Are you curious about the latest innovations in sustainable agriculture? I recently caught up with Charlie Guy, CEO of Let Us Grow, to discuss the fascinating world of advanced aeroponics and its potential to revolutionize greenhouse farming.

Charlie shared insights on Let Us Grow's journey from vertical farming to focusing on aeroponics technology for greenhouses. He explained how their advanced aeroponics system offers significant advantages over traditional hydroponic methods, including increased yields, improved plant health, and reduced water usage. Charlie also touched on the company's expansion into global markets and their efforts to educate both industry professionals and the public about the benefits of controlled environment agriculture.

We delved into the challenges faced by the vertical farming industry and how Let Us Grow has adapted to changing market conditions. Charlie emphasized the importance of collaboration within the industry and highlighted their partnerships with established greenhouse builders and system integrators. He also discussed their community outreach efforts, such as the Bristol Basil Company initiative, which demonstrates the potential of local food production using advanced growing techniques.

Throughout our conversation, Charlie provided valuable insights into the future of controlled environment agriculture and the role of aeroponics in creating more sustainable and resilient food systems. If you're interested in the intersection of technology and agriculture, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the cutting-edge world of advanced growing methods.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:07 Shifting focus to glasshouses and partnerships

11:40 Biking to GreenTech conference and industry events

16:44 Building relationships with government agencies

20:21 Bristol Basil Company and local food initiatives

28:12 BBC Radio 4 feature on sustainable growing

34:57 Challenges of running a company in this environment

39:06 Future plans and global expansion goals

44:01 Closing thoughts on collaboration in indoor farming

Website - www.lettusgrow.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lettus-grow

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

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Are you struggling to maintain soil health and reduce costs in your indoor farming operation? Soil steaming technology might be the solution you've been searching for.

In this episode, I speak with Hans Kristian Westrum, Chief Strategy Manager at Soil Steam, about their innovative soil steaming technology. Hans grew up on a farm in Norway and later pursued a career in business before returning to agriculture. His company, Soil Steam, has developed machines that use steam to sanitize soil and substrates, eliminating harmful pathogens and weeds without chemicals.

We discuss how Soil Steam's technology evolved from open field applications to containerized solutions for indoor farming. Hans shares insights on how their machines can effectively treat substrates, allowing farmers to recycle growing media and reduce costs. Recent trials with strawberry growers in Belgium demonstrated that steamed, recycled substrates performed as well as new substrates, opening up exciting possibilities for sustainable farming practices.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing different market demands, from construction projects to indoor farms. Hans emphasizes the importance of focusing on containerized solutions to meet the growing needs of indoor farmers worldwide. We explore future plans for expansion into North America and the company's commitment to participating in industry conferences to share their research and technology.

If you're curious about innovative solutions for sustainable indoor farming and want to learn how soil steaming technology could revolutionize your growing practices, don't miss this fascinating conversation with Hans Kristian Westrum.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

0:00 Intro: Steaming soil for construction and farming

5:13 Early experiences with steam on the farm

16:53 Expanding into indoor farming and substrates

21:15 Research on steaming to eliminate pathogens

27:52 Positive results from substrate recycling tests

34:00 Focusing on container-based steaming machines

39:02 Closing thoughts and future plans

Website - http://www.soilsteam.com

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-kristian-westrum-12023444/

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

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of applying for agricultural grants? I sat down with Andy Seckinger, Sales Director at United Grants of America, to demystify the process and explore effective sales strategies for farmers and entrepreneurs.

Andy's journey from a skeptical view of sales to becoming a passionate advocate for helping others is truly inspiring. He shares how his experiences in Iowa and personal challenges shaped his approach to sales and client relationships. Andy emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs, asking the right questions, and maintaining integrity throughout the sales process.

We delve into the world of agricultural grants, discussing how United Grants of America assists farmers in navigating complex government programs. Andy explains their team-based approach, which includes compliance experts, analysts, and account executives with farming backgrounds. He highlights the value of personalized service and the company's success-based fee structure.

Andy also touches on recent trends in agricultural grants, including changes in government programs and the increasing availability of funding opportunities. His insights provide valuable guidance for farmers looking to secure financial support for their operations.

If you're a farmer or entrepreneur seeking to improve your sales skills or explore grant opportunities, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on sales, personal growth, and the world of agricultural grants.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:02 History and mission of United Grants of America

9:16 Andy's journey into sales and professional development

14:26 Lessons from stand-up comedy applied to sales

19:40 The importance of self-improvement in sales

30:59 Overcoming personal struggles and professional growth

37:45 How United Grants of America assists farmers

42:55 Keys to success in securing agricultural grants

46:58 Exploring spirituality and vulnerability in business

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Website - https://www.unitedgrantsofamerica.com/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-grants-of-america

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Struggling with the complexities of indoor farming and looking for innovative solutions to streamline your operations? Join me as I explore groundbreaking ideas with Marcus Comaschi, R&D engineer at Gyroplant, who is revolutionizing the way we think about plant substrates in controlled environment agriculture.

Marcus Comaschi, an R&D engineer at Gyroplant, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in design and engineering to the world of indoor farming. With a background that spans from working at Ford Motor to developing hydroponic systems, Marcus has a unique perspective on how to innovate within the agricultural sector. His journey from traditional engineering to creating reusable plant-holding superstructures is a testament to his passion for sustainable and efficient farming solutions.

The main focus of our conversation is Gyroplant's innovative approach to eliminating traditional substrates in indoor farming. Marcus shares how his company developed reusable silicone rubber superstructures that hold plants without the need for messy, single-use materials. This advancement not only simplifies the growing process but also addresses issues of cleanliness, cost, and supply chain reliability, making it a game-changer for growers worldwide.

Beyond the main topic, we delve into the challenges of standardization in the vertical farming industry and the importance of collaboration among growers and technology providers. Marcus also discusses the role of 3D printing in prototyping and developing custom solutions, highlighting how this technology has been pivotal in Gyroplant's success.

Curious to learn how Gyroplant's solutions can transform your indoor farming operations? Click to listen and discover how Marcus Comaschi's insights could help you achieve cleaner, more efficient plant production.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

0:00 Intro: Marcus Comaschi joins Vertical Farming podcast

5:20 Marcus's journey from engineering to food

10:41 3D printing's crucial role in prototyping

18:29 Eliminating substrate: Drivers and challenges

24:38 Need for standardization in vertical farming

31:21 Design process for crop-specific superstructures

37:42 Balancing focus and opportunities in business

42:39 Closing thoughts on indoor farming's future

Website - https://www.gyroplant.com/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-comaschi-05b9327b/?originalSubdomain=uk

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Ever wondered why some vertical farms thrive while others struggle? The answer might lie in combining traditional horticultural wisdom with cutting-edge technology.

I sat down with Wessel van Paassen, Managing Director at Green Simplicity, to explore the intersection of greenhouse expertise and vertical farming innovation. Born into a family of flower growers, Wessel brings a unique perspective to the vertical farming industry. His company, Green Simplicity, has been at the forefront of developing research chambers and vertical farming solutions for the past decade.

Wessel shares how his background in traditional horticulture has shaped his approach to vertical farming. He emphasizes the importance of efficiency, optimization, and practical knowledge in developing successful systems. We discuss the challenges faced by the vertical farming industry and how lessons from greenhouse cultivation can be applied to indoor farming.

Our conversation covers a range of topics, including the evolution of vertical farming technology, the importance of collaboration within the industry, and the potential for hybrid approaches that combine greenhouse and indoor farming techniques. Wessel also offers insights into the future of vertical farming and the role of companies like Green Simplicity in driving innovation.

If you're interested in the future of agriculture and want to understand how traditional farming wisdom can inform cutting-edge vertical farming solutions, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the industry's most experienced voices.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:27 Evolution from research chambers to vertical farms

10:30 Pioneering LED lighting in tulip cultivation

16:58 Challenges of vertical farming system integration

24:40 Attending conferences and industry trends

29:45 Green Simplicity joining the GreenV group

35:08 Preparing for growth and future innovations

Website - https://greensimplicity.com/en/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/greensimplicity/

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

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

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

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AgTech

Have you ever wondered how to combine sustainable farming, education, and entertainment into a single innovative concept? I sat down with Mike Smart, founder of Smart Farms, to discuss his unique approach to revolutionizing the food industry and educating the next generation.

Mike's journey is a fascinating blend of technology, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. From his early days in crypto and digital payments to his current focus on sustainable farming, Mike has always been driven by a desire to empower individuals and decentralize systems. His latest venture, Smart Farms and the Bucket Buddies brand, is a testament to this vision.

At the heart of Mike's concept is the Bucket Buddies book series, which features anthropomorphic characters teaching children about farming, nutrition, and sustainability. But it doesn't stop there – the brand extends to physical products, grow kits, and plans for animated content, all designed to engage children and families in the world of agriculture.

We delved into Mike's ambitious plans for scaling his concept, including the development of hyperlocal farms across the country and the creation of educational experiences that blend entertainment with hands-on learning. Mike also shared his thoughts on the challenges of bringing such a multifaceted project to life and his strategies for attracting investors and partners.

If you're interested in innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, education, or building a brand with a purpose, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with Mike Smart. Tune in to hear how one entrepreneur is working to transform our relationship with food from the ground up.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:35 Crypto journey and payment industry experiences

8:14 Origins of indoor farming interest

13:44 Creating the Bucket Buddies book series

19:33 Walt Disney-like vision for Smart Farms

23:52 Current progress and future plans

29:14 Scaling the brand and outsourcing production

34:53 Immediate needs and ideal partners

Website - Https://smartfarms.global

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-smart-bucket-buddies

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/16n455CPLE/

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Have you ever wondered how the vertical farming industry is evolving and what it takes to organize successful events in this space? I had the pleasure of speaking with Tahir Abdul Bari, founder and CEO of TAB Group, about his journey from traditional agriculture to organizing one of the largest vertical farming events in the Middle East.

Tahir's story is fascinating, starting from his childhood experiences in Kashmir's apple orchards to becoming a key player in the events industry. He shared how his grandfather's teachings on respecting and valuing people have shaped his leadership style and approach to team building. The conversation delved into the challenges of pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it led to the creation of the Global Vertical Farming Show.

We discussed the importance of adaptability in the events industry, especially when dealing with emerging technologies like vertical farming. Tahir provided insights into how the show has evolved over the years, growing from a virtual event to a large-scale physical exhibition. He emphasized the critical role of collaboration in the indoor farming industry, particularly at this early stage of development.

If you're interested in the intersection of agriculture, technology, and event management, or if you want to learn about the latest trends in vertical farming, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Tahir's valuable perspectives on team building, industry challenges, and the future of indoor agriculture.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

3:42 Impact of COVID-19 on events industry

9:15 Building long-term relationships in events

16:28 Decision-making process for event viability

21:34 Evolution of Global Vertical Farming Show

32:15 Unique aspects of upcoming Vertical Farming Show

36:38 Importance of team building and culture

42:37 Tough questions leaders ask themselves

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

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

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

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

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AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com

The Indoor Farmer -

Are you struggling to find sustainable solutions for your crops in an ever-changing agricultural landscape?

I sat down with Jessica Staha, CEO of LPC Naturals, to discuss the fascinating world of microbials in agriculture. With a background in molecular biology and genetics, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having worked in various industries before finding her passion in agricultural technology.

We delved into the unique challenges faced by both indoor and outdoor farming, and how microbials can provide innovative solutions. Jessica explained how their proprietary isolate of Beauveria bassiana works as a plant stimulant, helping crops withstand various stresses. She emphasized the importance of educating farmers and growers about the benefits of microbials, as they offer a more holistic approach to plant health compared to traditional chemical solutions.

Throughout our conversation, we touched on the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture, the impact of extreme weather on farming, and the potential for collaboration within the industry. Jessica shared insights on leadership in a startup environment and the importance of maintaining work-life balance in the fast-paced world of agricultural innovation.

If you're curious about the future of farming and how microbials could revolutionize crop management, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from an industry expert and discover how these tiny organisms could make a big difference in agriculture.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:57 From corporate to entrepreneurship challenges

11:47 LPC Naturals origin and microbial solutions

17:57 Educating farmers on microbial benefits

24:59 Preparing environments for microbial use

30:20 Balancing entrepreneurship and personal well-being

35:17 Collaboration opportunities in microbial research

Website - https://lpcnaturals.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-staha

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

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

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@primesuperiorgrow

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

VFP Twitter -