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

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

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

Auteur(s): Harry Duran
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Vertical farming is a revolutionary approach to produce production leveraging controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technology and systems in innovative ways. It facilitates production of huge quantities of nutritious and quality fresh food without relying on favorable weather, high water usage, skilled labor, and high soil fertility. This ensures reliable yield and consistency in crop production year-round with climate control, and no effects of external environment factors such as diseases, pests, or predator attacks. Join Harry Duran, Host of the Apple-recommended Podcast Junkies and Founder of FullCast, as he explores the world of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). Tune in every week for fascinating conversations with CEOs, Founders and luminaries from the exciting and fast-growing world of Vertical Farming. If you've been interested in the world of Indoor AgTech and want to hear inspiring stories from the innovators on the frontlines of this fast-moving industry, then this most definitely the show for you! Subscribe and learn more by visiting http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/2022 FullCast Science Sciences biologiques
Épisodes
  • 175: Advanced Aeroponics & Why Vertical Farming’s Future Lies in Glasshouses
    Sep 12 2025

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

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

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

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

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

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

    Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

    Key Takeaways

    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

    Tweetable Quotes"We've taken the rolling bench architecture widely used in the greenhouse industry and integrated our advanced aeroponics technology into it. This means we can partner with numerous Dutch large greenhouse builders to deliver these systems, providing the smarts while they handle the delivery.""There's no point in doing vertical farming unless it's powered by renewable energy. It doesn't make sense from an environmental standpoint to burn fossil fuels to convert them into electrons to power lights to grow plants when the sun is free.""We're showing you can turn disused greenhouses into productive grows that are profitable and give back to your local food community. You can achieve many of the same outcomes as vertical farming with a slightly lower tech structure like a greenhouse, while still growing the best produce year-round with the least water."Resources Mentioned

    Website - www.lettusgrow.com

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

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

    Instagram -

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    51 min
  • 174: The Hidden Power of Steam in Indoor Farming
    Aug 29 2025

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

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

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

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

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

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

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

    Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

    Key Takeaways

    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

    Tweetable Quotes"We steam the substrate before they took it in the first time to have control. Be 100% sure that this is clean. These guys cannot take a risk on anything. If you have one disease in that coco coir or whatever you get, if something can happen, it means it comes from Sri Lanka and it can go by boat, what happens all this distance.""We got rid of the harmful organisms that were there and the natural life was back two weeks after. It comes from surroundings, from the soil beneath and stuff like that.""I think it's a fantastic combination. You can talk about sustainability, but if there's no saving money, it's impossible. We say that we can recycle one cube of the substrate at the cost of maybe five to ten dollars. Approximately something between 50 and 60, 70, $80 per cube."Resources Mentioned

    Website - http://www.soilsteam.com

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

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

    Connect With Us

    VFP LinkedIn -

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    46 min
  • 173: Unlocking Million Dollar Grants for Indoor Farmers with Andy Seckinger
    Aug 15 2025

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

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

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

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

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

    Thanks to Our Sponsors

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

    Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

    Key Takeaways

    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

    Tweetable Quotes"At the end of the day, there's three reasons why people buy. Are you going to make me money? Are you going to save me money? You're going to make my life easy.""Life is here to help us. It's up to us not to say bad or good. Life is here to really help us.""I don't think farmers' lives always fit perfectly into what's being offered. So you got to do a little brain surgery and understand what the end is mine and ask really good questions."Resources Mentioned

    APPLY HERE: https://www.verticalfarmingpodcast.com/grants

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

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

    Connect With Us

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

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

    VFP Instagram -

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    57 min
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