Vertical Farming Podcast Harry Duran

In this episode, I speak with Kaylee South, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) at Virginia Tech. Kaylee shares her journey from a rural upbringing, where her passion for horticulture was nurtured by family and educators, to her current role where she combines research with teaching the next generation of horticulturists. We dive into how her work not only involves growing plants but also exploring innovative agricultural methods and improving plant resilience through scientific research. Kaylee’s story is a testament to the impact of early exposure to agriculture and the profound influence of mentors.
Our conversation also explores the broader implications of CEA in revitalizing urban spaces and enhancing educational programs. Kaylee highlights the potential of vertical farming to transform underutilized buildings into productive agricultural sites, offering fresh perspectives on sustainable urban development. She emphasizes the importance of industry-academia collaboration in advancing CEA technologies and practices. This episode is packed with insights not just about plant science but also about the evolving role of agriculture in addressing contemporary challenges. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the future of farming, Kaylee’s experiences and insights underscore the dynamic nature of agricultural science and its critical role in shaping sustainable futures.
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Key Takeaways00:06:27 - Application of Research in Real-world Settings
00:13:34 - Involvement in CEA Summit and Indoor Ag-Con
00:14:08 - Differences Between CEA Summit East and Other Conferences
00:29:10 - Interest and Opportunities in Vertical Farming
00:35:23 - Future Research Directions and Challenges
00:39:15 - Increasing Interest in CEA Among Students
Tweetable Quotes"I grew up helping my parents and grandparents in their gardens, which sparked my passion for horticulture. My high school agriculture teacher, Mr. Minyard, particularly encouraged me by involving me in greenhouse work, which solidified my love for working with plants.""My dissertation research involved using beneficial bacteria to improve plant defense against pathogens, specifically targeting botrytis cinerea, a common issue in greenhouse production. This research aimed to explore biocontrol agents and biostimulants to enhance plant growth and disease resistance.""Vertical farming offers unique opportunities, especially in urban settings where traditional farming isn't feasible. It's exciting to see interest from various sectors, including education, where vertical farms are used as tools for teaching and engaging students in agriculture and science."Resources MentionedTwitter - https://twitter.com/south_kaylee
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylee-south/
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In this episode, I speak with David Flynn, Vice President of Business Development at AmplifiedAg, and what a journey it's been! David shares his transition from military service to the world of vertical farming, and it's a testament to the power of mission-driven work. His experiences in Afghanistan, witnessing firsthand the struggles and triumphs of local agriculture, have fueled his passion for bringing fresh food to those in need. It's not every day you meet someone who's as dedicated to making a difference as David is.
We dive into the nitty-gritty of AmplifiedAg's technology, from their propagation containers to their high-yield production units. David's insights into the challenges of energy costs and the need for industry-wide collaboration are eye-opening. It's clear that this isn't just about growing lettuce; it's about community, sustainability, and tackling food insecurity head-on. If you're curious about the future of controlled environment agriculture and the people who are pushing its boundaries, you won't want to miss this conversation. David's story is a reminder that with the right technology and a lot of heart, we can make a real impact, one container farm at a time.
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Key Takeaways00:03:55: Transition from Military to Agriculture Technology
00:06:02: The Evolution of AmplifiedAg and Vertical Roots
00:10:53: Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations
00:16:23: Observations on the Growth of the C EA Industry
00:21:20: AmplifiedAg's Current Size and Product Offerings
00:34:51: The Importance of Industry Transparency and Collaboration
Tweetable Quotes"I don't believe in coincidences, per se. When I moved to Charleston, I met Don Taylor, who's the founder of our company, AmplifiedAg. He painted a vision of marrying technology with agriculture, trying to do good things with technology and agriculture, promoting businesses, job development, and providing fresh food to people in need.""The biggest conversion we made was from an Aeroponics system to a Nutrient Film Technique system using crop king gutters in a stacked formation inside of our containers. That really was a game changer for us.""The core mission of the company was to provide safe access to fresh food globally. We're working with foundations across the country, non-governmental organizations trying to solve food insecurity. We're driven right now to look for opportunities to be a system integrator, to bring food security, help leverage food security for people in need."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://amplifiedaginc.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amplifiedaginc/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/amplifiedaginc
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifiedag
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@amplifiedag
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In this episode, I speak with Whit Allen, the charismatic CEO of SpectraGrow, as we dive into a world where the rhythm of music intertwines with the innovation of agriculture. It's a conversation that takes us from energy of DJing to the vibrant greenery of vertical farms. We reminisce about our days behind the decks and reveal how those experiences have given us a unique tempo for tackling the professional challenges we face today. Whit brings a refreshing perspective on the journey from spinning records to advocating for clean technology in Washington D.C., and how every step has influenced the birth and growth of SpectraGrow.
The power of collaboration shines through in our chat, from the influence of mastermind groups to the shared problem-solving that’s steering the industry towards sustainable success. You'll hear firsthand about the nitty-gritty of lighting innovation, the significance of strategic planning for farm setups, and the camaraderie that's sprouting among agri-tech leaders in Colorado and beyond. Join me for an episode that celebrates the progress and growth at the heart of urban farming.
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Key Takeaways00:00 Connecting Music and Agriculture
09:38 Career Evolution and Clean Tech Lobbying
16:19 Origin and Ideal Clients of SpectraGrow
27:53 LED Innovation and Energy Efficiency
31:34 Collaboration and Growth in Vertical Farming
44:18 Power of Mastermind Groups
Tweetable Quotes"When I took a course called Truth, Love, and Marketing here in Boulder, one of the exercises was to describe your creative process. It was so easy to describe my creative process with DJing and music, and then I saw the parallels in how I bring that creative energy to launching an entrepreneurial company. How we market, how we sell, how we talk about what we do—it all has roots in that creative process from music.""We often make recommendations to relay out a farm based on lighting, and we show that if we reorganize the farm in a certain way, we could get much better performance out of the lighting strategy. My advice is always to bring us in as early as possible in the planning process because our ability to add value decreases the later we're brought into the project.""The intuition is a huge part of decision-making in business, and it's a weird word to use because people in business like spreadsheets, they like numbers, they like analysis. But at the end of the day, you have to interpret the data, and there's a point where you've got to trust other sensors that might not be so obvious that you could put on a spreadsheet, but are important things to consider."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.spectragrow.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/spectragrow_inc
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/spectragrow
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectragrow
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@spectragrow
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In this episode, I speak with Katherine Soll , a powerhouse of knowledge and change in the realm of urban agriculture. She takes us through her inspiring journey from her New York City upbringing to her influential role as the founder and CEO of Teens for Food Justice.
With a nod to Agritechture’s Henry Gordon- Smith for his support and insight, Katherine and I delve into the transformative world of hydroponic farms, the importance of food equity, and the incredible shift from food deserts to the more nuanced concept of food apartheid. It's a conversation that's not only about the growth of plants but also about the growth of young minds and communities.
We really dig into what it takes to cultivate an organization that stands firm against the winds of challenge. Katherine 's narrative is a testament to the resilience needed to lead such impactful work, and her experiences offer a treasure trove of wisdom on nurturing the next generation of leaders.
By integrating technology with hands-on education, Katherine 's team is planting the seeds for a greener, more equitable NYC, and beyond. It's a tale of hope, hard work, and the harvest that comes from truly rooting for change.
Join us as we explore the greening of urban spaces and the empowerment of youth in a movement that's redefining our relationship with food and community.
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Key Takeaways00:00 Growing Up in NYC
10:25 Evolution of Teens for Food Justice
17:26 Building Resilient Community Farming Organization
25:09 Urban Farming Impact and Student Success
30:33 Expanding Urban Agriculture and Food Access
35:46 Letting Go and Trusting Your Team
41:19 Navigating Mission Creep in Vertical Farming
46:15 Teen Food Justice Organization Promotion
Tweetable Quotes"One of the things that was really amazing about growing up in New York, I think, was the level of independence that you have when you're really very young. Being able to walk to school by yourself, go places with your friends by yourself, that independence gives you a perspective on the world that's really different than when you grow up in a car culture.""I think that service is an incredible way to get people to look outside of their own self and their own interests and to understand that we're only going to thrive if we're all thriving together.""I think that if you never have the experience of really needing to show that level of vulnerability and see that you're gonna survive, that yeah, you miss something. I think that's a really important honing process that has served me. It was extremely hard, but again, I try to approach things by saying what is the beneficial lying underneath this thing that didn't go the way I planned."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://teensforfoodjustice.org/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/tffjinitiative
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/teensforfoodjustice/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/katherine.soll/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/teensforfoodjustice/
Youtube - a...

In this episode, I speak with Rick Vanzura, CEO of Freight Farms, who takes us on a captivating journey from his days in the retail trenches to becoming a trailblazer in the vertical farming industry. Rick’s transformation from working with household names like Borders Group and Panera Bread to redefining local food systems with Freight Farms is nothing short of inspiring.
He generously shares his Bostonian roots and the pivotal encounters that shaped his business acumen, particularly a chance meeting with Jeff Bezos that reshaped his view on potential versus present limitations. It's a tale that’s as much about personal evolution as it is about the growing promise of urban agriculture.
Dive into the world of vertical farming as Rick lays out the complexities of supply chain management and the innovative strides Freight Farms is making in controlled environment agriculture. Our discussion navigates through the importance of industry collaboration, learning from mistakes, and creating a culture that empowers and educates.
Rick's blueprint for success isn’t just about thriving in business; it's about building a resilient and sustainable future for food production. So, if you're curious about the inner workings of vertical farming and how leaders like Rick are steering this burgeoning industry, you'll want to tune in.
This conversation is an eye-opener for anyone interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship.
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Key Takeaways00:00 Innovation and Collaboration in Vertical Farming
09:48 Collaboration and Progress in Farming
15:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Vertical Farming
26:35 Vertical Farming Industry Trends and Leadership
32:11 Leadership in Vertical Farming Collaboration
Tweetable Quotes"We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children, and here's our chance to play our role in paying back a little for our kids, which in so many ways I think is important.""The right model is definitely going to be co-opetition. We have to recognize we all need to develop and protect stuff that makes us unique and special, but at the same time, we're all going to benefit from things like common R&D and industry standards.""If you really focus on where that huge opportunity lies, that was a big part of what brought me to Freight Farms. Understanding how big the potential could be, I never again am going to allow myself to be short sighted and overly analytical about where something is today versus thinking about what can be in the future."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.freightfarms.com/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FreightFarms
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freightfarms/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/freightfarms/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/freight-farms/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/Freightfarms
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In this episode, I speak with Alex Babich, who's pioneering the agricultural tech revolution with his startup, Nuravine. We dive into Alex's childhood, his journey through self-education and college, and the formative experiences that led him to combine technology with sustainable farming. Alex's vision of AI-driven vertical farms is a game-changer for the future of agriculture, and it was an absolute pleasure to get an insider's look at how he's bringing this vision to life.
Hearing Alex detail the steps of Nuravine's evolution, from its inception during a college competition to the resilient growth during COVID, truly showcases the spirit of entrepreneurship. His insights into the fusion of computer engineering with agriculture and the potential of AI to revolutionize farming practices are inspiring.
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Key Takeaways00:00 Growing Up in NYC and Carmel
08:11 Future City With Vertical Farming
12:39 The Journey of Nuravine
22:41 Choosing Between Pump Systems in Agriculture
26:39 Cannabis Entrepreneurship and Pump Systems
29:42 Building Nuravine
35:38 The Advanced and Flexible Dosing System
41:15 Continuous Nutrient Dosing in Farming Benefits
45:56 Expanding Product Development and Funding Opportunities
54:52 AI and the Future of Farming
01:00:11 Connecting With Nuravine
Tweetable Quotes"I love learning math, I want to understand it all, and I started to have this vision of, I really want to know math because I want to like look outside and I want to see equations, I want to see the world in a mathematical way."
"There are enough resources on earth for everyone to have a very high standard of living and in a certain sense, the monetary system can get in the way of that."
"They have a competition where you could either win 25,000 or 50,000 dollars. And I went to him and I asked, do you want to start a business together?"
Resources MentionedNuravine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nuravine/
Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alex.babich/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-babich-nuravine/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@nuravine7984
Website - https://nuravine.com/
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Vertical Farming Jobs - http://verticalfarmingjobs.com
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