S11E157 Mat Halter/TerraFerm - Transforming Beer Waste into Vertical Farm Gold

Vertical Farming Podcast

#Harry Duran #Science #Environment #Gardening #Lifestyle #Podcasting Education

30:55

A secret field that summons lightning. A massive spiral that disappears into a salt lake. A celestial observatory carved into a volcano. Meet the wild—and sometimes explosive—world of land art, where artists craft masterpieces with dynamite and bulldozers. In our Season 2 premiere, guest Dylan Thuras, cofounder of Atlas Obscura, takes us off road and into the minds of the artists who literally reshaped parts of the Southwest. These works aren’t meant to be easy to reach—or to explain—but they just might change how you see the world. Land art you’ll visit in this episode: - Double Negative and City by Michael Heizer (Garden Valley, Nevada) - Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson (Great Salt Lake, Utah) - Sun Tunnels by Nancy Holt (Great Basin Desert, Utah) - Lightning Field by Walter De Maria (Catron County, New Mexico) - Roden Crater by James Turrell (Painted Desert, Arizona) Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group.…

about a year ago 48:11

MP3•Episode home

Ever wondered how beer brewing could revolutionize vertical farming? Mat Halter, founder of TerraFerm, is turning brewery waste into a game-changing resource for indoor agriculture.

Mat Halter, a plant scientist turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from researching biofuels to developing an innovative system that captures CO2 from brewery fermentation for use in vertical farms. His patented technology promises to significantly boost crop yields while reducing carbon footprints.

In this episode, Mat discusses the challenges of bringing a new idea to market, from conducting initial experiments to seeking partnerships with breweries. He reveals how his spinach trials resulted in an astounding 89% increase in yield, far surpassing typical carbon dioxide enrichment results.

We also explore the intersection of craft beer culture and sustainable agriculture, Mat's approach to team building as a first-time founder, and the potential for this technology to transform both the brewing and farming industries.

If you're curious about innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture or the unexpected synergies between different industries, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how Mat Halter is brewing up a greener future for vertical farming.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

Key Takeaways

5:37 Early career in plant science and biofuels

10:43 Initial idea for carbon dioxide enrichment

15:36 Patent process and prototype development

21:40 Current status and plans for pilot project

27:51 Challenges as a first-time founder

32:32 Building a team and seeking mentorship

36:07 Potential brewery partnerships and marketing

38:38 Where to learn more about TerraFerm

Tweetable Quotes

"The advantage we have is, in theory, a never-ending supply. So we can use carbon dioxide enrichment at whatever set point we want - high, low, medium, whatever. We can take it as high as metabolically the plants will allow."

"What am I missing? Again, I am a first-time founder. This is the first business I've started. What don't I know? I don't know what I don't know. It's a constant battle to learn more about strategies for starting a business, for seeking funding."

"San Diego is a great place to be for beer. There's a lot of small to medium range breweries out here. Very high density. I'm hoping to make contact with a couple of them and eventually find one that sees the vision I have for this and wants to come along."

Resources Mentioned

Website - https://www.terra-ferm.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-halter-082043a3/

X - https://x.com/TerraFerm_Ag

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/terraferm_agtech/

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/

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast

Mentioned in this episode:

Indoor AgCon 2025

Indoor AgCon 2025

2025 US Indoor Farm Report

http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report

AgTech Companies

https://agtechcompanies.com

167 episodes

S11E157 Mat Halter/TerraFerm - Transforming Beer Waste into Vertical Farm Gold

Vertical Farming Podcast

27 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Ever wondered how beer brewing could revolutionize vertical farming? Mat Halter, founder of TerraFerm, is turning brewery waste into a game-changing resource for indoor agriculture.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

Key Takeaways

5:37 Early career in plant science and biofuels

10:43 Initial idea for carbon dioxide enrichment

15:36 Patent process and prototype development

21:40 Current status and plans for pilot project

27:51 Challenges as a first-time founder

32:32 Building a team and seeking mentorship

36:07 Potential brewery partnerships and marketing

38:38 Where to learn more about TerraFerm

Tweetable Quotes

"The advantage we have is, in theory, a never-ending supply. So we can use carbon dioxide enrichment at whatever set point we want - high, low, medium, whatever. We can take it as high as metabolically the plants will allow."

"What am I missing? Again, I am a first-time founder. This is the first business I've started. What don't I know? I don't know what I don't know. It's a constant battle to learn more about strategies for starting a business, for seeking funding."

"San Diego is a great place to be for beer. There's a lot of small to medium range breweries out here. Very high density. I'm hoping to make contact with a couple of them and eventually find one that sees the vision I have for this and wants to come along."

Resources Mentioned

Website - https://www.terra-ferm.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-halter-082043a3/

X - https://x.com/TerraFerm_Ag

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/terraferm_agtech/

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/

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast

Mentioned in this episode:

Indoor AgCon 2025

Indoor AgCon 2025

2025 US Indoor Farm Report

http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report

AgTech Companies

https://agtechcompanies.com

167 episodes

#Harry Duran #Science #Environment #Gardening #Lifestyle #Podcasting Education

All episodes

1
S12E163 Marc Oshima/Babylon Microfarms - Hyper-Local Farm to Table: Vision 52:04

5 days ago52:04

52:04

Ever wondered how indoor farming is revolutionizing the way we connect with our food? I sat down with Marc Oshima, CEO of Babylon Microfarms, to explore the cutting edge of sustainable agriculture. Marc Oshima brings over 30 years of experience in driving large-scale commercial businesses, including co-founding AeroFarms. Now at the helm of Babylon Microfarms, he's spearheading innovative solutions in B2B indoor farming across healthcare, corporate dining, hospitality, and education sectors. In this episode, we dive deep into how Babylon Microfarms is bringing the farm directly to customers, fostering a greater connection between people and their food. Marc shares insights on the company's success in increasing leafy green consumption by 35% in senior care facilities and their expansion to over 350 farms across five countries. We also discuss the evolution of the indoor farming industry, the importance of customer feedback, and how Babylon Microfarms is preserving cultural heritage through locally grown, culturally relevant produce. Marc offers valuable lessons on business fundamentals and the power of focus in scaling a successful AgTech company. Ready to discover how indoor farming is reshaping our relationship with food and transforming industries? Tune in to this episode for a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:07 Babylon Microfarms' focus on key verticals 10:40 Surprising installations and high-profile customers 16:19 Lessons from early industry struggles 21:53 Listening to customers and adapting strategies 27:17 Workforce development in indoor farming 33:40 Cultural connections through locally grown food 37:18 CEA Alliance's role in industry advocacy Tweetable Quotes "We're seeing amazing use cases that we might not even have thought about. We were at this conference last week, and this fantastic operator chef was telling us how they've got the mint planted for the mint juleps for Kentucky Derby next week, and then they have the cilantro already planted and ready for Cinco de Mayo." "Understanding what business you're in, understanding the economics of your business, and appreciating how your technology can uniquely solve some of these challenges. I think that's core when you think about what's worked, what hasn't worked." "We have units cruising the world on cruise ships, literally cruising on cruise ships. It gives you a sense of the autonomy, the self-autonomous aspect and how resilient the farming approach is." Resources Mentioned Website - https://babylonmicrofarms.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoshima/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report…

1
S12E162 John James Staniszewski/Fungitarian - From Nightclubs to Mushrooms: One Man’s Fungitarian Revolution 1:05:45

19 days ago1:05:45

1:05:45

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 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report…

1
S12E161 Renko Schuil/TTA ISO - Collaboration vs. Secrecy: Lessons for Vertical Farming Success 56:00

26 days ago56:00

56:00

Ever wondered how automation is shaping the future of indoor farming? In this episode, I speak with Renko Schuil, Sales Manager of Indoor Farming at TTA ISO, a leading company in horticultural automation. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Renko offers invaluable insights into the evolving world of vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture. We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing the indoor farming sector, discussing everything from market dynamics to technological advancements. Renko shares his perspective on the importance of knowing your market, the potential of hybrid growing systems, and the critical role of automation in scaling up operations. Throughout our conversation, we explore the global landscape of indoor farming, touching on regional differences, emerging crop varieties, and the delicate balance between innovation and practicality. Renko also offers candid advice for newcomers to the industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking. If you're curious about the future of food production and want to hear from an industry veteran, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could shape your understanding of indoor farming and its potential to revolutionize agriculture. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:14 Renko's extensive experience in horticulture industry 10:47 Shift in sentiment towards vertical farming 15:50 Origins and growth of TTA company 20:13 Renko's role and responsibilities at TTA-ISO 25:59 Common mistakes in vertical farming projects 31:45 Regional differences in vertical farming needs 36:53 TTA's approach to new crop automation requests 41:46 Balancing advice and business opportunities Tweetable Quotes "I think there's a market for vertical farming for sure, because otherwise I wouldn't be so enthusiastic about it." "Make a choice. Are you a tech company or a grower? Know your market." "Think ahead. Even if you're not ready for automation or high capacity equipment yet, get into talks with automation companies. It can save you a lot of time and money when you have to change certain things in your company in the future." Resources Mentioned Website - www.tta.eu LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renkoschuil/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report…

1
S12E160 Oliver Rotko/Arctic Farming - Revolutionizing Restaurants: Herbie’s Innovative Indoor Farm Solution 56:19

5 weeks ago56:19

56:19

Ever wondered how to navigate the challenges of indoor farming and create successful products in this evolving industry? Oliver Rotko, CEO of Plant TUI and Arctic Farming, shares his journey and insights into the world of vertical farming. I sat down with Oliver to discuss his unique path from business student to indoor farming innovator. He revealed how his experiences in B2B sales, marketing, and even watchmaking contributed to his success in developing cutting-edge vertical farming solutions. Oliver's story is a testament to the power of patience, market research, and customer-centric product development. We delved into the development of Arctic Farming's flagship product, Herbie, a sleek and efficient indoor farming unit designed for the hospitality industry. Oliver explained the careful considerations behind its design, from the choice of materials to the user interface, all informed by extensive customer feedback and market testing. He also shared insights into the company's expansion into the consumer market with the acquisition of Plantui, a award-winning desktop hydroponic system. Throughout our conversation, Oliver emphasized the importance of taking a measured approach to growth in the vertical farming industry. He highlighted the need for patience, both from investors and entrepreneurs, and the value of learning from industry failures. We also touched on Arctic Farming's exciting ventures into space agriculture and the company's unique "Earth first, space second" strategy. If you're interested in the future of food production, sustainable agriculture, or entrepreneurship in emerging industries, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation with Oliver Rotko. Tune in to gain valuable lessons from a leader at the forefront of indoor farming innovation. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:53 Importance of video marketing for CEOs 13:30 AI tools revolutionizing content creation 16:19 Early days of Arctic Farming development 21:53 Herbie: Innovative restaurant-grade vertical farm 27:41 Switching from aeroponics to fogponics 34:53 Space ambitions and Earth-first strategy 37:52 Acquiring Plantui: Consumer-focused hydroponic system 43:18 Motivation behind pursuing indoor farming Tweetable Quotes "We've taken it incredibly slow, gathering feedback, meanwhile seeing all these bankruptcies, for example, from infarm, learning from them, interviewing the insiders, interviewing their ex investors, interviewing their customer suppliers and so on, and kind of feeding all of that information and learnings from the customers, from the industry, from experts like you back into the product." "Why do we do this? To be honest, I had a wonderful conversation with a colleague from the US where the standard greeting that we have is, how are you doing? Fine, thank you. And as well as you can do as an indoor farming startup or entrepreneur, it's. This is the most difficult industry that I can imagine getting into." "Just seeing the iterative progress with a product that you have designed from zero, literally scratch, is the most rewarding feeling that you can have." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.arcticfarming.io/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverrotko/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast…

1
S12E159 Conner Tidd/Just Vertical - Democratizing Indoor Farming: Mission Unveiled 48:58

6 weeks ago48:58

48:58

Have you ever wondered how to grow fresh produce year-round, even in the harshest climates? I sat down with Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical, to discuss the innovative world of indoor farming and how it's changing the way we think about food production. Conner's journey into vertical farming began with a desire to make a tangible impact on food security and sustainability. With a background in environmental law and restaurant experience, he saw the potential for indoor farming to address issues of food waste and accessibility. Just Vertical started as an academic project and evolved into a company offering both consumer and commercial vertical farming solutions. We delved into the challenges of developing user-friendly indoor farming systems, from early prototypes built with Home Depot materials to sleek, furniture-like designs that fit seamlessly into homes. Conner emphasized the importance of making vertical farming technology accessible and easy to use, whether for home growers or large-scale commercial operations. The conversation also touched on Just Vertical's expansion into commercial projects, including partnerships with educational institutions and humanitarian efforts. Conner shared insights on the future of vertical farming, the need for innovation in seed development, and the importance of collaboration within the industry. If you're curious about the future of food production and how vertical farming could revolutionize agriculture, don't miss this enlightening conversation with Conner Tidd. Listen now to gain valuable insights into the world of indoor farming and its potential to address global food challenges. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:09 Conner’s restaurant experience and food waste 10:55 Origin story of Just Vertical 21:23 Variety of crops grown on living walls 25:01 Accessibility and ease of use focus 29:48 Global projects and ideal farming partners 33:56 Innovation in vertical farming seeds 36:18 Addressing AeroGarden closure and industry outlook Tweetable Quotes "We always say everything's fixable as long as we know about it. And that's, you know, we emphasize that with employees now. But even early days, like the first few indoor gardens we sold, like, watch the leak, they spilled onto people's floors. Like we short circuited stuff. The worst thing we could have done would have been to kind of shirk responsibility and try and hide from those customer calls." "Our big thing that we always push is accessibility and easy use in this technology. We view our role as understanding all the really cool science that goes into making great LED lights, great control systems, great nutrients and integrating that into a package that is easy for farmers to use and grow with." "We span the education sphere from kindergarten all the way through PhD research. With little kids it's often just about showing them where food comes from and it's not just from the grocery store and getting hands-on experience. So education is a great venue. It's something people are really interested in and we're happy to be part of it because it really drives the industry as well." Resources Mentioned Website - https://justvertical.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connertidd/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report…

1
S12E158 Kirk Taylor/Land Betterment - From Abandoned Mines to Thriving Farms: Vision 53:03

7 weeks ago53:03

53:03

Ever wondered how to revitalize struggling communities while promoting sustainable practices? I had the pleasure of speaking with Kirk Taylor, co-founder of Land Betterment Corporation , about their innovative approach to community development and sustainable agriculture. Kirk's background in accounting and finance, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to tackle the challenges faced by transitioning communities in areas like Kentucky, West Virginia, and southern Indiana. We discussed Land Betterment 's unique projects, including the transformation of abandoned industrial sites into housing solutions and the development of container-based farms in partnership with Anu. Kirk explained how their 20-foot shipping container farms, equipped with advanced automation technology, are revolutionizing local food production. These compact, efficient units are being deployed in various settings, from restaurants and grocery stores to universities, addressing food security issues and promoting education in sustainable agriculture. Throughout our conversation, Kirk emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and community-driven solutions. He shared examples of how Land Betterment works closely with local communities to identify their needs and develop tailored solutions, whether it's creating affordable housing or repurposing land for agricultural use. We also touched on the company's involvement in sustainable fertilizer recycling and their commitment to circular economy principles. If you're interested in innovative approaches to community development, sustainable agriculture, or the intersection of business and social impact, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in to hear Kirk Taylor's insights on creating positive change through entrepreneurship and technology. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 11:31 ReElement Technologies: Recycling battery elements 16:31 Innovative housing solutions using shipping containers 22:20 Partnership with Anu for container farming 28:43 Applications for container farms in various industries 34:34 Building a diverse board for Land Betterment 39:50 Balancing opportunities and allocating time effectively Tweetable Quotes "We understood that we were not a nonprofit. We wanted to create a business that made sense financially. But we also wanted our investors and our partners to understand that we were making decisions not just for their return, but to maximize the return of all our stakeholders." "The challenge with any farming is external environment and human error. We solve the external environment by doing it inside a shipping container. Our competition doesn't solve for the human error component, but the Anu team does." "I think that everybody has the ability to make something out of themselves and be proud of what they do. Not everybody realizes that. By providing direct roadmaps, direct opportunity for these community members, we can give them the steps that they can walk up on their own." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.landbetterment.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkptaylor/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com…

1
S11E157 Mat Halter/TerraFerm - Transforming Beer Waste into Vertical Farm Gold 48:11

9 weeks ago48:11

48:11

Ever wondered how beer brewing could revolutionize vertical farming? Mat Halter, founder of TerraFerm , is turning brewery waste into a game-changing resource for indoor agriculture. Mat Halter, a plant scientist turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from researching biofuels to developing an innovative system that captures CO2 from brewery fermentation for use in vertical farms. His patented technology promises to significantly boost crop yields while reducing carbon footprints. In this episode, Mat discusses the challenges of bringing a new idea to market, from conducting initial experiments to seeking partnerships with breweries. He reveals how his spinach trials resulted in an astounding 89% increase in yield, far surpassing typical carbon dioxide enrichment results. We also explore the intersection of craft beer culture and sustainable agriculture, Mat's approach to team building as a first-time founder, and the potential for this technology to transform both the brewing and farming industries. If you're curious about innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture or the unexpected synergies between different industries, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how Mat Halter is brewing up a greener future for vertical farming. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:37 Early career in plant science and biofuels 10:43 Initial idea for carbon dioxide enrichment 15:36 Patent process and prototype development 21:40 Current status and plans for pilot project 27:51 Challenges as a first-time founder 32:32 Building a team and seeking mentorship 36:07 Potential brewery partnerships and marketing 38:38 Where to learn more about TerraFerm Tweetable Quotes "The advantage we have is, in theory, a never-ending supply. So we can use carbon dioxide enrichment at whatever set point we want - high, low, medium, whatever. We can take it as high as metabolically the plants will allow." "What am I missing? Again, I am a first-time founder. This is the first business I've started. What don't I know? I don't know what I don't know. It's a constant battle to learn more about strategies for starting a business, for seeking funding." "San Diego is a great place to be for beer. There's a lot of small to medium range breweries out here. Very high density. I'm hoping to make contact with a couple of them and eventually find one that sees the vision I have for this and wants to come along." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.terra-ferm.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-halter-082043a3/ X - https://x.com/TerraFerm_Ag Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/terraferm_agtech/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: Indoor AgCon 2025 Indoor AgCon 2025 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com…

1
S11E156 Rick Langille/Harvest Today - Harvest Wall 2.0: Engineering the Next Generation of Farming 48:19

11 weeks ago48:19

48:19

Ever wondered how vertical farming could revolutionize food production and make fresh, flavorful produce more accessible? In this enlightening conversation with Rick Langille, CEO of Harvest Today , we explore the cutting-edge developments in vertical farming technology and their potential impact on the future of agriculture. Rick shares exciting updates on Harvest Today's progress, including the launch of their Shopify site and upcoming innovations in their Harvest Wall system. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and customer-centric approaches in the vertical farming industry, highlighting the need for diverse crop solutions beyond just lettuce or strawberries. Rick's insights into the company's expansion into international markets, particularly in India and the Middle East, showcase the global potential of their technology. We delve into Harvest Today's partnerships and technological advancements, such as their collaboration with Ecoplume for AI-driven plant growth monitoring and their work with Rooted Robotics for automated cleaning solutions. Rick also discusses the company's plans for cost reduction, including strategic manufacturing decisions and the potential establishment of a private equity fund to support farmers. If you're curious about the future of sustainable agriculture and how vertical farming is evolving to meet global food demands, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from an industry leader and learn how Harvest Today is working to make fresh, flavorful produce more accessible through innovative vertical farming solutions. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:05 Industry outlook and diversifying crop offerings 9:43 Harvest Wall's unique microbiome approach 15:28 Navigating challenges and maintaining patience 20:13 Manufacturing partnerships and cost reduction strategies 25:31 Developing a super app for wellness 31:00 Success story of small-scale vertical farm Tweetable Quotes "We need to be much more broad spectrum. We need to be able to address diets that are more than lettuce." "The harvest wall was really based around the plant biology of rooted plants. Because as we vertically irrigate or we use hydroponic technology in order to feed plants, hydroponics never allows a true microbiome to get going." "Quality is number one, though. Always, always, always. This isn't a toy." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.harvest.today/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvest-today/ YouTube - @harvesttoday Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harvest.today/?hl=en Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HarvestTodayLLC/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: Indoor AgCon 2025 Indoor AgCon 2025 AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report…

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Dickson Despommier - A Vertical Farming Podcast Tribute 8:03

12 weeks ago8:03

8:03

In this special tribute episode of The Vertical Farming Podcast , I honor the life and legacy of Dr. Dickson Despommier, the visionary who laid the foundation for vertical farming as we know it today. His book, The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century , completely changed the way I thought about food production, sustainability, and the future of agricultureReading it in 2019 was a turning point for me—it was the spark that led to the creation of this podcast. Over the years, I’ve spoken with over 150 CEOs and founders in the industry, and so many of them cite Dr. Despommier as a major influence on their work. His vision of growing food in urban skyscrapers was once considered radical, but today, it’s shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Though he’s no longer with us, his ideas continue to inspire, and it’s up to all of us—researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors—to carry his vision forward. This episode is my way of saying thank you to a man whose ideas changed my life—and the world. Additional Social Tributes Marc Oshima on LinkedIn Nona Yehia on LinkedIn Honoring Dr. Dickson Despommier: The Visionary Who Planted the Seeds for Vertical Farming’s Future - Henry Gordon-Smith Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Resources Mentioned The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century , by Dickson Despommier - https://amzn.to/3QhWWyY 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report…

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S11E154 Jessica Fong/Common Farms - Microgreens and Mega Dreams: Inspiring Journey 59:46

15 weeks ago59:46

59:46

Ever wondered how to start a vertical farm in a city with limited space and resources? Jessica Naomi Fong's journey with Common Farms in Hong Kong is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and customer-focused growth. Jessica Naomi Fong, Founder and CEO of Common Farms, shares her inspiring story of launching a vertical farming business in Hong Kong just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With a background in the restaurant industry and manufacturing, Jessica leveraged her unique perspective to create a thriving microgreens and specialty greens business in one of the world's most densely populated cities. In this episode, Jessica delves into the challenges of starting a vertical farm from scratch, including educating customers, building relationships with chefs, and adapting to market demands. She discusses the importance of keeping systems simple, focusing on customer needs, and continuously improving product quality and diversity. Jessica also touches on the future of Common Farms, including their focus on functional foods and the nutritional benefits of microgreens. She shares insights on growing as a CEO, the importance of building a strong team, and the value of collaboration within the indoor farming industry. If you're interested in the intersection of urban agriculture, culinary innovation, and entrepreneurship, this episode offers a wealth of practical insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Jessica turned challenges into opportunities and built a successful vertical farming business in an unlikely environment. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:07 Starting a business during COVID 10:22 Origin story of Common Farms 15:05 Building relationships with chefs 26:20 Customizing produce for chefs 32:31 Focusing on functional food 43:10 Tough questions for entrepreneurs 46:42 Collaboration in indoor farming Tweetable Quotes "We were very methodical about that. But then again, we had to test the market. Do people want microgreens? What microgreens do they want? How do they want them? What's the crop diversity? How much diversity do we need? What's the price point?" "I created this scenario and this character and that future of the business. And that was the mission. That was the goal for me." "We can't do this alone. We really welcome anyone that's developing anything to reach out to us. We're constantly in the experimental stage, which means we're always incrementally making improvements and we can't figure all of this out on our own." Resources Mentioned Website - https://commonfarms.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-naomi-fong/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: Indoor AgCon 2025 Indoor AgCon 2025 AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report…

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S11E153 Per Lysaa/Intravision Group AS - Gravity Flow: The Secret Behind Automated Indoor Agriculture 43:41

17 weeks ago43:41

43:41

Ever wondered how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing indoor farming? I've got the inside scoop on the latest innovations that are changing the game. In this episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, host Harry Duran sits down with Per Lysaa, CTO and co-founder of Elevate Farms and founder of Intravision Group AS. With over two decades of experience in photobiology and LED technology, Per brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation about controlled environment agriculture. Per shares his journey from architecture to pioneering LED applications in plant growth, discussing the development of Elevate Farms' patented gravity flow system. This innovative approach allows for highly automated, large-scale production of leafy greens at commodity pricing, potentially disrupting traditional farming methods. The conversation delves into the challenges of scaling vertical farming operations, the importance of partnerships in innovation, and the potential for machine learning and AI to further advance the industry. Per also touches on the global water crisis and its implications for future food production, highlighting the critical role vertical farming could play in addressing these challenges. If you're curious about the future of food production and how technology is shaping sustainable agriculture, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain insights from one of the industry's leading innovators and discover the potential of vertical farming to address global food security challenges. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 5:22 Early Work with LEDs and Photobiology 10:09 Space Research and Plant Growth 15:52 Cannabis Research and LED Advancements 20:29 Founding Elevate and Business Strategy 25:21 Balancing Roles in Two Companies Tweetable Quotes "Plants have light receptors. So they are able to detect from far red through red, green, blue, up to the UV. And whenever they detect, the combination of spectrum and intensity sets off a chemical process in the plant that directly controls morphology and what we call primary and secondary metabolite processes." "I read Peter Drucker, the guy who invented management theory and quality management, and he said that the purpose of a business is the creation of customers. It's not about shareholder value or maximizing return on investment, it's about creation of customers." "We are facing a global water crisis which will greatly impact and disrupt how we make food on this planet. And 2030 and onwards, it's going to look bad. Countries in Asia, Africa, parts of Europe, parts of North America are really badly positioned." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.elevate.farm/ & https://www.intravisiongroup.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-aage-lysaa-9685592/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report Indoor AgCon 2025 Indoor AgCon 2025…

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S11E152 Simon Wardle/Gooddrop Ltd - Sustainable Cotton: A New Era in Vertical Farming 48:28

19 weeks ago48:28

48:28

Ever wondered how vertical farming could revolutionize the cotton industry? I sat down with Simon Wardle, CEO of Gooddrop, to explore this groundbreaking concept. Simon Wardle brings a unique perspective to vertical farming, combining his background in design with a vision for sustainable cotton production. As the leader of Good Drop, he's spearheading an initiative to grow cotton in controlled environments, potentially transforming the textile industry. In this episode, we delve into Good Drop's ambitious plans to create a closed-loop system for cotton production. Simon shares insights on their progress, from container-based experiments to plans for a pilot facility, and discusses the challenges of reinventing the cotton supply chain. We also explore the broader implications of this innovation, touching on topics such as energy sustainability, the potential for localized production, and the hurdles of disrupting a centuries-old industry. Simon offers a candid look at the realities of bringing a new concept to market in the vertical farming space. If you're curious about the future of sustainable textiles and the role vertical farming could play, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Simon's fascinating journey and the potential impact of vertically farmed cotton. Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 00:42 Collaboration and Industry Insights 06:00 Thanksgiving and Cultural Differences 12:00 Design Background and Transition 24:00 Challenges and Innovations 30:00 Leadership and Team Building 36:00 Industry Disruption and Future Plans Tweetable Quotes "We're not just growing the raw material, we're going to convert it. And with that we're then going to a third party supply chain to deliver product. Working with dyeing companies, weaving companies, fabrication companies, designers as a proof of concept." "There's expertise at many milestones that I have an overall understanding of these things. I have lots of curiosity about these things, but true expertise in the relevant areas - we need to go and get that." "We don't want to be restricted to the UK borders, though, once we get going. We want to build these things wherever they need to be built and scale, scale, scale, and see what we can do about helping the climate, turn it around somewhat, be part of that movement to try and make a difference there." Resources Mentioned Website - https://www.good-drop.com/ LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/simon-w-09900827 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: CEA Summit East 2024 CEA Summit East 2024 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com…

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S11E151 Daryl Urbanski/Best Business Coach - Agrocapsules & Oasis: A New Era in Vertical Farming 46:42

20 weeks ago46:42

46:42

Are you tired of the rat race and dreaming of a self-sufficient lifestyle? In this episode, I chat with Daryl Urbanski, a seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for personal sovereignty. Daryl's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful business strategist is nothing short of inspiring. With over 17 years of experience in helping businesses thrive, Daryl has now turned his focus to innovative housing solutions. We dive into the concept of the Oasis Biohome, a revolutionary approach to off-grid living that promises self-reliance and sustainability. Daryl shares how these homes can be built quickly and affordably, offering a path to freedom from traditional utility dependencies. We also explore the potential of vertical farming within these homes, providing fresh produce right at your doorstep. Beyond housing, we touch on broader themes of personal freedom, the importance of self-reliance, and the challenges of modern living. Daryl's insights into the future of sustainable living are both thought-provoking and practical. If you're curious about breaking free from conventional living and embracing a more independent lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen. Click to hear more about how you can take control of your future! Thanks to Our Sponsors Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag Key Takeaways 14:00 Self-Reliance and Business Philosophy 26:00 Challenges and Opportunities 32:00 Steps to Building an Oasis Home 38:00 Sovereignty and Sustainable Living Tweetable Quotes "Everything I'm not made me everything I am." "A job is just a business with one customer, your boss, and one product, your time, and that's not scalable." "We farm food crops for food. People herd livestock for meat and profit. Governments farm people." Resources Mentioned Website - https://members.bestbusinesscoach.ca / & https://wonderfulstructures.com/oasis-bio-homes/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylurbanski/ 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com CEA Summit East 2024 CEA Summit East 2024 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report…

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S11E150 Alexander Jaworski/GreenHub - Building a Sustainable Future: The Story 50:03

22 weeks ago50:03

50:03

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 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/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@greenhub7525/featured 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/ 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast Mentioned in this episode: CEA Summit East 2024 CEA Summit East 2024 2025 US Indoor Farm Report http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report AgTech Companies https://agtechcompanies.com…

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S11E149 Gretchen Schimelpfenig/GLASE - Building Resilient Solutions for CES and the Importance of Sustainability 51:12

23 weeks ago51:12