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

Have you ever wondered how plants adapt to extreme conditions without the ability to move? I've always been fascinated by the resilience of plants, and in this conversation with Alberto Campanaro, we explore the intricate world of plant science and its applications in modern agriculture.Alberto Campanaro, Head of Science at Zayndu, brings a wealth of experience from his background in industrial biotechnology and plant research. His journey from traditional open-field agriculture to innovative seed treatment technology offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture. Alberto's passion for understanding plant behavior and his transition from academia to a startup environment provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this field.The heart of our discussion revolves around Zayndu's cold plasma technology for seed treatment. Alberto explains how this innovative approach can enhance seed germination, improve plant growth rates, and potentially increase crop yields. We delve into the intricacies of developing "recipes" for different plant species and varieties, highlighting the precision required in this cutting-edge technology.We also touch on the broader implications of this technology for sustainable agriculture, the importance of maintaining a connection with plants in scientific work, and the challenges of transitioning from hands-on research to a management role in a growing company. Alberto's insights offer a glimpse into the future of agriculture and the potential for technology to address global food production challenges.If you're curious about the intersection of plant science, technology, and sustainable agriculture, this episode offers a fascinating look into the future of food production. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how innovative approaches like cold plasma treatment are shaping the way we grow our food.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways0:00 Intro: Plants' resilience without movement5:43 Growing up in Italy and family memories11:48 Journey to plant science and UK studies17:40 Transition to controlled environment agriculture22:47 Discovering Zayndu and startup excitement34:42 Crop-specific responses to cold plasma treatment38:38 A day in the life of a plant scientist42:40 Evolving from scientist to team leader47:27 Closing thoughts and contact informationTweetable Quotes"One thing I always find fascinating is that actually plants cannot move. Throughout the year these organisms have to resist heat waves, floods, different temperatures... And mammals or animals can move around, right? There's no water. Okay, let's go find it. But for plants, they're not allowed to.""I always remember I was coming from a kind of a rich subgroup with flashy equipment and stuff. And I was there, I thought, you know, this is quite interesting, I can do this. It was also, you know, the technology was sound and at that time, and still I was looking for do something of impact.""We have arrived to certain level of detail. For example, take spinach that we study quite a lot because there's a lot of request in the market for us for spinach to improve it. And we can see this variation response at the level of varieties. So we are at the moment, in terms of plasma protocol, we have three of them and these three, depending on which variety you're growing, you need to go 1, 2 or 3."Resources MentionedWebsite -

Are you struggling to optimize your greenhouse operations and maximize crop yields? I recently spoke with Dima Chernobilsky, co-founder and CEO of GrowDirector, who shared groundbreaking insights on greenhouse automation and the future of controlled environment agriculture.Dima's journey from finance to agriculture is a testament to the power of curiosity and perseverance. With a background spanning real estate, business development, and agriculture in various parts of the world, Dima brings a unique perspective to the field of greenhouse automation. His company, GrowDirector, has evolved through four generations of technology, each iteration addressing specific challenges in the industry.The conversation centered on GrowDirector's innovative approach to greenhouse automation. Dima explained how their wireless, modular, and scalable system provides growers with unprecedented control and flexibility. The latest generation of their technology offers future-proof scalability, allowing growers to expand their capabilities without significant additional investment.We also explored the role of AI in agriculture, discussing GrowDirector's AI-powered features such as predictive analytics and agronomic advice. Dima shared insights on the challenges of vertical farming, the importance of crop selection, and the need for patience as technology continues to evolve. His advice for the industry emphasized the importance of careful planning and adaptability in the face of rapid technological change.If you're interested in the cutting edge of greenhouse technology and want to learn how AI is revolutionizing agriculture, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Dima's fascinating journey and gain valuable insights that could transform your approach to controlled environment agriculture.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:18 Evolution of GrowDirector's product generations10:03 Challenges faced by greenhouses and indoor farms14:36 AI integration in greenhouse management29:57 Lessons learned in hiring and leadership35:38 Future goals for GrowDirector's growthTweetable Quotes"We are the god in the greenhouse. We control all of your equipment automatically. Our AI can even predict problems which are coming into the greenhouse and change the rules with your permission.""Hire slow, fire fast. I do think this is the thing because every time I gave a second chance it didn't work for me.""Be very picky about what you do. Not everything you can grow, you can sell, and not everything you can sell you can make money from. Finally you need to make money because you need to feed yourself, your family, and sometimes also get money to your investors."Resources MentionedWebsite - www.growdirector.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimacher/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@growdirector8723 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growdirectorltdInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/growdirectoragri/X -

Ever wondered why so many indoor farming ventures fail despite the hype? I've got the inside scoop from a true industry veteran.Glenn Behrman, founder and president of CEA Advisors, brings over 50 years of experience in horticulture and indoor farming to our conversation. From his early days in the foliage industry to pioneering container farming, Glenn's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field.I delved into Glenn's perspective on the current state of indoor farming, exploring the challenges faced by newcomers and established players alike. He emphasizes the importance of a realistic, business-focused approach, cautioning against the pitfalls of easy money and unrealistic expectations that have plagued the industry.We also discussed the potential opportunities in custom projects, the limitations of container farming, and the need for honesty and integrity in the industry. Glenn's insights on the recent demise of prominent indoor farming companies offer valuable lessons for anyone considering entering this space.If you're curious about the real challenges and opportunities in indoor farming, straight from someone who's seen it all, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a no-nonsense look at what it really takes to succeed in this complex and evolving industry.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:55 Glenn's journey into vertical farming27:48 Evolution of container shipping business41:33 Automation and robotics in agriculture47:35 Innovative ideas for container farming54:05 Lessons from recent industry bankruptciesTweetable Quotes"I have a life that people only dream about. I've had the highest highs and the lowest lows, but I just kept on putting one foot in front of the other.""It's all a giant spreadsheet. Every facet of this industry is an Excel spreadsheet. On the left hand side you put all of the different exigencies. And then you have to make adjustments along the right hand side to get to that sweet spot.""If somebody decides to go into this business, I think the first thing they need to do is go sit in a room by yourself and ask yourself, why am I doing this? If your response is for the money, don't do it. This is not a throw the money in and take the money to the bank. It just doesn't work that way."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://cea-advisors.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennbehrman/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer -

Ever wondered how a seasoned executive from the oil and gas industry ends up leading a vertical farming startup? I sat down with Michael Oster, CEO of Saffron Tech, to explore this fascinating journey.Michael's transition from the corporate world to the innovative field of vertical farming is a testament to adaptability in business. With decades of experience in oil and gas, real estate, and M&A, he brings a unique perspective to Saffron Tech. The company is pioneering the indoor cultivation of saffron, the world's most expensive spice, with potential applications ranging from culinary use to pharmaceuticals.We delved into the challenges of scaling up startups, particularly in the agricultural technology sector. Michael emphasized the importance of careful planning, realistic financial modeling, and securing off-take agreements before major investments. He shared valuable insights on balancing ambitious goals with practical considerations, drawing from both successes and setbacks in his career.Our conversation also touched on the geopolitical implications of saffron production, the potential for saffron-based pharmaceuticals, and the intricacies of building a commercial-scale vertical farm. Michael's leadership style, focused on leading by example and leveraging a small but highly skilled team, offers a blueprint for startup success in challenging industries.Curious about the intersection of traditional business acumen and cutting-edge agricultural technology? Listen to this episode to gain invaluable insights from a leader who's bridging these worlds and revolutionizing saffron production.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:03 Board member roles and responsibilities explained8:08 Saffron's unique properties and market potential14:00 Challenges of scaling up agricultural startups17:35 Balancing passion and practicality in business21:42 Learning from failed real estate project26:47 Mitigating risks in high-risk venturesTweetable Quotes"Just to give you a perspective, you need 120,000 flowers growing to create £2 or a kilo of dry saffron. That's a lot of space. That's a lot of flowers.""We're producing the highest quality of saffron if you compare it to the different bands. In all categories of the active ingredients, we're producing a higher quality than the top notch saffron.""We're in a business that has high risk by design. The last thing you want to do is add to that with bullish assumptions. So we try to minimize them in a way that we'll have room for some failure and still be very successful."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://saffron-tech.ag/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloster01/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook -

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 SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:07 Babylon Microfarms' focus on key verticals10:40 Surprising installations and high-profile customers 16:19 Lessons from early industry struggles21:53 Listening to customers and adapting strategies27:17 Workforce development in indoor farming33:40 Cultural connections through locally grown food37:18 CEA Alliance's role in industry advocacyTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - https://babylonmicrofarms.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoshima/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook -

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 SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:42 Transition from nightclub scene to bodybuilding11:15 Spiritual journey and discovery of magic mushrooms16:59 Building a mushroom farm22:31 Challenges of vertical farming and industry insights28:15 Developing fungitarian food products and business growth39:33 Current business operations and partnerships45:46 Defining success: Goal of 10 million fungitarians by 202750:57 Leadership growth and employee management strategiesTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - https://windycitymushroom.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-james-staniszewski-0728312ab/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer -

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 SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:14 Renko's extensive experience in horticulture industry10:47 Shift in sentiment towards vertical farming15:50 Origins and growth of TTA company20:13 Renko's role and responsibilities at TTA-ISO25:59 Common mistakes in vertical farming projects31:45 Regional differences in vertical farming needs36:53 TTA's approach to new crop automation requests41:46 Balancing advice and business opportunitiesTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - www.tta.euLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renkoschuil/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights -

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 SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:53 Importance of video marketing for CEOs13:30 AI tools revolutionizing content creation16:19 Early days of Arctic Farming development 21:53 Herbie: Innovative restaurant-grade vertical farm27:41 Switching from aeroponics to fogponics34:53 Space ambitions and Earth-first strategy37:52 Acquiring Plantui: Consumer-focused hydroponic system43:18 Motivation behind pursuing indoor farmingTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - https://www.arcticfarming.io/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverrotko/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn -

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 SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:09 Conner’s restaurant experience and food waste10:55 Origin story of Just Vertical21:23 Variety of crops grown on living walls25:01 Accessibility and ease of use focus29:48 Global projects and ideal farming partners33:56 Innovation in vertical farming seeds36:18 Addressing AeroGarden closure and industry outlookTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - https://justvertical.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connertidd/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn -

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 SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways11:31 ReElement Technologies: Recycling battery elements16:31 Innovative housing solutions using shipping containers22:20 Partnership with Anu for container farming28:43 Applications for container farms in various industries34:34 Building a diverse board for Land Betterment39:50 Balancing opportunities and allocating time effectivelyTweetable 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 MentionedWebsite - https://www.landbetterment.com/LinkedIn...