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Author: Indoor Ag-Con

Aquaponics Association

14th Annual Aquaponics Conference Sept 15-17, 2025

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

Looking to expand your knowledge in #aquaponics and connect with fellow innovators?

We’re excited to share news from our friends at the Aquaponics Association – the 14th Annual Aquaponics Conference, the world’s largest annual aquaponics event, is happening September 15–17, 2025, in College Park, MD

 Attendees can experience 70+ presentations/panels from various experts in the industry, daily happy hours in the expo hall, exclusive silent auction access, and endless networking.

The Aquaponics Association is excited to be partnering with Dr. Jose-Luis Izursa of UMD to host this year’s event at UMD’s STAMP Student Union and offer room block rates at The Hotel at UMD.

Additionally this year’s conference will include a student presentation competition (with cash prizes!), discounted tickets for presenters as well as STEM/Nonprofits/Producers, and a pre-conference workshop on September 14th (tickets sold separately).

Aquaponics AssociationLearn more about the conference, how to present or sponsor during the event, as well as purchase tickets through the Aquaponics Association’s  conference website: https://aquaponicsconference.org

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Matthew Lohr

Why Virginia? Secretary Matthew Lohr Talks CEA Growth, Sustainability & What’s Next

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

Virginia keeps making headlines in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) world—from big moves like UK-based Oasthouse Ventures bringing its first U.S. greenhouse operation to the state, to hands-on programs building the next generation of ag-tech talent. We caught up with Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr to hear what’s driving the momentum. In this Q&A, he shares how Virginia is supporting both large and small indoor farms, embracing sustainable energy solutions, and getting ready to welcome the industry back to Danville this fall for the 2025 CEA Summit East.

Oasthouse Ventures, Ltd, a UK-based sustainable business development firm, recently chose Virginia for its first U.S.-based CEA operation. What makes the Commonwealth such a strong draw for international companies like this?

Virginia offers a compelling combination of state support (economic incentives and tax policy), workforce development and a strong focus on innovative research through its universities and in research institutions. This three-pronged approach makes it an advantageous location for international companies seeking to establish CEA operations in the United States. Virginia’s location along the U.S. East Coast provides easy access to major markets and ports. The Commonwealth is conveniently located within a two-day drive of 75% of the U.S. population.

Oasthouse Ventures LimitedOasthouse plans to source Virginia-grown hardwood residuals from local sawmills to heat its greenhouses. How does this concept fit into the future of indoor farming? 

Energy is one of the biggest costs in CEA, so utilizing hardwood residuals from Virginia’s large forestry industry is a smart and sustainable approach. By burning residual biomass for heat, Oasthouse is adopting an innovative, mutually beneficial strategy that supports both local forestry and indoor farming industries. As indoor farming continues to expand, creative energy solutions like burning biomass will be critical to achieving long-term profitability.

Beyond the big headline projects, how is Virginia supporting smaller indoor farms?

Virginia’s Agricultural and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID) program helps smaller farms grow by fostering partnerships and investing in value-added agriculture and processing projects. This program supports farms of all sizes, helping small businesses thrive within the state’s agricultural industry. A key factor in Virginia’s success is its ability to attract both large and small CEA companies.

Workforce development in VirginiaYou’ve emphasized workforce development as key to CEA growth. What new programs or success stories are helping build Virginia’s indoor ag talent pipeline?

Virginia’s focus in workforce development is building indoor ag talent through initiatives like GO TEC, which engages middle school students in hands-on CEA education. Training is further supported by high school agriculture programs and the FFA. Virginia Western Community College is working to develop an Ag Technology associates degree based around the CEA industry, while universities like Virginia Tech and Virginia State University provide advanced CEA courses. All these programs help to create a comprehensive pipeline of skilled workers.

As you prepare to speak on the CEA Summit Opening Morning Sustainable Growth Keynote panel at this year’s CEA Summit East, what guidance would you offer growers about tapping into Virginia’s resources to scale sustainably and successfully?

I have had the pleasure of keynoting the CEA Summit East conference for the past three years. As growers expand their production, they should focus on perfecting a reliable growing method before scaling up. Securing a stable retail or wholesale market ensures that increased production does not outpace demand. Challenges are inevitable, so staying adaptable will help to find creative solutions that will be key to sustainable growth in Virginia and beyond.

 

Secretary Lohr will join Ben Alexander, Project Director, Oasthouse Ventures Limited and Roger Buelow, Chief Technology Officer for COFRA Sustainable Food Group, for the CEA Summit East opening morning  keynote panel, Cultivating Sustainable Growth: Balancing Economics and the Environment in CEA

Learn more and join us September 9-10, 2025 at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research Conference Center in Danville, Virginia, September 9-10, 2025.

CEA Alliance

CEA Alliance Continues to Grow in Membership, Impact

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

Enhancing Leadership to Support Continued Growth for Indoor-Grown Produce

Washington, D.C. – Membership in the CEA Alliance continues to grow, allowing the association to increase its value and services to members and the broader controlled environment agriculture sector. The Alliance welcomes 11 new member companies during the first half of 2025:

bio365
bio365 produces a new type of growing media, designed to lower the total cost of growing while maximizing performance in CEA.

De Ruiter Seeds
De Ruiter Seed is dedicated to empowering controlled environment growers with innovative, high-quality vegetable seed solutions.

GreenFlow Solutions
GreenFlow Solutions develops innovative PVC gutter systems tailored for modern farm operations.

Grow-tec
Grow-tec is revolutionizing vertical farming with fully controlled CEA technology purpose-built for the high-yield production of fruiting vegetables—specifically tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS)
IGS partners with growers to address and overcome real-world challenges with science-backed, proven technology, enabling them to produce consistent, high-quality plants.

OnePointOne
OnePointOne has developed a turn-key automated vertical farming solution for farmers, distributors and retailers.

Premier Tech
Premier Tech has a wide range of products, services, brands, and technologies allowing growers to increase crop yields, automate the handling and packaging operations of many facilities, treat and recycle water, and support companies in their digital transformation.

SEEDWAY
SEEDWAY CEA drives success for controlled environment agriculture growers by supplying a full spectrum of seed varieties, including established favorites and pioneering new cultivars.

SGS
SGS leads the way in food safety, successfully delivering innovative, tailored solutions including product testing, research & development, auditing & certification and training.

Sollum Technologies
Sollum offers a 100% dynamic LED lighting solution that modulates the full spectrum of the Sun’s natural light.

Synexis®
Synexis provides pioneering biosecurity solutions for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) by leveraging patented Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP®) technology.

“We’re pleased to welcome these new members to the CEA Alliance,” said Alliance Chairman Steve Campione, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President-Strategy for BrightFarms. “Their expertise and resources will continue to help us increase our impact in growing the CEA sector to serve our retailers and foodservice customers, delivering the freshest, highest-quality produce to consumers.”

# # #

The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance (CEA Alliance) is a membership trade association representing and serving vertical farms and greenhouse producers growing fruits and vegetables in a highly controlled indoor production environment. Controlled environment growers employ a variety of agricultural production methods and technology to create optimal growing conditions with rigorous environmental controls. Growers utilize innovative technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, and soil-based systems to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. For more information, please contact Tom Stenzel, Executive Director, at Tom@CEAAlliance.com.

Opollo Farm

OnePointOne & AutoStore Partner to Pilot Automated Urban Farming with Opollo Farm

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

 From iGrow News:

OnePointOne, in partnership with AutoStore, has introduced Opollo Farm, a fully automated vertical farming platform situated just outside Phoenix, Arizona. This new facility integrates robotic technology to optimize plant growth, offering a solution to pressing agricultural challenges such as water scarcity, labor shortages, and the need for local food production.

Plants grown at Opollo Farm move autonomously through a cube storage system that constantly adjusts environmental conditions for optimal results. The system supports high-density cultivation, hydroponics, and a fully controlled environment, enabling year-round harvests of leafy greens and herbs.

“At Whole Foods Market, we’re constantly exploring new ways to bring fresh, sustainable food to our customers,” said Chris Petroulakis, Category Merchant for Produce at Whole Foods Market. “Opollo Farm is a perfect example of how advanced technology can revolutionize local agriculture, helping to deliver high-quality, locally grown produce right to our stores faster and fresher than ever before.”

Read full story from iGrow News…

The Auburn University College of Agriculture has significantly expanded its Transformation Garden and FoodU program with the integration of an advanced container farming suite from indoor agriculture leader, AmplifiedAg.

 Auburn University Expands Food and Agriculture Innovation with Advanced Vertical Farming Facility

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

The Auburn University College of Agriculture has significantly expanded its Transformation Garden and FoodU program with the integration of an advanced container farming suite from indoor agriculture leader, AmplifiedAg. This expansion enhances Auburn’s 16-acre Transformation Garden research and education facility by incorporating cutting-edge vertical farming systems to support multidisciplinary agricultural education, research, and food production initiatives.

The newly installed container farm infrastructure comprises three AmplifiedAg container farms: one AmpVPS (Vertical Propagation System) unit, two NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) container farms optimized for leafy green production, and a fourth unit repurposed as a food-safe cold storage facility. This comprehensive setup enables students to engage in real-world vertical farming systems for both plant propagation and full-cycle crop production.
“We’re honored to be partners with Auburn University’s FoodU and Transformation Garden. These progressive programs are designed to immerse students in a fully integrated, industry-relevant agricultural ecosystem—combining plant science, technology, supply chain logistics, and food systems management,” said David Flynn, CEO of AmplifiedAg.

 

Read full article from Vertical Farm Daily

CEA Alliance Announces 2025 Board of Directors

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

Enhancing Leadership to Support Continued Growth for Indoor-Grown Produce

Washington, D.C. – The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance (CEA Alliance) has announced its new officers and members of its Board of Directors for 2025.

Taking on the role of board chair is Steve Campione, chief financial officer of BrightFarms, formerly vice chair of the board. Campione has served as CFO of BrightFarms for over seven years, where he is the principal architect behind the company’s strategy to develop highly automated, large-scale regional greenhouses across the Midwest, Southeast, and Texas. Prior to joining BrightFarms, Campione spent nearly nine years as CFO and COO of Rural Media Group, a leading media company dedicated to serving the agricultural community. Since joining BrightFarms, Campione has been actively engaged in efforts to improve the visibility of controlled environment agriculture and has been an advocate for the industry at both the state and federal levels.

New members joining the board include Jamie Burrows, founder and CEO of Vertical Future; David Einstandig, senior vice president/general counsel of Mastronardi Produce; Kyle Freedman, global market segment manager of Jiffy Group; Skip Hulett, chief legal officer of NatureSweet; and Tim Reusch, national sales manager of Dramm Water.

Burrows is a British/American health economist with a background in healthcare, life sciences and economic regeneration. Prior to establishing Vertical Future in 2016, Burrows worked in EY’s EMEIA Life Sciences team, transitioning from a similar role at Deloitte, where he was also seconded to the Department of Health. Burrows is a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. He also attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and graduated from its Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) program.

Einstandig is a member of the Mastronardi executive leadership team that oversees the management of all company operations. He provides management and oversight of Legal, Food Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, Government Regulation, and Immigration Departments. Since joining Mastronardi in 2016, Einstandig has played a key role in expanding Mastronardi’s North American footprint. His extensive experience includes overseeing intellectual property and trademarks, managing corporate acquisitions and spearheading government relations. He received his Juris Doctorate Law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.

Freedman is the global market segment manager CEA for Jiffy Group, responsible for providing technical guidance and support to Jiffy’s global CEA customers, supporting new product development and helping to provide flexible and sustainable growing solutions. Freedman holds a Bachelor of Art in philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned his Master of Science in international agriculture development from the University of California at Davis and his doctorate in horticultural science from North Carolina State University, where his research focused on the development of a new CEA grapevine production system called Precise Indoor Vine Conditioning (PIVC) in which young grapevines are conditioned with supplemental light to produce fruit in their first season of field transplanting.

Hulett currently serves as chief legal 0fficer for Texas-based NatureSweet, a leading U.S. CEA company. Over the years, Hulett has repeatedly distinguished himself as the chief legal counsel of fast-growing entrepreneurial companies, a state district court judge and the founder of a successful law firm. Since joining NatureSweet in 2018, Hulett has led many of the company’s key initiatives, including its B-Corp Certification, becoming the largest CEA company in the world to be B-Corp certified. He is currently a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Association of Corporate Counsel.

Reusch is the national sales manager for Dramm Water, a division of the Dramm Corporation. Reusch is a CEA specialist with a background in sustainable cropping systems, emphasizing hydroponic crop production, water management and integrated pest management. He has a Master of Science in sustainable food systems. He is passionate about ensuring community access to local, healthy food and working with cultivators to implement a holistic water management design.

Members with continuing Board service include Tim Cunniff, co-founder and executive vice president of sales for Little Leaf Farms, who will continue as treasurer; Dane Almassy, senior vice president of sales for Customer Logistics and Marketing, AeroFarms; Monica Noble, vice president of quality and safety for 80 Acres; Craig Hurlbert, founder and CEO of Local Bounti.

Also remaining on the board as past chair is Dan Malech, acting CEO of Plenty, who has completed his term.

“I want to thank Dan for his service chairing the Alliance, as we’ve made great strides under his leadership. I’d also like to welcome Steve to the Chairmanship and all of our new and continuing board members. The CEA Alliance and the entire indoor farming sector are fortunate to have all of these business leaders helping guide our industry into the future,” said Tom Stenzel, executive director of the CEA Alliance.

CEA AllianceABOUT CEA ALLIANCE
The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance (CEA Alliance) is a membership trade association representing and serving vertical farms and greenhouse producers growing fruits and vegetables in a highly controlled indoor production environment. Controlled environment growers employ a variety of agricultural production methods and technology to create optimal growing conditions with rigorous environmental controls. Growers utilize innovative technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, and soil-based systems to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. For more information, please contact Tom Stenzel, Executive Director, at Tom@CEAAlliance.com.

U.S. Indoor Tomato Growers Support Renegotiation of Suspension Agreement To Maintain Market Stability

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

With the U.S. Department of Commerce announcement that it intends to withdraw from a tomato trade agreement between the U.S. and Mexico, potentially placing a penalty of more than 17% on all Mexican tomato imports, consumers are likely confused about what to expect in the marketplace.

CEA Alliance members include high-tech greenhouse growers and vertical farms, with increasing investment across the United States. Greenhouse tomatoes are grown throughout the country, with major operations in Ohio, Kentucky, New York, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, California, Minnesota, and more. USDA reports that production of U.S. greenhouse-grown tomatoes has increased by almost 70% from 2010 to 2023, while field-grown tomatoes have decreased by 49%. U.S. greenhouse tomato growers now grow more than one-third of all U.S. fresh tomatoes, although their voice as U.S. growers has not been heard in Commerce Department deliberations.

Many of these U.S. growers also grow in Canada and Mexico in order to provide year-round fresh produce for consumers. “U.S. greenhouse tomato growers believe the Commerce Department should renegotiate the suspension agreement to ensure market stability for both U.S. consumers and U.S. greenhouse tomato growers,” said Tom Stenzel, Executive Director of the CEA Alliance. “Without an agreement, consumers are likely to see significant price increases and potential shortages in greenhouse-grown, vine-ripe, and specialty tomatoes that they choose for taste and flavor.”

Penalizing these U.S. growers who also grow in Canada and Mexico is also likely to slow what has been a fast-growing investment in U.S. greenhouses. These companies want to invest more in the U.S. to be closer to consumers, but will have limited opportunity if a suspension agreement is not renegotiated with the Department of Commerce.

“When determining the best course of action for American farmers and consumers, the CEA Alliance believes the Department of Commerce must take into account the views of one-third of America’s tomato farmers – U.S. greenhouse tomato growers – not just field growers,” Stenzel said.

The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance (CEA Alliance) is a membership trade association representing and serving vertical farms and greenhouse producers growing fruits and vegetables in a highly controlled indoor production environment. Controlled environment growers employ a variety of agricultural production methods and technology to create optimal growing conditions with rigorous environmental controls. Growers utilize innovative technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, and soil-based systems to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. For more information, please contact Tom Stenzel, Executive Director, at Tom@CEAAlliance.com.

Prospiant Appoints Burk Metzger as New President

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

Prospiant, a leading U.S. provider of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) greenhouse solutions (and Indoor Ag-Con exhibitor!), is proud to announce the appointment of Burk Metzger as the company’s new President. Burk will report directly to Gibraltar CEO Bill Bosway.

Metzger is a seasoned leader with deep roots in the CEA industry. Since joining Prospiant in April 2021 as General Manager of Prospiant Canada, he has made a strong impact, strengthening the company’s position in the Produce end market and improving overall business performance.

“Burk is an accomplished and successful leader in the controlled-environment agriculture industry with a long history as both a grower and owner-operator,” says Bill Bosway, CEO of Gibraltar. “Given this experience, Burk truly understands the various opportunities for our customers. He knows what is needed from Prospiant to help them achieve the highest return possible on their investment.”

Prior to Prospiant, Metzger served as General Manager of Protected Agriculture at Lipman Family Farms, where he oversaw operational management, location acquisitions and integrations, and managed independent contract growers. Before that, he founded and led Suntastic Hothouse Inc./Huron Produce for 24 years before selling the business to Lipman in 2018.

With firsthand experience as both a grower and a business owner, Metzger brings a unique and valuable perspective to his new role.

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead and continue the growth of Prospiant together with our teams in the U.S. and Canada,” Metzger says. “Having been in our customers’ shoes and understanding their operational challenges allows us to offer better solutions every day of the week.

“With our new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Cincinnati, OH, coming online this year, significant investments in our Kingsville, ON, facility, and the broadest offering of solutions in North America, our experienced team is set to lead the way.”

Metzger holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Nuertingen-Geislingen University in Germany. He brings extensive experience to his new role in strategic planning, project and construction management, food systems, organizational integration, and operations leadership.

Metzger will relocate from the Detroit area to Prospiant’s headquarters in Cincinnati in the near future.

Please join us in welcoming Burk Metzger into his new role. We look forward to this next chapter under his leadership.

About Prospiant
Prospiant, the agriculture technology portfolio of Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROCK), is a leading North American provider of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) ag-tech solutions and custom greenhouses. Formed from the combined expertise of legacy companies Rough Brothers, Nexus Greenhouse Systems, and ThermoEnergy Solutions, Prospiant offers unmatched capabilities in greenhouse manufacturing, design, engineering, construction, and support.

With decades of experience across commercial horticulture, produce, research, education, and retail, Prospiant helps growers and institutions thrive with innovative, scalable greenhouse and ag-tech systems. Learn more at Prospiant.com.

About Gibraltar

Gibraltar Industries is a leading manufacturer and provider of products and services for the renewable energy, residential, agtech, and infrastructure markets. With a three-pillar strategy focused on business systems, portfolio management, and organization and talent development, Gibraltar’s mission is to create compounding and sustainable value with strong leadership positions in higher-growth, profitable end markets. Gibraltar serves customers primarily throughout North America. Learn more at Gibraltar1.com.

 

Babylon Micro-Farms and Marc Oshima

From Bronx Schools to Cruise Ships: Babylon Micro-Farms CEO Marc Oshima Shares What’s Next

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

Marc Oshima has spent his career at the intersection of food, sustainability, and innovation — and now he’s bringing that experience to Babylon Micro-Farms as its new CEO. With more than 350 micro-farms operating in a range of settings from schools to cruise ships, the company is redefining what’s possible with on-site indoor farming. In this Q&A, Oshima shares why he joined the team, how Babylon is scaling its impact, and what’s ahead for the indoor ag industry as it faces both new opportunities and real-world challenges.

You’ve helped shape the indoor farming industry from its early days. What drew you to Babylon Micro-Farms at this point in your career, and what excites you most about leading the company into its next chapter?

I am a builder and love helping businesses and people grow. I am passionate about the FoodTech/AgTech space and understanding how we can drive commercial, scalable solutions to our most pressing agriculture and supply chain challenges.  Babylon Micro-Farms has been leading the way for on-site farming solutions, with over 350 farms across 40 states and 5 countries, and I am excited to lead them for the next stage of transformational growth. They have a great product line, seasoned team, proven track-record and business model, fantastic customers, and long-term committed investors, and I see so many positive opportunities ahead for them.

Babylon Micro-Farms has really carved out a unique niche with its on-site farming model in places like hospitals, schools, and corporate dining. How do you see this approach evolving as more organizations look for fresh, local food solutions?

There are major tailwinds with greater emphasis than ever before for food as medicine, health and wellness, sustainability, and culinary differentiation that are fueling a significant pipeline of projects for Babylon Micro-Farms. What is exciting for us is that we now have years of operating experience, established business cases and proof points on how we can help drive greater employee/guest engagement and more positive customer experiences when our on-site farming solutions have been deployed. While our systems are turnkey to install, we see further opportunities with new builds and retrofits to have our systems already specified into the design and planning phases to create even more seamless integrations.  A great example is our ongoing work with MSC Cruises where we have our on-site farming solutions built right onboard for their dining and kitchen facilities. We were excited to see the unveiling of their latest World America cruise ship this month in Miami at the Seatrade Cruise’s major event called F&B@Sea where Babylon Micro-Farms was recognized as Trailblazing Product of the Year.

With hundreds of micro-farms already up and running — and a tech platform managing it all — how is Babylon using data and automation to keep things consistent and scalable?

Our Babylon IQ operating system is the brains for our business, managing the entire fleet of farms real-time with remote monitoring and oversight. Our Guided Growing app enables anyone to become a farmer with easy-to-use training and tips that automatically guide the farmer through each stage of growing. We are able to use data from our systems to measure all aspects of the individual growing sites and our overall operations to provide a consistent, high level of performance.

You’ve long been an advocate for making healthy food more accessible and equitable. How does Babylon’s mission tie into that — and what role can the broader indoor ag community play in pushing this forward?

I have been working for over 20 years to improve our food systems, and Babylon Micro-Farms is committed to inspiring a greater connection with freshly harvested produce and how it is grown in order to help address our broken, complex food supply chain. We operate in key verticals from Education to Corporate Dining to Hospitality to Healthcare / Senior Care and can have a direct positive effect on anyone aged 4 to 84. We recently had ribbon-cuttings for some of our new farms in NYC public schools in the Bronx and Queens, and it is tremendous to see the immediate connection you can make with today’s youth about our food and where it comes from. We are also fortunate to work with great partners and changemakers like Stephen Ritz and his Green Bronx Machine organization that works with thousands of schools around the world, and we see how partnerships like this can help us scale our mission and impact.

In general, we hope to learn and lead within the broader agriculture community and see tremendous value working closely with important trade organizations like Indoor Ag-Con as well CEA Alliance and International Fresh Produce Association to help share best practices and help advance the indoor farming industry. We realize that we go faster and have greater impact by working together collectively.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities — and maybe a few challenges — that indoor farming is facing over the next few years as the industry continues to grow and evolve?

There are tremendous opportunities ahead because the macro-pressures facing traditional field farming from climate change, increasing weather volatility and damaging storms, drought, overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, food safety, worker welfare, cost of doing business are all continuing to increase dramatically. The challenges with any business are understanding your economics and what problems you are uniquely solving. Babylon Micro-Farms has identified a unique niche and solution for hyper-local, on-site growing where we make margin on the sale of our farms and even more margin on our recurring subscription fees to service our farms.

The recent downfall of a few Agtech companies represents a market correction because the business fundamentals were not in place to drive the right unit economics with the right technology solutions. As with any emerging industry, we fundamentally need to continue to invest in new technologies and solutions to help mitigate these increasing pressures. We, as an industry, need to do a better job of celebrating and showcasing the success stories to continue to attract interest from key stakeholders from selling partners to government to investors, and we are appreciative of the work that Indoor Ag-Con does to help provide a platform and forum to come together as an industry.

Learn more about Babylon Micro-Farms.

Dr. Greenhouse On CEA’s Evolution and What Comes Next

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

From Hortidaily —

At the recent Indoor Ag-Con in Las Vegas, where Dr. Greenhouse recorded its 100th podcast episode, Dr. Nadia Sabeh noticed an important trend among growers and technology providers.

“The big takeaways I heard again and again were that people are optimistic about the future of CEA, and they’re realizing that CEA is farming, not just tech,” she says. “We’re getting back to the basics of how to grow crops with the tools we have.”

For Dr. Sabeh, this shift is personal as well as professional. “Just three years ago, 90% of our work was focused on indoor farms. Last year, 70% of our projects were greenhouses,” she says. “I am so glad that the ‘greenhouse’ in Dr. Greenhouse is alive again!”

The earlier excitement around vertical farms was driven by very specific needs. “For cannabis, vertical made sense for security. For leafy greens, it was about maximizing control,” she explains.

“But now, we’re seeing a return to general-purpose greenhouses, which is great.”

Read the full article from Hortidaily…

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