Author: Indoor Ag-Con

HP Now | Irrigation Uniformity and Hydrogen Peroxide

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on December 15, 2022. Posted in Exhibitor News.

Indoor Ag-Con 2023 Exhibitor HP Now (Booth 204) shares: Growers care for their crops by providing them with all they need: light, nutrients, water, and the right growing conditions. Ironically, the system they are using to provide plants with water and nutrients may also double as a vehicle for unwanted guests in the form of pathogens such as Pythium, Phytophthora, and other fungi and bacteria which can damage crops and raise food safety concerns.

This host of organisms is usually present in irrigation water in small amounts, but tends to proliferate in the water system in the form of biofilm. Biofilm is not only a hotbed for pathogen infestation, but it also has a strong negative impact on irrigation uniformity as it blocks emitters.

This article explains all about how biofilm can be addressed and the role Peroxide UltraPure plays in this.

Learn more about Irrigation Uniformity and Hydrogen Peroxide by reaching out to the team at HP Now

www.hpnow.eu

‘Making Global Food Local’ | Q&A With Crop One CEO Craig Ratajczyk

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on December 14, 2022. Posted in Blog.

Last week Crop One announced the opening of its second U.S. farm, located in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania. Earlier this year, it partnered with Emirates Flight Catering to open the world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai. The company is also raising the bar in the plant science arena with its Plants First ™ approach, other innovations and truly putting its marketing phrase “Making Global Food Local” in action. Indoor Ag-Con is excited to welcome Crop One CEO Craig Ratajczyk to our growing speaker roster for the upcoming February 2023 edition. And, we had the chance to catch up Craig in this month’s CEO Q&A to learn more about the company’s exciting developments and plans.

Earlier this year, Crop One and its partner Emirates Flight Catering celebrated the opening of ECO 1 (Emirates Crop One), the world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai. Can you share a little about your mission and goals for this incredible new facility?

Given the arid land and climate, the UAE currently imports over 85% of its fresh produce, with over 30,000 tons of leafy greens imported each year. One of our goals is for ECO 1 to increase food security and food sovereignty in the region by providing sustainably-grown leafy greens to the UAE market. It’s a 330,000-square-foot facility, spanning three floors with an output of about 3 tons per day, and over one million plants being grown at any given time. Hydroponic cultivation uses up to 95% less water than traditional outdoor farming, which gets to another one of our goals for the new facility: to bring fresh, local produce to areas that might not otherwise have access to it given the harsh desert climate.

ECO 1 serves as a strong proof point for how additional vertical farms could be scaled and replicated around the globe, meeting consumer demand and providing food sovereignty to any region that needs it.

There’s a good bit of talk about innovation in the vertical farming arena these days. What is Crop One up to and what differentiates you from some of the other leaders in the marketplace today?

Crop One is leading the way when it comes to advances in plant science, and we’re particularly excited about a new plant-based protein that we’re researching alongside fellow industry experts. We are confident that this new innovation will open up additional market opportunities. We look forward to sharing more about this in the coming weeks.

During Indoor Ag-Con, you’ll be participating in our “Food Security Through CEA” panel. What is one of the key messages you hope to share during this session?

The threats to our global food security are steadily increasing — a rapidly growing global population (as you probably saw, we just surpassed the 8 billion mark), declining arable land, climate change and increasingly severe weather events, and continued supply chain disruptions. These conditions are endangering the food futures of people all over the world, particularly those in places where they might not have the infrastructure or resources needed to overcome new food challenges. One of the key messages I hope to share during the session is that with so many of these threats entirely out of our control, we must focus on new technologies that can overcome — not eliminate — these hurdles. While traditional outdoor agriculture may have worked for the last millennia, it’s not the solution to sustain us into the future.

Crop One sells its fresh, local produce to 30+ US retail stores under the FreshBox Farms brand. Your marketing for the brand highlights Crop One’s “ Plants First” ™ approach. What is that and why is an important part of your messaging?

Unlike other vertical farming companies, Crop One has a Plants First™approach, which recognizes that advances in technology and plant science are synergistic, so the main focus is how to effectively and efficiently grow plants in an artificial environment based on their biology. Only then do we automate the process. The Plants First approach takes a few factors into consideration including plant science, digital systems and innovation, operational efficiency and hardware, together all ensuring that we create the most nutritious and tasty product on the market.

What’s Next for Crop One – plans for expansion?

Excitingly, we just announced our second U.S. farm, located in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania. The 316,000-square-foot facility allows us to reach up to 50 million consumers within a 200-mile radius across the tristate and Mid-Atlantic areas, including customers in New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. This new farm will allow us to meet growing retailer demand, while also introducing new consumers across the tristate area to the benefits of hydroponically grown produce.

Learn more about Crop One by visiting the website.

And be sure to put Craig’s Indoor Ag-Con 2023 panel session on your schedule:

Food Security Through CEA
10 am – 10:50 AM PST | Monday, February 27
See Full Conference Schedule

Your Thoughts | Help Shape CEA Workforce Development Curriculum

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on December 8, 2022. Posted in Blog.

Assistant Research Professor Juan Cabrera-Garcia and the research team at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) are conducting a study to identify the knowledge and skills needed at different job hierarchies in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. The survey results will help UMKC identify relevant topics needed to develop curriculum focused on CEA.

If you choose to be in this study, simply complete this brief survey that will only take about 5 minutes of your time to complete.

Your participation is entirely voluntary; you may skip any questions that you don’t want to answer or choose to stop participating at any time.

Your responses will be anonymous; there is no way for the research team to identify you or your responses to the survey. At the end of the survey, you will be asked if you wish to participate in a raffle for a chance to win one full conference pass to attend Indoor Ag-Con, February 27-28, 2023. If you agree to participate, you will be taken to a separate survey so you can provide your contact details.

Do you have any questions about the research study? Please contact Juan Cabrera-Garcia at jcabrera-garcia@missouri.edu. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant, you can call the UMKC Research Compliance at 816-235-5927.

If you want to participate in this study, click the following link to start the survey.

https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dbs8EYmtqxqcG9M

The survey is now open and will close at midnight on Friday, January 20, 2023.

MORE INFO

Juan Cabrera-Garcia

Assistant Research Professor

University of Missouri – Kansas City

Horticulture State Specialist for MU Extension

jcabrera-garcia@missouri.edu

Top Reasons To Be Part Of The Premier Event For Indoor Agriculture

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on December 8, 2022. Posted in Blog.

This February, Indoor Ag-Con will return to Las Vegas and bring together the entire indoor vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture community.

With an unmatched program and exhibit hall, you won’t want to miss this annual event scheduled for February 27-28, 2023. Here are the top reasons it’s a must-attend event.

>Register now to take advantage of the early-bird rate and save!<

1.Learn from the brightest minds in the field

With two idea-packed days of education, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds and inspirational thought leaders in the field of agriculture.

Education is offered in a variety of formats including keynotes, insightful panel sessions and new fireside chats. The program is designed to enhance your career and grow your business in new ways.

2. Expansive vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture marketplace

Explore the latest innovations from the largest number of exhibitors in Indoor Ag-Con’s 10-year history. Inside the exhibit hall, you’ll find state-of-the art products and services from the top suppliers. From irrigation and LED lighting, to environmental control systems, substrates, greenhouse equipment, energy solutions, business services, and more!

The Indoor Ag-Con Expo Floor is open on Monday, February 27 from 12:00 pm – 6:30 pm PST and Tuesday, February 28 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm PST.

>Register now to take advantage of the early-bird pricing!<

3. Connect with industry professionals from across the country

At Indoor Ag-Con, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network like never before. This includes growers, top suppliers, distributors, investors, start-ups, and educators.

Indoor Ag-Con will once again co-locate with the National Grocers Association (NGA) for even more networking and business opportunities.

4. Experience the 10-Year anniversary of Indoor Ag-Con

We’re a decade strong and continuing to grow! And now is the perfect time to be part of our growth and immerse yourself in the future of farming. This year will feature more exhibits than ever, three education tracks to keep you up-to-date on best practices, and exclusive opportunities to network.

More than a conference, Indoor Ag-Con is the place for business connections, ideas, AND it’s the marketplace for technology trends and product innovation.

>Act now to take advantage of discounted registration, available only for a limited time!<

Visitors congregate around a Jiffy exhibit at Indoor Ag-Con.

Expo Floor Doubles For 10th Anniversary Edition of Indoor Ag-Con Las Vegas

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on December 5, 2022. Posted in Press Releases.

(NOVEMBER 29, 2022) — As the largest, longest-running trade show and conference for vertical farming |controlled environment agriculture in the US, Indoor Ag-Con heads back to Caesars Forum Conference Center in Las Vegas for its 10th annual edition. Co-locating with The National Grocers Association (NGA Show) from February 27-28, 2023, Indoor Ag-Con will give attendees more to explore than ever before, including an expo floor that has more than doubled – from 82 to 174 booths.

“Our 2022 show attendance experienced double digit growth over 2021, which has fueled the significant growth of our exhibitor participation for 2023,” says Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “We know that time is money for our attendee base and we’re pulling out all the stops to deliver the best use of both to continue growing our audience. From an expo floor filled with the industry’s top suppliers to an engaging, interactive conference program to quality networking opportunities, attendees will find everything they need to grow their businesses –in the shortest amount of time, at the most reasonable price, all under one roof.”

Show highlights for the 2023 edition include:

EXPANDED EXHIBIT FLOOR
2023 will welcome the largest number of exhibitors in the event’s 10-year history. From irrigation and LED lighting to environmental control systems, substrates, greenhouse equipment, energy solutions, business services and more, attendees will have the chance to see the latest introductions and innovations from vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture leaders in 174 booths.

ROBUST 2023 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE, NEW FORMATS NOW IN DEVELOPMENT
Now in development, the 2023 educational conference will feature 3 headliner keynotes and insightful panel sessions featured within three comprehensive educational tracks – grower; trends & innovation; and funding & guidance. In addition, attendees can look forward to new friendly debate formats and fireside chats, too.

CO-LOCATION WITH NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCATION SHOW
Indoor Ag-Con will once again co-locate with the National Grocers Association (NGA) Show, the leading trade show and conference for independent grocers, offering even more networking and business opportunities for attendees and exhibitors alike. The NGA Show and Indoor Ag-Con visitors will have the opportunity to explore both exhibit halls as part of the full conference pass offerings.

MORE NETWORKING
Exhibitors and attendees can enjoy complimentary luncheons on the show floor each day, a show floor cocktail reception, breakout sessions and other opportunities to reconnect with friends and meet new business partners.

QUICK FACTS:
WHEN: Monday, February 27 – Tuesday, February 28, 2023
WHERE: Caesars Forum, 3911 Koval Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89101
INFO: For information on exhibiting or attending visit www.indoor.ag or email suzanne@indoor.ag

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON LLC
Indoor Ag-Con is the largest US trade event for vertical farming | indoor agriculture |controlled environment agriculture, the practice of growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic techniques. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information: www.indoor.ag

Academia, Business Sectors Forge New Connections at 2022 Debut Edition of CEA Summit East In Virginia

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on November 18, 2022. Posted in Press Releases.

New connections and collaboration were clear themes that emerged from the October 25-26, 2022 debut edition of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, VA. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center (a joint project between the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech ,Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Virginia Tech and the IALR) , the new event attracted 200 + attendees from 28 states, including growers, educators, scientists, extension specialists, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architect/developers and other industry members.

During the day and one-half event, attendees enjoyed quality time to meet, network and learn during keynotes, panels and breakout conference sessions; explore 17 tabletop exhibits presenting the latest innovations and services; and enjoy a host of networking opportunities.

“We are so pleased with the results of this first edition and our partnership with the CEA Innovation Center,” says Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Both organizations saw a tremendous opportunity to create a different kind of event for this industry –bringing together a concentrated group business and academia audiences together at an incredible research facility setting that fostered an environment for sharing ideas and opportunities. From the feedback we’ve heard from our attendees and exhibitors alike, we delivered.”

“This event really crystalized our vision of bringing our research and education program together to help move the CEA industry forward,” added Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director, Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center and Vice President, Applied Research, IALR. “

“An exciting thing about this conference is that it brought people from all over the United States together to share ideas and goals, which always feeds your own ideas,” said Dr. Michael Evans, Co-Director, Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center and Director, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.”

Among the many highlights of the new event included:

Morning Kick-Off Keynotes
AeroFarms CTO Roger Buelow kicked off opening morning with his keynote address sharing more about the newly opened AeroFarms Danville, the world’s largest aeroponic smart farm, capable of growing more than 3 million pounds of fresh leafy greens annually. On day two, Matthew Lohr, Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, got the day started sharing the state’s focus and goals for growth of the CEA industry. “It comes down to collaboration – with the whole Commonwealth working together. We’ve made progress, and I’m even more excited about what the future of farming looks like,” he said, echoing the core theme of the conference.”

Educational Tracks
The CEA Summit featured 3 educational tracks – CEA Skills, Business Tips & Regulation, and Teaching, Extension, Workforce Development – that brought academics, growers and business experts together covering a wide range of topics from finding funding and selection technologies for CEA operations to food safety, sustainability aquaponics and ways to work with the Land Grant University extension system. Other panel discussions and 15-minute CEA Industry & Research Showcase sessions gave attendees the chance to hear about some of the latest research findings and other industry success stories.

“We worked to create a conference program that offered something for everyone,” explains Dr. Kaylee South, Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture, Virginia Tech. “It was rewarding to see how engaged our audience members in all of our sessions, which encouraged questions and conversations.”

Tabletop Exhibits & Networking
In addition to conference sessions, attendees had ample opportunities to visit with the Summit’s 17 tabletop exhibitors during coffee breaks, luncheon roundtables and an afternoon cocktail reception.

CEA Innovation Center Tour

The event wrapped up with group tours of the CEA Innovation Center. 60+ conference attendees took advantage of the unique opportunity to get an inside look at the CEA Innovation Center’s hydroponic and soilless systems/production systems and facilities, including indoor growth rooms, greenhouse, growth chambers and vertical growing racks. They also got to hear more about some of the Center’s exciting research projects.

Look for more information coming soon on dates and details for the 2023 edition. In the meantime, industry members can also make plans to attend Indoor Ag-Con, February 27-28, 2023 as it returns to Caesars Forum, Las Vegas to once again co-locate with the National Grocers Association (NGA) Show.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the premier trade event for indoor | vertical farming | controlled environment agriculture, the practice of growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic techniques. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis |hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information – www.indoor.ag | 404.991.5186

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AT VIRGINIA TECH

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech trains the next generation of professionals in the fields of plant breeding and genetics, agronomic and horticultural crop production, plant protection, soil and water systems management, agricultural technologies, environmental restoration and agro-environmental stewardship. It conducts research to improve agricultural productivity, reduce negative impacts on the environment and improve soil and water health. Through extension programs, it provides science-based information to stakeholders to help them feed the world while protecting the environment. More information —www.spes.vt.edu

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA SEAFOOD AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER AT VIRGINIA TECH

The Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Virginia Tech works to support the future of the historic seafood industry — in Virginia and beyond. Its extension specialists work with industry and research partners to identify and respond to emerging needs and provide technical guidance to stakeholders in every level of the seafood supply chain. Through technical assistance, training, process validation, value-added product development, and more, it helps stakeholders ensure product quality, safety, and viability. More information — www.arec.vaes.vt.edu

ABOUT IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. Core focus areas include research that provides a clear path to commercialization, advanced learning opportunities where education meets experience, training and rapid-launch space for advanced manufacturers, and economic development through conferencing and a partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. It is located in scenic and historic Danville-Pittsylvania County on the VA/NC state line, within a short drive of Roanoke, Greensboro and Raleigh. More information – www.ialr.org

UK-Based Intelligent Growth Solutions Chooses Loveland, Colorado For North American Headquarters

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on November 17, 2022. Posted in Blog, Exhibitor News.

Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), the Scottish-based agricultural infrastructure company (and Indoor Ag-Con 2023 exhibitor!) , has announced that it has selected Loveland, Colorado, for its expansion into North America.

“IGS’ technology, mission and people are a perfect fit for the ag-tech ecosystem that continues to flourish across our region and in Loveland,” said City of Loveland Economic Development Director, Kelly Jones. “Northern Colorado provides tremendous value to a diverse range of industries and we are proud of this truly collaborative, regional effort to bring this innovative company, as well as high paying jobs, to the area.”

IGS designs, produces and maintains vertical farming technology that enables indoor growing anywhere, eliminates the need for pesticides or fungicides and reduces water consumption by up to 95%. Because no arable land is required, these systems can also be used to reduce the carbon footprint of food production by locating farms closer to the point of consumption or production. Opening a base of operations in Loveland will allow the company to better support North American customers, the company’s fastest growing market.

“The forward-looking approach to economic development within the city of Loveland and the state of Colorado fits perfectly with Intelligent Growth Solutions’ purpose of working with growers to help deliver sustainable food security,” said David Farquhar, CEO of IGS. “The location is within easy reach of a huge market as well as supply chain partners and is a great place for our people – and their families – to live, with 300 days of sunshine and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park.

“The location of our North American headquarters is a pivotal decision in our evolution as market leader. We are confident that our new Loveland base will allow our rapidly growing business to continue to expand and thrive on a global platform, as we deliver vertical farming infrastructure to enable real farmers to grow an expanding range of crops reliably, profitably and sustainably because we give them total control of the weather for the first time: designed in Scotland manufactured in Colorado.”

The company also chose Loveland for the strong, skilled labour pool. Overall, IGS expects to create 114 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $98,991, which is 183% of the average annual wage in Larimer County. Positions will include engineers, supply chain managers, human resource and legal managers, as well as roles in marketing and sales.

“Innovative companies like IGS are building on Colorado’s strong agricultural heritage to create a future-thinking ag tech industry that will feed communities and support a thriving economy across our state. We are pleased to see Loveland become IGS’s North American headquarters and look forward to celebrating future accomplishments,” said Patrick Meyers, OEDIT Executive Director.

“We are delighted to welcome Intelligent Growth Solutions to Loveland as they establish their base of operations. Their innovative technology, environmentally-focused mission and talented people are a perfect fit for the community,” said Jacki Marsh, Mayor of Loveland.

The State of Colorado will provide up to $2,758,845 in performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits to IGS. The company currently has 220 employees, one of whom is already based in Colorado. In addition to Colorado, the company considered Washington and Massachusetts.

About Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS):

Founded in 2013, Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) is a multi-award-winning global business based in Scotland, which designs, supplies, and supports vertical farms for growers worldwide. We blend our engineering, crop science and agronomy skills to build the best technology to allow our customers to grow high-quality, nutritious food 365 days a year.

IGS delivers Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) solutions to allow growers to take precise control over every element of the growing environment, enabling predictable and consistent cultivation in any suitable location.

In August 2018, IGS launched its Crop Research Centre in Dundee, and the business has since established a customer base across four continents. To date, IGS has raised more than $66.8 million in investment across two institutional fundraises (Series A concluding in September 2019 at $8.6 million and Series B concluding in November 2021 at $58.2 million).*

For more information visit www.igs.farm or connect with on Twitter and LinkedIn.

*Figures based on exchange rates as of September 2019 and October 2021 respectively.

Sustainable Supply Chain Solutions Drive Gotham Greens Growth

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on November 15, 2022. Posted in Blog.

Q&A With Gotham Greens CEO Viraj Puri

A substantial capital raise to continue its expansion, an acquisition, new plant-based dips … Gotham Greens has been making quite a few headlines in recent months. Indoor Ag-Con caught up with Co-Founder and CEO Viraj Puri to learn more about the company’s rapid growth and his drive to provide sustainable supply chain solutions to Gotham Greens’ diverse retail and foodservice customers.

Q: Gotham Greens recently raised an impressive $310 million in new capital. Can you share how you will/are using these funds to drive your company growth and mission?

Yes, Gotham Greens recently raised over $310 million in new capital to accelerate our national greenhouse expansion. This new funding is key to advancing our greenhouse production capacity that will help us bring more fresh, local and sustainably grown greens to consumers across the country. We have new greenhouse projects actively underway in Texas, Georgia, and Colorado, as well as expansions at our existing facilities in Chicago and Providence. We also recently completed the acquisition of FresH2O Growers, Inc., a hydroponic greenhouse grower in Stevensburg, Va. (50 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.). By 2023, Gotham Greens will operate more than 40 acres (1.8 million square feet) of greenhouses across nine U.S. states: New York, Illinois, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, California, Texas, and Georgia.

Q: Indoor Ag-Con recently co-hosted the new CEA Summit East in Danville, Virginia. We were excited to see all the exciting CEA activity happening in/around the state, including your recently announced acquisition of Stevensburg, Virginia-based FresH2O Growers. What led to the decision to purchase this operation and what are your plans?

We are thrilled to welcome FresH2O to the Gotham Greens team. This acquisition provides additional production capacity for the East Coast. Gotham Greens and FresH2O share a desire to advance greenhouse agriculture and to bring more fresh, local and sustainably grown produce to consumers across the country, and we are confident we will continue to service FresH2O’s Mid-Atlantic customers with our high-quality, longer lasting leafy greens and other exciting innovations in the years to come.

Q: Tell us a little about Gotham’s new Plant-Based Dips. Why you decided to expand into this category and how it’s going?

Gotham Greens is committed to bringing consumers the best-tasting, most flavorful fresh foods in the category. Our recent expansion into plant-based dips serves consumers in a brand-new way and speaks to cooking and dining trends we’ve seen over the past several years. Dips are one of the most well-loved snacks due to their versatility and craveable flavors, yet as consumers evolve their dietary habits to reflect a more plant-based and flexitarian lifestyle, the category has not kept up with bringing delicious plant-based options to market. We’re pleased with the response to date and are thrilled that they’re now available nationwide.

Q: Earlier this year you were one of 12 leaders appointed to the USDA’s new Federal Advisory Committee For Urban Agriculture. It’s probably early yet but can you share any insights on what the committee is working on to help promote/support urban ag across the country?

I’m honored to be part of this committee that aims to support urban agriculture, including issues of equity and food/nutrition access. As business leaders, we can make our products more accessible to more consumers across the country. In the case of Gotham Greens, we are aiming to do this by building enough scale and efficiency in our greenhouse operations that we can provide our products at a price parity to organic produce products.

The committee has been set up for various urban agriculture practitioners to develop recommendations and advise the USDA on policies, initiatives, and outreach that its new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production can hopefully put into practice. While these recommendations are still under development, I can say that they range from easing regulatory hurdles to helping to create sales channels for urban and innovative farmers.

One of the biggest factors influencing the ever-widening wealth gap is the cost of healthcare in this country. By providing more access to fresh, sustainably grown produce, we hope that consumers can follow a more balanced diet comprised of fresh vegetables and fruits for a healthier lifestyle. Now more than ever, we are committed to delivering high-quality, longer lasting, and nutrient-rich produce to people when it’s needed most. I believe it is essential to decentralize agricultural production and bring more greenhouse-grown produce and fresh, plant-based foods to people across the United States, and I look forward to continuing to work with the USDA to help further this cause.

Q: What’s next for Gotham Greens?

With increasing climate and supply chain related issues facing our food system, it’s more important than ever to bring innovative farming solutions that grow high-quality produce while using fewer precious natural resources. Gotham Greens is purposefully expanding its operations to provide sustainable supply chain solutions to its diverse retail and foodservice customers. The Colorado River is rapidly drying, creating a water crisis in seven states, including California and Arizona, which collectively provide 98% of leafy greens grown in the United States.

By using hydroponic growing systems in renewable electricity-powered greenhouses, Gotham Greens’ farms use up to 95% less water and 97% less land compared to conventional farming. The proximity of Gotham Greens’ greenhouses to key metropolitan markets also eliminates the need for long-distance refrigerated transportation while improving product quality and shelf life, and ultimately reducing food waste.

Gotham Greens is growing fast, and we look forward to bringing our brand to new markets in the coming months.

Learn more about Gotham Greens.

Where Agriculture Meets Wellness: Q&A With Seed2Source Founder Jennifer Waxman

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 15, 2022. Posted in Blog.

After successfully guiding The Villages Grown™ to its current position as a vertically integrated, 84-acre total footprint, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), year-round, produce growing operation in Central Florida, Jennifer Waxman is heading back to her roots. That is, she’s turning her focus back to Seed2Source, the firm she launched in 2005 driven by her “agriculture meets wellness” passion and vision.

Indoor Ag-Con is thrilled to have Jennifer on our Advisory Board, as a speaker at the upcoming CEA Summit East in Virginia next week , and Indoor Ag-Con in Las Vegas in February 2023. We had the chance to catch up with this busy CEA industry leader to learn more about her vision and plans in this month’s Q&A

For the last 6 years, you’ve overseen the impressive growth and development of The Villages Grown. Why was the timing right to leave that post to focus on Seed2Source?

We were given the honor and trust to carry out our vision and model for The Villages Grown. This included the strategic direction, design, construction, and operation of a first-of-kind CEA in the South. We backed this with educational programming from both B2C and B2B. We built a community-based brand yet grew enough product for expansion throughout Florida. We worked with beautiful people in a beautiful community.

However, it is no secret that CEA is only scratching the surface in the US. We knew we wanted to be at the head of the ride with its growth. Several players in the CEA sector were showing intrigue and interest in our model. I believe this was rooted in our ability to build a strong brand, educate, all the while supporting other local farmers along the way.

I’ve learned a lot since entering the hydroponics sector in 2000. This is when I started to conceive this model of holistic wellness and was based on my global travels, thus observing the ‘Future of Food’. There is a lot to share from a rather long career in this sector. I have experienced successes, failures, and have observed overall industry needs and voids. This is the exciting part and I wanted back in!

Share more about Seed2Source, your Sustainable Ag Business Consulting Firm focusing on controlled environment agriculture

Seed2Source launched in 2016 but was really an evolution of my first ‘Agriculture Meets Wellness’ firm which was launched in 2005. Seed2Source is a first-of-kind, Sustainable Agriculture & Wellness, consulting firm headquartered in Florida but serving the US (and beyond). The firm focuses on strategic CEA projects rooted in sustainable agricultural, food-as-medicine, and local food system models.

Our CEA experience includes Vertical Farming, Controlled Greenhouse, Aeroponic and Hydroponic Methodologies, Strategy, Branding, Distribution, Education, Innovation, and Science. We are a one-stop-shop and are surrounded by the best and the brightest in all operational units required for true success. We bring in different consultants as the projects deem fit. This allows us to take on both small and large projects as the market dictates.

At the upcoming CEA Summit, you’ll be speaking on 2 panels, including one titled “Building The Future of CEA”. If there is one message you hope to get across on that panel discussion what is it?

The CEA industry is still at its infancy and shall evolve with continuous iterations and innovations. Typically, when most people think of CEA, they only think of High-Tech, AI, Automation, etc. and forget about the State of Agriculture in general. I hope people start to realize that CEA is ‘part’ of a solution and not the ‘only’ solution. Also, I hope that people don’t forget about the actual agriculturists and horticulturists that are the true heroes in creating a sustainable, profitable, CEA operation. This seems to be lost with many of the current players in CEA.

You’ll also be speaking at the 2023 edition of Indoor Ag-Con on a great session idea you brought to us, “Building A CEA Alliance: The Power of Grower Partnerships.” Can you share a little more about this idea?

As it stands, there is little-to-no diversity in US CEA. Everyone is clamoring for funding, market share, and innovations in technology. I believe they are missing a huge opportunity for collaborations, strategic partnerships, and supply chain solutions. We must work together not only for larger supply chain opportunities in both retail and wholesale, but to truly exchange best business practices and the like. We should also be collaborating to keep domestic supply in our own backyard and with prominence. There is enough business to be had for all!

What’s next for you and the team at Seed2Source?

Our vertically integrated CEA Model, of which we pride ourselves on, was clearly not an overnight success. We are still on this journey. This will continue to be the core of our mission and vision. The Vision – ‘Intersecting Agriculture with Wellness as a Food-As-Medicine Approach’ — will continue to drive our passion and expansion.

We feel strongly that this is the model for success and ultimate operational sustainability. We are being courted by some amazing operations – both new and old players in the CEA space – which has been rewarding. We will continue to build our CEA and overall Domestic Farm Partnerships and Educational Programming.

Learn more about Jennifer and her team at www.seed2source.com

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr to Lead Keynote at CEA Summit East

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on September 26, 2022. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

DANVILLE, VA (SEPTEMBER 26, 2022) – Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr will lead the CEA Summit East Day Two Keynote, “Reorienting Our Fresh Produce Supply Chain: Behind Virginia’s Push to Become A National Indoor Farming Industry Leader,” on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 9 am. Indoor Ag-Con and the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center — a joint project of the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech, Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Virginia Tech, and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) – have partnered to co-host the new event from October 25-26, 2022 at the IALR Institute Conference Center in Danville, VA.

Secretary Lohr joins the CEA Summit East headliner keynote line-up, which also includes the opening morning kick-off session with AeroFarms CTO Roger Buelow on Tuesday, October 25.

During his keynote, Secretary Lohr will share insights into Virginia’s vision for the future of fresh produce and how he and his team are working with industry partners to achieve it.

“Rising transportation costs and droughts in the western United States will mean East Coast states like Virginia must reorient our supply chain for fresh produce to more local suppliers,” said Lohr during the recent Grand Opening of AeroFarms Danville, the world’s largest aeroponic smart farm.

“While painful, this situation also creates an important opportunity for the Commonwealth to become a national leader in the fast-growing indoor farming industry. Continued success in recruiting and supporting the growth of these companies can bring economic opportunity to all corners of the Commonwealth, while also supplying fresh, safe, and sustainable food to our citizens and neighbors,” he added.

Matthew Lohr was raised on a Virginia century family farm in the Shenandoah Valley. As a fifth-generation farmer, he has spent his entire life working for the betterment of the agricultural industry and rural America.

He developed his passion for public service and agricultural policy while serving as both a state and national FFA officer before graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Education. He has more than 30 years of experience as a professional leader and communicator.

Over the past two years, he has served as the Chief of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency with more than 10,000 employees across 3,000 field offices and an operating budget of over $4.5 billion.

“We are honored to have Secretary Lohr join us for the inaugural edition of the CEA Summit East,” says Dr. Michael Evans, Director of the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech and Associate Director of the CEA Innovation Center. “Virginia is deeply committed to promoting and advancing the CEA sector and the work we’re doing offers ideas, examples and exciting growth opportunities that extend far beyond our state borders. This promises to be an inspiring session for all our attendees.”

The new CEA Summit East is custom-tailored for new and well-seasoned CEA industry members from throughout the Eastern US, including indoor and greenhouse growers, facility owners and operators, educators, government officials, real estate developers, architects, construction specialists, sales and marketing teams and others.

During the one and one-half day event, industry members will have the opportunity to attend the conference featuring CEA thought leaders, researchers and experts leading keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions; explore tabletop exhibits presenting the latest CEA innovations and services; and enjoy a host of networking opportunities ranging from meals and coffee breaks to an evening social event.

Registration is now open for the event and attendees can save with discounted Early Bird rates when they register before October 7, 2022. Learn more at www.ceasummit.com