vertical farms 10:30 Pioneering LED lighting in tulip cultivation 16:58 Challenges of vertical farming system integration 24:40 Attending conferences and industry trends 29:45 Green Simplicity joining the GreenV group 35:08 Preparing for growth and future innovations Tweetable Quotes"I always say under pressure everything gets fluid. So you have to make sure it works at the ends of the line.""We are not a company that can say, 'Oh, we prove that you can produce 120 kilos of lettuce.' I just say I've never done lettuce. But if you now produce 80 kilos and your climate is this, I know it will be better because our climate is just spot on and we have uniform light distribution.""Seeing is believing. I always say talk to my customer and don't involve me. Then you know the real story."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://greensimplicity.com/en/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/greensimplicity/ 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 Subscribe to our newsletters! AgTech

    50 min
  8. 170: Cartoons, Crops, and Community: Reimagining Sustainable Farming with Smart Farms’ Mike Smart

    25. JULI

    170: Cartoons, Crops, and Community: Reimagining Sustainable Farming with Smart Farms’ Mike Smart

    Have you ever wondered how to combine sustainable farming, education, and entertainment into a single innovative concept? I sat down with Mike Smart, founder of Smart Farms, to discuss his unique approach to revolutionizing the food industry and educating the next generation. Mike's journey is a fascinating blend of technology, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. From his early days in crypto and digital payments to his current focus on sustainable farming, Mike has always been driven by a desire to empower individuals and decentralize systems. His latest venture, Smart Farms and the Bucket Buddies brand, is a testament to this vision. At the heart of Mike's concept is the Bucket Buddies book series, which features anthropomorphic characters teaching children about farming, nutrition, and sustainability. But it doesn't stop there – the brand extends to physical products, grow kits, and plans for animated content, all designed to engage children and families in the world of agriculture. We delved into Mike's ambitious plans for scaling his concept, including the development of hyperlocal farms across the country and the creation of educational experiences that blend entertainment with hands-on learning. Mike also shared his thoughts on the challenges of bringing such a multifaceted project to life and his strategies for attracting investors and partners. If you're interested in innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, education, or building a brand with a purpose, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with Mike Smart. Tune in to hear how one entrepreneur is working to transform our relationship with food from the ground up. Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/ Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/ Key Takeaways5:35 Crypto journey and payment industry experiences 8:14 Origins of indoor farming interest 13:44 Creating the Bucket Buddies book series 19:33 Walt Disney-like vision for Smart Farms 23:52 Current progress and future plans 29:14 Scaling the brand and outsourcing production 34:53 Immediate needs and ideal partners Tweetable Quotes"How about we funnel all of that consumerism into sustainable farming methods and then scale those sustainable farming methods as a nonprofit as opposed to forcing people to pay taxes to jump on board with whatever systems they can remain centralized and shut us off from our electricity or shut us off from our food supply anytime they want.""Adults are indoctrinated and it's harder and in fact impossible to change the mind of an adult who doesn't want to change their mind. And so it just only makes sense to start with educating the youth, making this stuff entertaining, fun, stickable, addicting.""I'm Daddy in my world and I'm fixing everything I can fix with these processes. And if I can create a subscription service to these micro local hyperlocal farms and instill the curriculum into all the libraries and the schools and homeschool communities so that the kids are learning Smart Farms is where we get our food... Then we're going to be a household name."Resources MentionedWebsite - Https://smartfarms.global LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-smart-bucket-buddies Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/16n455CPLE/ X - a...

    49 min
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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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