Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
Harry Duran
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Top 10 Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA Episodes
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S3E38: Marc Oshima - Business as a Force for Good: Indoor Farming
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
07/10/21 • 53 min
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
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Key Takeaways
- 02:37 – Harry welcomes to the show Marc Oshima, who discusses the impact COVID-19 has had on his business, his background in marketing and the power of telling the story behind the food
- 08:23 – Marc talks about the value of AeroFarms being a Certified B Corporation
- 11:51 – Marc explains the concept of ‘speed breeding’ and how he got involved in marketing and food
- 17:22 – Marc reflects on the work he did at Toys R’ Us
- 20:54 – Marc expounds on the vision and mission of AeroFarms and the importance of food literacy
- 27:30 – Marc talks about the journey of AeroFarms and potential future expansions
- 29:06 – Marc speaks to the experience of AeroFarms going public
- 32:23 – Marketing trends Marc has noticed throughout his career and the impact of social media marketing
- 35:43 – Where Marc sees companies get it wrong in their approach to customer relations
- 37:48 – Marc speaks to some of the initiatives AeroFarms prioritizes
- 43:49 – A tough question Marc has had to ask himself recently
- 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
Tweetable Quotes
“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)
Links Mentioned
Sponsor Info:
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast: https://bit.ly/3sxZ34y
1 Listener
S4E52: The Deal and PR Blueprint for Launching Successful Vertical Farm Projects with Michael Sichenzia
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
02/12/22 • 54 min
Episode Summary
Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show Michael Sichenzia. Michael is the Managing Director at Go Global Advisors and today, he shares his passion for bringing food to communities and what led him to pursue work in the vertical farming industry.
Specifically, Michael speaks to the intricacies of developing container farms, everything from getting zoning approval from the local or city government to what he looks for when building a team. Michael is highly mission-focused and wants to leave a legacy of making the world a better place, or at the very least trying to. Michael touches on his involvement in the From Mary With Love project, his relationship with Freight Farms and his belief that education about the vertical farming industry comes through empowerment.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Key Takeaways
03:41 – Harry welcomes to the show Michael Sichenzia who talks about his background in real estate and how he made the connection between public storage facilities and modular hydroponic space
08:46 – What Michael looks for when developing farms and when building a team
12:01 – From Mary With Love
15:09 – A budding relationship with Freight Farms
16:38 – Zoning and effectively communicating with your local government and community
19:39 – Empowerment through education
26:34 – Michael speaks to an exciting new project he’s working on in Buffalo
31:16 – Identifying the ideal investor
34:36 – Why Michael is so passionate about bringing food to the community
37:44 – Speculating on the future of vertical farming and why Marketing and PR are key
44:52 – Harry thanks Michael for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with Michael
Tweetable Quotes
“Having owned and operated restaurants in my past, I saw that that was an area that I wanted to get back to. And I saw that my real estate experience would play into that because I knew how to put together deal structures. And I felt that farming, and urban farming in particular, had a tremendous opportunity with the right deal structure. And that’s how I got into it.” (05:51) (Michael)
“I looked at the hydroponics space and saw it’s really a play on storage. Public storage facilities and the way those deals are structured are ideally suited for modular, containerized, hydroponic space in an urban setting. And that was the connection for me.” (07:32) (Michael)
“Passion, sticktoitiveness, the idea that we’re gonna make this work no matter what the obstacle is, that’s very important in any entrepreneurial venture.” (13:32) (Michael)
“Attacking that and making sure that the city has a variance process, whatever that process is, get it started sooner rather than later. That issue will affect everything. The last thing that you want to do is take delivery of your farm and deploy it and not be able to grow. To me, you need to understand the zoning, communicate with the city, and really work that process effectively.” (17:45) (Michael)
“I’m a big believer in good PR and I’m a believer that you make things happen with good PR and good communications.” (22:28) (Michael)
“We have to remember that social enterprise is still an enterprise. The key word there is ‘enterprise.’ We tend to forget that. These [containers] need to be self-sustaining otherwise they will fail.” (33:37) (Michael)
“I’m not in this for the deal. I’m in this because I want to bring food to the community. And I think that there’s probably never been a better time to marry good deal structure with delivery and production of food. We need it now more than ever. It really is the time to own our own food again. I really believe that.” (34:36) (Michael)
“I’ve always tried to be a year ahead of The New York Times. My whole career has been focused on if I can be a year ahead of The New York Times, I’m gonna be doing something.” (40:51) (Michael)
“You have to self-promote. If you’re not gonna promote yourself, who is? So, you gotta get out there. You gotta talk about your things. You gotta fail. I fail all the time. There’s that saying, ‘If you want to succeed then double your failure rate.’ Well, I’ve probably quadrupled my failure rate, but that’s part of the process.” (44:20) (Michael)
Resources Mentioned
S5E62: Building A Future Together: From The Air Force to Pioneering Technology with Jamie Burrows
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
07/15/22 • 55 min
Episode Summary
Founder and CEO of Vertical Future, Jamie Burrows is a passionate leader with extensive knowledge of the indoor AgTech space. Vertical Future is the world’s leading vertical farming technology and research company, providing revolutionary products and services that enable people and nature to thrive. Today, Harry and Jamie talk about Jamie’s passion for health, life sciences, and addressing critical issues like climate change, food inequalities and population health. Jamie expounds on his leadership style, the focus and mission of Vertical Future, and key milestones he’s reached along the journey.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
07:14 – Harry welcomes Founder and CEO of Vertical Future, Jamie Burrows, to discuss culture shock, his eclectic background, and his experience serving in the Air Force
14:17 – Jamie’s passion for health and life sciences and how he got involved in vertical farming
16:57 – Leadership styles and building an effective team as a first time CEO
24:45 – Key milestones of Jamie’s vertical farming journey
30:57 – The importance of developing in-house tech stack
37:31 – Jamie’s specific focus on the UK
47:19 – A tough question Jamie has had to ask himself recently and
50:53 – What keeps Jamie motivated and excited about the future
53:31 – Harry thanks Jamie for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can follow Jamie and Vertical Future
Tweetable Quotes
“Looking back seven to ten years, I’d had a tremendous amount of exposure to what a good leader is and what a bad leader is at the Air Force Academy. I saw many examples and was mentored personally by Colonels.” (17:31) (Jamie)
“The unit economics of vertical farming demand that it’s all about space and scale. And, if you want to compete then you need big farms and you need a lot of capital.” (20:37) (Jamie)
“I think that on our side of the equation, you’ve got the growers over here and the tech providers over here. You have a lot of companies that are building street components. So it might just be lights and great lighting companies. But then you’ve got what I would call systems integrators, where they’ll piecemeal tech from different people, position it as a system of their own, and sell it.” (31:12) (Jamie)
“I think people underappreciate that, even in the UK, we still need to spend a helluva lot of money on building out vertical farming.” (40:06) (Jamie)
“From a personal standpoint, I do really believe in the fact that what we are doing is addressing very important topics and will continue to.” (51:16) (Jamie)
Resources Mentioned
Vertical Future – https://verticalfuture.com/
Jamie’s Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-burrows-12890817/?originalSubdomain=uk
Vertical Future Email – [email protected]
Sponsor Info
Cultivatd’s Website – https://cultivatd.com/
Cultivatd’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cultivatdco/
Cultivatd’s Twitter – https://twitter.com/cultivatd
Cultivatd’s Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cultivatd/
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
1 Listener
S12E162 John James Staniszewski/Fungitarian - From Nightclubs to Mushrooms: One Man’s Fungitarian Revolution
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
04/18/25 • 66 min
Ever wondered how a mushroom farm could revolutionize the food industry? I sat down with John James Staniszewski, the creator of the fungitarian lifestyle and a pioneer in the vertical farming space, to uncover the secrets of his success.
John's journey from nightclub manager to mushroom mogul is as fascinating as it is inspiring. He shares how he built a thriving mushroom farm from scratch, producing up to 35,000 pounds of mushrooms per month and supplying over 350 grocery stores.
In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of starting a vertical farm, the importance of hands-on leadership, and John's vision for creating 10 million fungitarians by 2027. John reveals how his past experiences in bodybuilding and personal training shaped his approach to the mushroom industry.
We also explore the parallels between vertical farming and bodybuilding, the potential of mushrooms in addressing childhood health issues, and John's upcoming launch of bioavailable mushroom tinctures and gummies.
If you're curious about the future of food, the potential of mushrooms, or how to build a successful vertical farming business, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain insights from a true innovator in the field.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
5:42 Transition from nightclub scene to bodybuilding
11:15 Spiritual journey and discovery of magic mushrooms
16:59 Building a mushroom farm
22:31 Challenges of vertical farming and industry insights
28:15 Developing fungitarian food products and business growth
39:33 Current business operations and partnerships
45:46 Defining success: Goal of 10 million fungitarians by 2027
50:57 Leadership growth and employee management strategies
Tweetable Quotes
"I've always been a weirdo, so in all reality it was for me I've been on this like universal timeline where all the things that I want to embody and do have just been ahead of time.""I believe that I have the opportunity, which you don't get in another lifetime, to be able to gear people towards a new food.""I'd rather have somebody that knows nothing and wants to learn everything than somebody who thinks they know everything."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://windycitymushroom.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-james-staniszewski-0728312ab/
Connect With Us
VFP 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 Digest - https://agtechdigest.com
The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/
Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/
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Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast
Mentioned in this episode:
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
S8E92: Sonia Lo / Unfold - Understanding the Role of Genetics in Improving Taste & Yield and Leading with Integrity and Focus
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
04/14/23 • 56 min
Episode Summary
We kick off Season 8 of the podcast, with Sonia Lo, the CEO of Unfold AG and a prominent figure in the vertical farming industry. She shares her insights on the latest developments in indoor farming, including the role of genetics in improving crop yield and taste. We also discuss the importance of profitability for the industry's scalability and the potential of next-generation agriculture. Sonia’s background in law, management consulting, investment banking provides a unique perspective on entrepreneurship and investment in the agriculture industry. Listeners will be inspired by her passion for delicious food and diversity in the investment process. Tune in for a fascinating discussion about the future of agriculture and entrepreneurship in the 21st century.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
- Discover the latest developments in indoor farming and how it's becoming a viable part of agricultural infrastructure.
- Find out why genetics are going to play an incredibly important role in indoor farming and how it will make it more attractive to consumers.
- Explore how Unfold is using molecular information about plants to improve crop yields and taste through computational breeding.
- Understand the importance of profitability for the vertical farming industry to scale and become a viable part of agricultural infrastructure.
- Understand how venture funds are starting to embrace diversity and why emotion and bias still exist in the investment process.
- Discover Sonia Lo's passion for food, including Korean cuisine and her love for pupusas.
- Learn how Sonia martial arts background instilled discipline and physical and mental awareness that stayed with her for life.
- Gain insight into how Sonia Lo's extensive background in law, management consulting, and investment banking has prepared her to lead Unfold and to help shape the future of the vertical farming industry.
Tweetable Quotes
“I’ve always believed that the genetics piece of indoor growing is going to be transformative. I think that not just for yield, which of course is the big target, but also for taste and texture.”
“Irrespective of what type of form factor you're growing in, irrespective of where you are in terms of your distance to urbanization, I think that genetics will play an incredibly important role.”
“I think we have a brilliant future as long as we act with integrity and focus on the delicious.”
Resources Mentioned
Sonia's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-lo-27527a/
Sonia's Website - https://unfold.ag/
Sonia's Twitter - https://twitter.com/unfold_ag
Sonia's Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAiDfy7j9WFmsIT39zWQU6Q
Sonia's Email - [email protected]
Connect With Us
VFP 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 Digest - https://agtechdigest.com
The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/
Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/
Sponsor Links
Cultivatd’s Website – https://cultivatd.com/
Cultivatd’s Instagram –
S10E125 Daniel Plant / Plant Dynamics - The Unconventional Path From the Armed Forces to AgTech Strategist
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
02/16/24 • 60 min
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 Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
00:00 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 Mentioned
Website - https://www.plantdynamics.co/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danplant/
Connect With Us
VFP 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 Digest - https://agtechdigest.com
The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/
Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
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Podcast Producti...
S6E77: Nadun Hennayaka / GAIA Project Australia - Creating a More Symbiotic Relationship Between Mankind & Planet Earth
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
12/13/22 • 55 min
Episode Summary
Nadun Hennayaka is the Founder and CEO at GAIA Project Australia, an organization with a vision to combine the most developed technologies to produce sustainable food & electricity to every human on this planet. Nadun has over twenty years of experience in engineering and technology and is well-versed in the global technology arena. Today, he and Harry discuss the current offerings of GAIA Project Australia, their recent partnership with NASA, and the ways in which Nadun is shining a light on hydroponics and vertical farming.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
07:13 – Nadun Hennayaka joins the show to discuss his educational background, the unpredictable weather of Melbourne, and the origins of GAIA Project
15:32 – Nadun speaks to the eclectic projects he’s working on, from renewable energy to hydroponics
17:52 – The current offerings of GAIA Project Australia
20:26 – Partnering with NASA
25:25 – Shining a light on hydroponics and vertical farming
28:05 – The role that mentors played in Nadun’s career and how Nadun thinks about team building
33:21 – Nadun’s goal for GAIA Project Australia and Nadun’s ‘Why’
40:15 – What Nadun does to relax and unwind
41:43 – A tough question Nadun has had to ask himself recently, something he’s changed his mind about recently, and what he’s most looking forward to
48:36 – A specific ask Nadun has for his peers and colleagues in this space
49:29 – Harry thanks Nadun for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can go to connect with her and learn more about GAIA Project Australia
Tweetable Quotes
“Happiness is a byproduct of service. So, doing something for the betterment of mankind truly was something I wanted to do.” (12:15) (Nadun)
“As you know, hydroponics is not a fix for everything in the food sector. We can fix approximately fifteen to twenty percent of the food sector, maximum. But, if you can fix twenty percent, you only have eighty percent to fix. So the problem is lesser.” (25:10) (Nadun)
“My original plan, two years ago, was truly to build a full turnkey supply, to go from everything from the channels, to the Hvac, to the automation. What I have learned is you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There’s someone who’s already invented certain components and are really great at it. And, if you have something great, why don’t we just collaborate with each other’s companies and come up with a single solution?” (33:36) (Nadun)
“I’m glad I have chosen a path that I think there’s a potential for it [GAIA Project] to be something really great that can truly change or help mankind. For me, I want to make sure the world is a better place because I was here.” (39:38) (Nadun)
Resources Mentioned
Nadun’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadunhennayaka/?originalSubdomain=au
GAIA Project Australia – https://gaiaprojectaustralia.com.au/
GAIA Project Australia Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/gaiaprojectaustralia/
GAIA Project Australia Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077527422613
GAIA Project Australia LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaia-project-australia/
Connect With Us
VFP 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!
S10E133 Matt Lohr/Secretary of Agriculture - Virginia Goes All-In on Indoor Farming
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
05/24/24 • 38 min
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.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
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
Tweetable Quotes
"I'm a fifth-generation farmer in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, which is one of the breadbaskets of the country when it comes to ag production. Rockingham County is one of the top 30 or 40 counties in the country for ag production. Farming and agriculture have been my life. As a young child, I remember my earliest memories were walking alongside my grandfather on the farm and learning a love of the land and conservation. We have conservation easements on our farm to ensure my kids can be the sixth generation. Agriculture is in my life, and every part of my career over the last 30 years has been directly tied back to supporting the agricultural industry.""I grew up in a family where public service was stressed from day one. My father was very active with church and the Ruittian club, a service club community. My parents were active in the volunteer rescue squad and fire department for their entire career. I grew up around people who served. My first chance to serve was as a state international officer for the FFA organization, Future Farmers of America. I took a year out of college for both the state and then another year out as a national officer, dedicating my time for two years serving the ag industry, speaking in schools and communities, and lobbying for agriculture. I learned pretty early on that I wanted to have a career in advocacy and public service.""We have around 20 CEA companies in Virginia, and I've visited all of them. They all have their own secret sauce, whether it's a vertical farm or a greenhouse, the type of lighting or automation, or the types of products they're producing. The technology is incredible. I'm very excited to travel to Amsterdam for Greentech in June. The Dutch are the world leaders in greenhouse and food production, and they've got a great story to tell. The technology piece has been the most exciting. We have companies of all sizes, from the large ones like Plenty and AeroFarms to smaller ones like Beanstalk in Fairfax County. It's great to see how they are all different but serve a great purpose."Connect With Us
VFP 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...
S11E150 Alexander Jaworski/GreenHub - Building a Sustainable Future: The Story
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
12/06/24 • 49 min
Are you curious about how vertical farming could revolutionize agriculture and address global food challenges? Join me as I explore this fascinating topic with Alexander Jaworski, co-founder of GreenHub, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in sustainable agriculture and innovative farming solutions.
Alexander Jaworski, a passionate advocate for vertical farming, shares his journey from growing up in a small German town to becoming a leader in the field of sustainable agriculture. With a background in finance and a deep commitment to creating sustainable solutions, Alexander has dedicated his career to transforming the way we think about food production.
In our conversation, we dive into the intricacies of vertical farming, discussing its potential to provide fresh produce in urban areas and its role in addressing food security issues worldwide. Alexander explains how GreenHub's innovative systems are designed to support research and development, helping to optimize growing conditions and improve crop yields.
We also touch on Alexander's experiences in Latin America, the challenges of starting a business in the vertical farming industry, and the importance of collaboration and data sharing among industry players. His insights offer a unique perspective on the future of agriculture and the potential for technology to drive positive change.
Ready to learn more about the future of farming and how it could impact your life? Click to listen and discover the transformative power of vertical farming with Alexander Jaworski.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
05:44 Starting the Aquaponics Project
17:36 Industry Challenges and Opportunities
30:49 Leadership and Mentorship
35:31 Future of GreenHub and Vertical Farming
38:03 Collaboration and Data Sharing in the Industry
Tweetable Quotes
"I never wanted to be part of the agricultural sector, but then my co-founder got me into the topic, and it became important to me.""We realized the price point customers wanted was around €2,000, but our system would have cost at least €10,000, so we pivoted from a B2C to a B2B product.""It's always great to see the initial reactions of young students when you talk to them about vertical farming, because most of them haven't heard about it."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://greenhub.eu/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-jaworski-796b00188/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenhub.eu/
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S10E128 Katherine Soll / Teens for Food Justice - Building a Resilient Food Future & Growing Young Minds
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA
03/21/24 • 54 min
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.
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Key Takeaways
00:00 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 Mentioned
Website - https://teensforfoodjustice.org/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/tffjinitiative
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/teensforfoodjustice/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/katherine.soll/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/teensforfoodjustice/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4eHV1OR7WYIye2hvskhPGg
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How many episodes does Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA have?
Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA currently has 170 episodes available.
What topics does Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA cover?
The podcast is about How To, Nature, Podcasts, Education and Science.
What is the most popular episode on Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA?
The episode title 'S3E38: Marc Oshima - Business as a Force for Good: Indoor Farming' is the most popular.
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The average episode length on Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA is 53 minutes.
How often are episodes of Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA released?
Episodes of Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA are typically released every 7 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA?
The first episode of Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA was released on May 2, 2020.
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