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.

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

"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."

Website - https://commonfarms.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-naomi-fong/

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AgTech Digest -

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.

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

Website - https://www.elevate.farm/ & https://www.intravisiongroup.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-aage-lysaa-9685592/

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

VFP Facebook -...

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.

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

Website - https://www.good-drop.com/

LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/simon-w-09900827

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

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AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com

The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/

Horti-Gen Insights -

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!

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

Website - https://members.bestbusinesscoach.ca/ & https://wonderfulstructures.com/oasis-bio-homes/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylurbanski/

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

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VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod

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AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com

The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/

Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/

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Mentioned in this episode:

CEA Summit East 2024

CEA Summit East 2024

Indoor...

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.

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

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

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

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Are you still manually turning your greenhouse lights on and off? Discover how integrated control systems can revolutionize your vertical farming operations. Join me as I sit down with Gretchen Schimelpfenig, a leading expert in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. With a background in high-performance buildings and sustainable design, Gretchen has carved out a niche in energy efficiency for greenhouses and indoor farms. Her journey from aspiring sustainable designer to a key player in the CEA industry offers valuable insights into the intersection of energy and agriculture.

In our conversation, we explore the transformative potential of integrated control systems in vertical farming. Gretchen shares her experiences and findings from a California-based study, highlighting the untapped opportunities for energy monitoring and smarter control strategies. We delve into the challenges and innovations within the industry, emphasizing the importance of blending traditional and modern technologies to drive progress.

Beyond the main discussion, we touch on the significance of diversity in the CEA industry, the role of conferences in fostering connections, and the evolving landscape of vertical farming. Gretchen also shares her thoughts on the future of the industry and the trends shaping its growth.

Curious to learn how you can optimize your vertical farming operations and stay ahead in the industry? Click to listen and gain insights from Gretchen's expertise and experiences.

5:38 Early Career Path

10:01 Role in CEA

20:15 Data Sharing Challenges

26:17 Upcoming Conferences

33:17 CEA Industry Trends

45:20 Nutritional Value in CEA

Website - https://gretchenschimelpfenig.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gschimelpfenig/

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

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AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com

The Indoor Farmer -

Are you ready to explore the intersection of technology and agriculture with insights from a seasoned expert? Join me as I sit down with Floris Berghout, CEO of Viemose DGS, a leader in the horticulture industry. Floris brings a wealth of experience from his journey through various roles in horticulture, culminating in his current position where he bridges traditional and modern agricultural practices.

In our conversation, Floris shares his unexpected entry into the world of horticulture and how his passion for green technology and international business has shaped his career. We delve into the sophisticated technologies behind greenhouse systems and the innovative moving gutter systems for leafy greens and herbs that Viemose specializes in. Floris offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the vertical farming industry, emphasizing the importance of blending old and new knowledge to drive innovation.

Beyond the main discussion, we touch on the importance of mentorship, the dynamics of building a cohesive team, and the evolving landscape of indoor farming. Floris also shares his thoughts on the future of agriculture, the impact of climate change on farming practices, and the potential for growth in international markets.

Curious to learn more about how technology is transforming agriculture and what the future holds for this vital industry? Click to listen and gain valuable insights from Floris Berghout's experiences and vision for the future of farming.

05:00 Early Career and Horticulture

10:00 Moving Gutter Systems

15:00 Team Building and Company Culture

20:00 Industry Trends and Challenges

25:00 Conferences and Networking

30:00 Future Plans for Viemose

Website - https://viemose-dgs.dk/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/floris-berghout-88630a9/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ViemoseDgs

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHPRlFRsoGmCVj6usewG-FQ

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

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AgTech Digest -

Are you tired of bland supermarket produce that lacks flavor and nutrition? Join me as I dive into a conversation with Daniel Bosman, the innovative founder of Our Greenery, who is revolutionizing the way we think about food production and consumption. With a background in entrepreneurship and sustainable product development, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table, aiming to reconnect people with the food they eat.

In this episode, Daniel shares his journey from a young entrepreneur selling cocktails outside clubs to founding a company focused on hyper-local food production. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of creating the Raumgarten, a stylish and efficient indoor gardening system that allows users to grow fresh produce right in their living rooms. Daniel's insights into the importance of food quality and the impact of supply chains on nutrition are eye-opening and thought-provoking.

We also explore Daniel's diverse background, including his ventures in surfboard manufacturing and his passion for design and sustainability. The conversation touches on the role of technology in food production, the potential health benefits of interacting with living plants, and the importance of building a community around innovative food solutions.

Curious to learn how you can transform your relationship with food and embrace a healthier lifestyle? Click to listen to the full episode and discover the future of indoor farming with Daniel Bosman.

05:00 Fundraising and Major Customers

10:00 Passion for Electronic Music

20:00 Our Greenery's Mission

25:00 Product Design and Community

30:00 Form Factor and Market Approach

35:00 Challenges and Timing

40:00 Collaboration in the Industry

Website - http://www.ourgreenery.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bosman-og/

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

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz0J896ueMg

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

VFP Facebook -