Tag: Hydroponic

Great Lakes Growers plans $5 million expansion in Ohio

Written by Cleveland.com on June 1, 2026. Posted in Blog.

Great Lakes Growers is planning a $5 million expansion at its Burton facility that county officials say will significantly increase the company’s hydroponic greenhouse production capacity.

Geauga County commissioners on Thursday approved an agreement intended to help the company secure financing for the project, which includes construction of a new greenhouse and infrastructure upgrades.

The expansion will add a 50,000-square-foot greenhouse, bringing the operation to about five acres under glass, according to county officials. The project also includes power and infrastructure improvements that would support an additional four acres of future growth.

Read full story from Cleveland.com

From Seed to Scale: How Fork Farms Turned a Mission into a Movement

Written by Indoor Ag-Content Q&A Feature on May 14, 2026. Posted in Blog.

Fork Farms founder and CEO Alex Tyink built his Green Bay, Wisconsin-based company on a deceptively simple idea: that growing your own food changes your relationship with it — and that everyone, from a third-grader in Milwaukee to a food pantry volunteer in rural Wisconsin, deserves the chance to experience that. In this month’s Indoor Ag-Conversations Q&A, Tyink talks about where hydroponic growing is gaining real traction in schools, healthcare systems, and hunger relief organizations; what the landmark Clock Tower Farms project signals about the future of food-as-infrastructure; and what it really takes to scale a mission-driven company without losing the thread.

Fork Farms has installed Flex Farms in schools, food banks, healthcare systems, and commercial operations — a pretty wide footprint. When you look across all those use cases, where are you seeing the most momentum right now, and what’s driving it?

We are seeing momentum across all of those areas, but the common thread is clear: institutions are starting to understand that fresh food access is infrastructure.

Fork Farms has partnered with more than 5,000 institutions across 50 states and 22 countries. Together, those partners can grow nearly 2 million pounds of fresh food annually, and many are growing food for under $1 per pound. This matters because it means local food production can be practical, measurable, and economically competitive.

Schools have been especially powerful because they bring education, nutrition, and community impact together in one place. When students plant, grow, harvest, and taste food themselves, fresh greens become less abstract. They understand where food comes from. They take ownership in the process. Eating becomes exciting, because they fostered every step of growing their meal. From planting to care, to harvesting and plating the food for their families and friends, they got to be part of the process, which is different in how today’s food systems operate.

That matters because many children receive some of their most nutritious meals at school. When a school can grow fresh food on-site, use it in the cafeteria, connect it to curriculum, and sometimes even send food home with families, the impact becomes very real.

Milwaukee Public Schools is a strong example. The district has 86 Flex Farms from Fork Farms, more than any other district in the world. Teachers use them as hands-on learning labs, and the farms also support fresh food access for students during meal times. In early 2026, MPS commissioned a 60-day indoor air quality study authored by a Certified Industrial Hygienist. Classrooms with hydroponic farms outperformed plant-free classrooms on key measures, including lower CO₂, lower formaldehyde, and healthier winter humidity. In that case, the farms are supporting learning, nutrition, and the classroom environment.

At the same time, the momentum is bigger than schools. Food banks are looking for more reliable ways to provide fresh, nutrient-dense food. Healthcare systems are connecting food to wellness and illness prevention. Corporate and commercial partners are asking how their buildings, teams, and resources can create measurable community value.

The Wisconsin PureGrow Project is a good example of that intersection. Fork Farms partnered with the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point at Marshfield and Sanford Health Marshfield Clinic Health System to create a model that supports students, patients, and staff at the same time. The facility operates six Flex Acre™ systems and two Flex Micros™ systems, and grows more than 100 pounds of fresh food weekly. Independent lab analysis found that the romaine grown there exceeded benchmarks for nutrient density and purity, including 83 percent more magnesium and 65 percent more calcium than conventionally grown lettuce.

The momentum is not coming from one vertical alone. It is coming from a broader shift in how institutions think about food. Organizations are no longer just asking, “Can we grow food indoors?” They are asking, “How can we use this technology to solve a real problem in our community?” That is exactly the kind of future we built Fork Farms to help create.

The recently announced Clock Tower Farms project with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Rockwell Automation is a big deal: 72 Flex Acre systems, 200,000 pounds of projected annual production, automation technology layered on top of your growing systems. What does a partnership like that teach you about what’s possible when hydroponic growing gets paired with industrial-scale automation?

Clock Tower Farms shows what becomes possible when fresh food production is treated as infrastructure and as a serious solution to hunger relief.

The farm is located on the fourth floor of Rockwell Automation’s Milwaukee headquarters. It takes unused office space and turns it into a year-round indoor farm serving the local community. Inside that space, 72 Flex Acre™ systems from Fork Farms will operate in a fully controlled growing environment with the capacity to produce up to 200,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. That is enough for a side salad for more than 38,500 people every week.

What makes the project so important is the combination of strengths. Fork Farms brings the hydroponic growing systems. Rockwell brings industrial-scale automation. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin brings the distribution network to get fresh food to the people who need it most. Together, that creates a model where food can be grown reliably, locally, and at a meaningful scale inside an existing building.

It also shows that the impact goes well beyond production volume. Clock Tower Farms saves 5.9 million gallons of water compared to traditional farming, and conserves the equivalent of 5.5 acres of conventional farmland.

What it teaches me is that the future of hydroponic growing is not just about better farms. It is about better systems. When growing technology, automation, and community partners are aligned, we can make fresh food production more predictable, efficient, and resilient. That is how we move from small demonstrations of what is possible to scalable food infrastructure that can serve communities in a lasting way.

A lot of your installations are in the hands of people who aren’t professional growers — teachers, food pantry volunteers, hospital dining staff. How did Fork Farms design the Flex Farm experience to work for that audience, and what does “ease of use” actually look like in practice?

We designed the Flex Farm experience around a simple belief: everyone can be a farmer.

You do not need to be a professional farmer, horticulturist, or controlled-environment agriculture expert to participate in the food system. At Fork Farms, we exist to democratize access to fresh food by making local food production practical at scale. We do that by growing farmers. By farmers, I mean teachers, food service teams, pantry volunteers, healthcare staff, students, residents, community members and more.

That belief shaped the design from the beginning. The system had to fit into real buildings, work with existing teams, and become part of a simple daily or weekly rhythm. Ease of use looks like clear setup, straightforward planting and harvesting, simple maintenance, and ongoing support so people feel confident instead of overwhelmed.

It also had to be modular. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some partners start with a single Flex Farm in a classroom, cafeteria, or dining space. Others build larger programs across a district, healthcare system, corporate campus, or community food network. And then you have projects like Clock Tower Farms with Rockwell Automation and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, where the same core idea scales into a much larger food production model.

That range matters because one of the barriers to entry in this space has always been the belief that indoor agriculture is either too technical, too expensive, or too difficult to operate. We are trying to teach the market that local food production can start small, grow over time, and scale in a way that fits the space, budget, and goals of each partner.

Food access is not only about putting fresh food in more places. It is about making the growing process workable for the people already serving their communities. That is why the farm itself is only one part of what we provide.

Fork Farms supports partners well beyond installation. We help with launch support, early crop success checks, programming, K-12 and higher education curriculum, environmental impact data, communications tools, and ongoing farm management support. We also help partners build practical programs around the farm, from local food integration and plant-forward menu planning to community giving models, STEM education, wellness programming, marketing, storytelling, and impact reporting.

The goal is to give people the tools, systems, and confidence to grow fresh food right where it is needed. Instead of food traveling 1,500 miles by truck, it can move from seed to plate just steps from where it is grown, served, and shared. That is what makes the experience powerful. It invites more people into the solution.

Fork Farms leads with a strong mission around food access and community impact — but you’re also a technology company growing a commercial business. How do those two sides of the organization reinforce each other, and how does mission shape the decisions you make on the business side?

At Fork Farms, we believe everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food, no matter their zip code. We believe food should be grown more locally, sustainably, and equitably. We believe food can be a powerful part of health and wellness. And we believe nutrition security means more than calories. It means access to healthy, nutrient-rich food that supports long-term well-being.

For us, the mission and the business are not separate. They have to reinforce each other.

Fork Farms exists to make fresh food more accessible, and technology is how we make that practical at scale. The mission gives us the reason to build. The business gives us the structure, discipline, and reach to make the impact bigger than any one installation, pilot, or grant-funded program.

That shapes how we make decisions. We are always asking: Does this make growing food easier? Does it make fresh food more affordable? Can it work in real institutions with real people, real budgets, and real operational constraints? Can it create measurable value for the community and for the organization investing in it?

Being mission-driven does not mean ignoring business fundamentals. It means being clear about which fundamentals matter. We care about cost per pound, labor efficiency, reliability, training, customer success, and long-term program sustainability because those are the things that allow the mission to last. If a school, hospital, food bank, or corporate partner cannot operate the program successfully over time, then we have not truly solved the problem.

The technology side of the company helps us make fresh food production easier, more consistent, and more scalable. The commercial side helps us reach more partners, improve the product, support customers better, and build models that can be repeated across communities. And the mission keeps us focused on the outcome that matters most: more people having access to fresh, nutritious food close to where they live, learn, work, heal, and gather.

The strongest impact happens when the model works for everyone: the school, the hospital, the food bank, the corporate partner, the food service team, and the people eating the food. That is the balance we are trying to build every day.

Fork Farms has been named to the Inc. 5000 list three consecutive years, ranking #1 in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Growth at that pace usually comes with hard lessons. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about scaling a mission-driven company without losing what made it work in the first place?

The biggest lesson is that you have to scale the system without diluting the purpose.

Fast growth is exciting, but it also tests what is real. It forces you to get clearer about what you believe, who you serve, and what you are willing to say no to. For us, the center has always been food access. The company can grow, the technology can evolve, and the partnerships can get larger, but the reason we exist has to stay clear.

As we scale, we have had to build more discipline into the business: stronger teams, better processes, clearer data, more reliable support, and more repeatable customer models. That structure matters because it allows the mission to move beyond passion and become something that can last.

The hard part is making sure scale does not turn the work into a transaction. A Flex Farm in a classroom, food pantry, hospital, or corporate campus still has to feel connected to people. It still has to create ownership, confidence, and real access to fresh food.

The most important thing I have learned is that mission-driven growth requires both heart and rigor. You need the purpose that brought people to the table in the first place, and you need the operational discipline to keep delivering on that purpose at scale. That balance is what protects what made Fork Farms work in the first place.

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Fork Farms is a food access technology company helping build the future of fresh food infrastructure. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Fork Farms develops indoor hydroponic farming technology and digital tools that enable schools, healthcare systems, businesses, and communities to grow fresh, nutritious food year-round in almost any environment. Its solutions help organizations expand food access, support wellness, and strengthen local food resilience by bringing food production closer to where people live, learn, work, and heal. For the third consecutive year, Fork Farms was named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies and ranked #1 in the Agriculture and Natural Resources sector. To learn more, visit ForkFarms.com.

Building a Digital Resource Hub for CEA Growers: Lessons Learned from the Oasis Grower Solutions Website Project

Written by Oasis Grower Solutions on July 20, 2025. Posted in Blog.

On June 30, the world got its first look at the all-new OasisGrowerSolutions.com, a site designed as a resource for growers in CEA and beyond. Our project started more than a year ago with a singular idea: to create a knowledge hub to help growers achieve greater success. From bullet points and basics, it quickly grew into a grower-driven digital experience designed to inform, educate and inspire. We hope these insights into lessons we learned can help CEA growers and others bring their digital dreams to life.

1. Know your purpose and stay true to it.

One of the best website investments you can make is taking time upfront to define and refine your goals. Check out other sites, in and out of CEA. Take screenshots or bookmark items you like and dislike. Let yourself dream big.

While our project’s main purpose was helping growers grow better, we needed four manifestations of that purpose: one for CEA and one for each of the other three primary markets we serve (Floriculture, Nursery and AgBiotech).

For us, it was critical that CEA growers could immediately access content specific to controlled-environment agriculture — from CEA crops and cultivation methods to market-specific grower support and product solutions. A one-size-fits-all approach would have been easier and faster. But we would’ve fallen short of our goal to deliver the market-specific resources CEA growers told us they want and need.

2. Start collecting content and resources in advance.

Images are the soul of a website and an integral element in creating a compelling and engaging online experience. We spent almost a year working to build the right digital assets starting with product and lifestyle imagery, working with photographers, videographers and illustrators to create content for the site long before it was built.

Using multimedia is critical to deliver complicated concepts effectively and concisely. This is extremely important for growers to be successful, so we created animated how-to videos to convey processes more quickly and easily. Whatever resources you have in mind, from images to videos, start building your library early so you have resources ready when the site building begins.

3.Vet your web designer and/or developer thoroughly.

Once your vision and purpose are solidly ingrained, start vetting web development firms for your project. Some developers are exceptional at the technical aspects of site development. Some are talented designers. But not all are both.

When vetting potential partners, review their websites and portfolios carefully. Do they stack up to what you have in your mind? Request references from companies whose websites they built. Get a client’s perspective on the firm’s work ethic, creative process, and the quality of their design and development. Mobile responsiveness of your site is crucial, but responsiveness to you is equally important. Pick a partner who’s capable of creating what you want and delivering it when you want it.

4. Appoint a project manager from your team.

Regardless of your site’s size or purpose, decisions will be made every day during its development. Choose one person to serve as a funnel for every question and answer flying back and forth. That person doesn’t have to be the ultimate decision maker. But they do need direct access to someone who is — and they should be able to respond quickly, with your answers intact.

Knowledge about the CEA industry, your business and your customer base is more important than technical website expertise in this role. You want everything seen through the eyes of your customer, not a web developer who knows code but not crops. Your project manager provides those eyes.

An image of beautifully rooted greens in climate-optimized precision hydroponic substrates instantly loses appeal when a designer adds filters for dramatic effect — and strong, healthy roots suddenly look weak and gray. Your project manager help prevent similar mistakes.

5. Keep customers’ needs at the forefront.

As our plans for OasisGrowerSolutions.com grew, intuitive navigation became more critical. We didn’t want anyone in CEA, or any market, to have to think twice about how to get where they wanted to go.

We settled on multiple menus at different levels throughout the site, to ensure easy navigation from all directions. The point isn’t menus — it’s putting yourself in your customers’ shoes, whether they’re browsing your site or in a hurry to get specific information they need.

Our Resources section illustrates this approach. Our customers know we devote considerable effort to downloadable PDF grower support materials, including product overviews, usage and application sheets, as well as technical sheets and research updates. CEA growers will find CEA-related resources where they relate to CEA content on the page. But our resources are also all conveniently available in a one-click section of their own.

6. Be practical.

Throughout our website project, we were focused on knowledge and grower support more than sales. In our initial zeal to make our new site as non-commercial as possible, we considered not having any direct connection between our new “knowledge hub” and our online store.

Eventually, we realized that was a mistake. Not because we want more online orders, though those are great! But because our customers want a seamless shopping experience that can take them from grower support materials to purchasing a product, if that’s where they choose to go.

Once that became clear, we adjusted our thinking and added “shop” buttons at strategic locations throughout the site. Our customers embraced those buttons from day one of the new site launch. We’ll continue refining our shopping experience over the next several weeks — and we won’t let lofty ambitions get in the way of practical features our customers want and need.

7. Know when to stop and keep going.

One of the hardest lessons our team learned was when to stop. The longer we worked on the new site, the more ideas we had for additional features and resources to help breeders, growers and researchers meet the future and succeed.

We finally drew a line for what had to be done before launch. That’s what the world saw on June 30. But we didn’t stop thinking, dreaming and working on ways to improve what we have.

We expect our site to evolve alongside CEA and the other markets we serve, just as we’ve evolved from our pioneering substrate roots to the full suite of products and services we offer today. Sections for customer case studies, researchers, sustainability initiatives, and in-depth growing guides are planned for the site in the months ahead.

At the core of our website project is our vision for Oasis Grower Solutions as a whole: to serve every grower worldwide with real-world, sustainable solutions backed by unparalleled products, innovation, education and support. You can find that vision, and much more, on the homepage of our new site at OasisGrowerSolutions.com. We hope to see you there!

Oasis Grower Solutions, a division of Smithers-Oasis, has been helping growers solve problems for more than 55 years. We believe the success of CEA farmers is vital to the future of food. With an international reach across CEA and other markets, our innovations include precision substrates, hydroponic productions aids, and other ancillary products to help you grow.

Trend Report 2 | Indoor Ag-Con 2025: Smart Greenhouses, Climate Control Matters, Sustainable Storage

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on February 15, 2025. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Indoor Ag-Con, the largest show dedicated to indoor agriculture, is the place to find the latest trends shaping the future of farming. Come March 11-12, farmers, growers, ag tech leaders, suppliers, advocates and enthusiasts will converge at Westgate Las Vegas to experience an expanded Expo Hall with 200+ exhibiting companies offering the most cutting-edge products, services and tools on the market.

The indoor agriculture industry is undergoing rapid innovation, driven by sustainability, technological advancements, and shifting consumer demands. As food security and environmental concerns continue to shape the global agricultural landscape, industry leaders are embracing new strategies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Here are the top trends shaping indoor agriculture in 2025:

Smart Greenhouses Enhance Productivity

Advanced climate control technologies are making greenhouses more efficient and resilient. Innovations such as smart ventilation, automated shading, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems help maintain ideal growing conditions year-round. By integrating real-time weather data and IoT-powered sensors, greenhouse operators can significantly reduce energy consumption while maximizing crop yields.

Rimol Greenhouse Systems (Booth 903) is a family-owned commercial greenhouse manufacturer based out of Hooksett, New Hampshire. They have been serving the industry for over 30 years with customized greenhouse kits designed for growers of all sizes, in the agricultural, horticultural, educational, cannabis and homesteading markets. They work closely with growers to design a complete greenhouse to fit their needs, including the structure, covering, heating and cooling systems, environmental controls systems and more.

Lubing Horticulture’s (Booth 225) mission is to bring effective and efficient products to greenhouses of all sizes. They offer OptiCOOL evaporative plastic cooling pads, High Pressure Fogging System, and a NEW Automatic Gutter System (AGS). At Indoor Ag-Con, they will showcase AGS made to fit small – medium sized greenhouses with one of the primary design requirements for this system is to keep both the germination and harvesting at the front of the greenhouse to increase operational efficiency for small growers.

Borlaug (Booth 634) is a horticultural service company specializing in the engineering design, service, and construction of greenhouses and indoor farms. They specialize in Crop Climate Systems, Water Systems and Facilities’ construction, installation, and commissioning.

Climate Control Yields Better Crops

Indoor agriculture is increasingly reliant on advanced climate control systems to optimize growing conditions and improve crop yields. As unpredictable weather patterns and climate change impact traditional farming, growers are turning to precision-controlled environments where temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and lighting can be finely tuned to maximize efficiency. Technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming integrate AI-driven sensors and automated climate regulation to maintain ideal growing conditions year-round.

VT Dry & Cure Technologies (Booth 317) stands at the forefront of drying, curing, and storage, harnessing patented Vaportrol® technology to reliably and effectively dry, cure, and store agricultural products with consistent, repeatable outcomes. Their vapor pressure-based systems for drying, curing, and storage are critical in various industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, offering precise control over environmental conditions to optimize product quality and integrity. Their systems regulate the vapor pressure between the product and its surroundings, effectively managing the moisture removal rate and never over-drying, so producers can maximize product yields and profitability. This controlled environment minimizes the risk of product degradation, inhibits mold growth, ensures consistent drying and curing, and provides stable, long-term storage.

DryGair (Booth 916) develops innovative dehumidification solutions for commercial-scale horticulture, including greenhouses, indoor grow rooms, vertical farms and more.

Since 1985 Climate Control Systems Inc. (Booth 503) has provided automation to CEA growers for flowers and vegetable crops, vertical farm operations, and cannabis growers. They help growers tachieve better crop production using computer automation in their operation. These systems improve crop yields, save on energy costs, and save 30% – 40% on water and fertilizer costs. Nebula Group proudly announces the acquisition of the Delta 9 Grow Pod business from Delta 9 Biotech. This acquisition paves the way for the formation of Nebula Grow a new company with the new firm “The Horticulture Company”.At Indoor Ag-Con, they will have an actual working 20′ Nebula Grow Pod on the show floor, as well as continue to showcase the Fertigation Manager featuring PPM targeting of nutrients with live demos on the actual machine.

At Indoor Ag-Con, Hoogendoorn (Booth 803) is showcasing how IIVO’s Intelligent Algorithms are transforming greenhouse operations. These algorithms empower growers to make precise, data-driven decisions, forecasting conditions and autonomously adjusting climate settings. Additionally, they are introducing IIVO Compact+, a powerful yet accessible solution designed for smaller-scale growers who want to leverage the same advanced automation and data-driven insights as large-scale operations. With over 100 installations worldwide, IIVO and IIVO Compact are proving their ability to enhance sustainability, boost profitability, and simplify greenhouse management. Look for live demonstrations of IIVO’s capabilities, showing how its Intelligent Algorithms adapt in real-time to changing greenhouse conditions.

Bosman Van Zaal (Booth 216) is a leading specialist in horticultural technology, with more than 100 years of experience and currently 300 employees worldwide. Whether it’s cultivation systems, climate control, lighting, irrigation, construction, vertical farms or software: Bosman Van Zaal is the one-stop-shop partner for Turnkey projects, all in the field of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Introducing Polariks – your gateway to the future of data-driven excellence. Discover the power of this cutting-edge data platform, designed to seamlessly integrate sensors, machines, and systems at Indoor Ag-Con

Sustainable Storage and Containment Solutions

Storage and containment in indoor agriculture are critical for maintaining efficiency, sustainability, and food safety. Proper containment systems help regulate nutrient solutions, water, and growing media, ensuring crops receive consistent and optimal conditions. Advanced storage solutions, such as modular vertical racks, temperature-controlled seed banks, and airtight nutrient reservoirs, prevent contamination and improve resource management. In hydroponic and aeroponic setups, specialized tanks store nutrient-rich water, while automated distribution systems deliver precise amounts to plants, minimizing waste.

Da Ros (Booth 1034) offers a complete package of solutions for indoor farms: produce harvesting, tray washing, automatic tray warehouse, tray filling-seeding transplanting. At Indoor Ag-Con, Da Ros will showcase its new tray for baby leaf production.

MFG Tray (Booth 1116) has more than 60 years of experience in designing and molding an extensive line of trays, flats, and containers. The company is continually developing new products to meet specific growing, storing, and processing requirements. Success in vertical farming and insect rearing results from a carefully balanced mix of pH, nutrients, light, temperature, and humidity. MFG Tray Farming products provide solutions and consistent benefits regardless of harsh environmental conditions.

Anu (Booth 1111) specializes in advanced hydroponic farming solutions, providing modular, aeroponic container farms that enable sustainable, high-yield food production in any environment. Our USDA-NIFA SBIR-funded Pure Produce Container is a fully self-contained, rapidly deployable system designed for urban agriculture, educational institutions, food security initiatives, and commercial growers. By leveraging Rotary Aeroponic® technology and Self-Nurturing Seed Pods, their systems maximize efficiency, reduce labor costs, and create climate-resilient farming opportunities. We also offer customizable solutions for schools, businesses, and community organizations, integrating technology, automation, and sustainability to revolutionize local food production.

Hydrofarm|Innovative Growers Equipment (Booth 1008) is the Growtainers® manufacturing and marketing partner. IGE manufactures racking, lighting, greenhouse benches and other horticulture/hydroponic supplies. Hydrofarm markets and distributes those products plus soils, fertilizers, etc. Growtainers® are custom made Container Farms available worldwide. At Indoor Ag-Con experience the , the Growtainers® Tissue Culture Labs, a cutting-edge tissue culture shipping container, These state-of-the-art laboratories, nestled within 40’ or 53’ insulated tissue culture shipping containers, are at the forefront of tissue culture innovation.

As these trends continue to evolve, the indoor agriculture industry is poised for significant growth and innovation, reshaping how food is produced and distributed globally. With technological advancements and sustainability at its core, the future of indoor farming is brighter than ever.

For more information on the 2025 exhibitors and Trend Report 1, please visit https://indoor.ag/trend-report-2025/

Trend Report – Indoor Ag-Con 2025

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on January 19, 2025. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Indoor Ag-Con, the largest show dedicated to indoor agriculture, is the place to find the latest trends shaping the future of farming. Come March 11-12, farmers, growers, ag tech leaders, suppliers, advocates and enthusiasts will converge at Westgate Las Vegas to experience an expanded Expo Hall with 200+ exhibiting companies offering the most cutting-edge products, services and tools on the market.

Indoor agriculture has reached new heights, with innovative technologies and practices, helping pave the way for a sustainable future in food production. As the world faces increasing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and urbanization, the indoor farming sector is stepping up to provide solutions to address these global issues.

(Photos above from L-R: Thrive Agritech, VelociGro, Inc., ZGROUP USA, Priva)

Below are some of the trends shaping the indoor agriculture industry today and a selection of highlights from Indoor Ag-Con 2025 exhibitors.

Hydroponics Innovation

Hydroponics, the soil-free cultivation of plants using nutrient-rich water, has become a standard in indoor agriculture. Recently, innovations in hydroponic systems have improved plant growth rates and reduced water consumption.

Just Vertical (Booth 1113) crafts and distributes state-of-the-art, sustainable vertical hydroponic farming systems, revolutionizing agriculture. The innovative systems empower growers, whether small-scale or large-scale, to cultivate fresh, nutrient-rich produce in any space. At Indoor Ag-Con, check out their NEW Just Vertical Grow Racks, Free-Standing Grow Racks redefine flexibility and efficiency in indoor agriculture, setting a new standard for accessibility and innovation. Unlike traditional systems that cater exclusively to experienced growers or specific scales, Just Vertical grow racks are designed to empower anyone—from beginners to seasoned professionals—on any scale. By optimizing vertical and horizontal growing spaces, our technology ensures that every inch of your operation works harder for you.

Concert Bio (Booth 841SZ-1) optimizes greenhouse crop performance‍ via the plant microbiome. They are using cutting-edge data science to identify and provide beneficial microbes to hydroponic growers – creating the ideal microbiome for their crops to thrive. Developing the ideal microbe products to enhance greenhouse crop performance. As agriculture transitions from traditional to hydroponic methods, recreating the delicate balance of microorganisms found in soil – and which plants need to thrive – has become essential for improving crop growth, quality and resilience. Their platform, developed for hydroponic greenhouses, leverages our unrivaled microbiome database to unlock a whole new level of understanding about the hydroponic microbiome and how to improve it.

Profile’s Growing Solutions (Booth 425) division offers a comprehensive portfolio of products that improve substrates and growing / soil blending operations. These product brands include HydraFiber engineered fibers; Profile Sphagnum Peat Moss and Profile Coconut Coir; Florikan controlled-release fertilizer; and a line of Quick Plug bonded media technology for propagation and food production. They now have a line of hydroponic solutions that includes HydraFiber + Coir grow bags and HydraFiber + Coir grow blocks – combining two leading substrates into one hydroponic solutions to service the CEA market with high-performing, cost-effective growing solutions. Profile will have the new hydroponic grow bags on display at Indoor Ag-Con.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices

As consumers increasingly demand sustainable food options, indoor agriculture has responded with environmentally friendly practices. The use of renewable energy sources such as LED lighting, solar and wind power is on the rise in indoor farming operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, many indoor farms now implement zero-waste practices, reusing water and recycling materials used in farming operations.

Thrive Agritech (Booth 533) is a recognized leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of advanced LED lighting systems specifically for the indoor agriculture market. By focusing on advanced technologies and energy efficient solutions, Thrive Agritech enables growers to optimize plant development, productively increase yields, and reliably reduce operational and maintenance costs. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by indoor agriculture operators, Thrive Agritech delivers on both lighting and power distribution solutions focused on lowering costs of production and maximizing profitability. Thrive Agritech’s commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and superior customer service positions their company as a trusted partner for growers looking to capture the full potential of a lighting manufacturing partner.

VelociGro Inc (Booth 631) offers patented technology to improve the environment by replacing traditionally wasteful agricultural methods, with gel based biodegradable and compostable grow plugs and mats. They nurture growth that’s not just better for plants, but better for our planet by: Increasing crop yields by up to 40%, Reducing water usage by an average of 30%, Cutting pesticide use significantly, promoting healthier food and ecosystems and helping indoor farms to create a truly “controlled environment” by using our substrates. They are debuting the HYPERroots FT seed starter plugs, HYPERroots FT Microgreen mats, and HYPERroots Liquid at Indoor Ag-Con.

Priva (Booth 525) is a leading technology company specializing in innovative solutions for sustainable horticulture and building automation. They empower growers with advanced climate, water, and energy management systems, optimizing greenhouse operations for increased productivity and resource efficiency. Their offerings include state-of-the-art climate controllers, crop registration tools, and data-driven insights to help businesses achieve sustainability and operational excellence. With a strong commitment to innovation, Priva partners with clients to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and smart environments. Priva will showcase showcase PIM (Priva Irrigation Management), a powerful tool that helps growers optimize irrigation strategies, ensuring precise water, nutrient, and energy use, at Indoor Ag-Con.

PathoSans (Booth 629) enables customers to produce effective and sustainable cleaning and sanitizing solutions, using just salt, water, and electricity. Through on-site generation, customers can not only produce the solutions they need, when they need them, but they can eliminate the need to bring harmful chemicals into their growing environment. They help put the ‘control’ in controlled environment agriculture. At Indoor Ag-on, they will showcase the newest and smallest on-site generator, the Concentrate Compact generator. This unit is wall-mounted and by producing concentrate, it offers the most flexibility in application possibilities.

Farm-to-Table Accessibility

The growth of indoor agriculture has resulted in fresher, locally grown produce, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Indoor farms in urban areas are creating farm-to-table solutions that allow consumers to access fresh and nutritious food grown within their communities. This trend is further supported by advances in logistics and supply chain technologies, ensuring faster delivery and reducing food waste.

ZGROUP USA (Booth 615) specializes in innovative modular refrigeration solutions, offering cutting-edge Cold Storage, Blast Chiller, Blast Freezer and Ripening technologies. With over 20 years of experience, ZGROUP enhances food safety, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. Their blast chiller, which optimizes the freshness of products from farm to table, features innovative forced air cooling system that ensures rapid and efficient cooling, preserving the quality and flavor of the food. This solution is designed for easy integration into farms or packing facilities and is essential for maintaining an effective cold chain.

Based in Etten-Leur the Netherlands, TAKS Handling Systems (Booth 231) develop, make and assemble innovative packing hall solutions and transport systems that are both modular and custom-built. Their systems can process produce such as vegetables and fruits fast and efficiently and will save you a significant amount of labor. When it comes to the automation of your packing hall or logistic system, TAKS Handling Systems has the perfect solution for every situation. Discover our versatile modular products and interesting custom fit solutions.

Sormac Inc (Booth 1003) offers the best post-harvest solutions for indoor growing. Sormac leads the ways in developing process solutions for CEA-grown products. Whether you grow your product in a greenhouse or in a vertical farm of if you use hydroponics, aeroponics or aquaponics. All products are grown gently. This gentle treatment needs to be continued after harvesting so products will look defined in the shops where they battle for the attention of the consumer. Sormac’s proven systems help customers to deliver the highest quality product.

Robotics and Automation

The integration of Robotics and Automation in indoor agriculture is revolutionizing the way food is grown, with precision and efficiency at its core. Advanced robotic systems are being deployed to automate tasks such as planting, watering, pruning, and harvesting, significantly reducing the reliance on manual labor. Sensors play a crucial role by continuously monitoring key environmental parameters such as light, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture, providing real-time data for optimizing crop growth.

Located in Europe’s leading robotics hub, Odense, Denmark, 4XROBOTS (Booth 1114) has developed the world’s first 4-armed collaborative delta robot. Designed for modern production environments in the horticulture sector, their robot aims to improve productivity and operational efficiency. The 4X robot is capable of speeds up to 1,000 mm/second while maintaining collaborative features. This combination of high speed and safety makes it ideal for quality-driven Pick & Place applications. The robot’s 4-armed mechanical design significantly extends its physical reach, providing a larger workspace and greater flexibility. Additionally, it features intuitive programming for fast implementation and remote system access for enhanced uptime and reliability. These innovations collectively set new standards in efficiency, reliability, and operational ease for collaborative robots.

Rooted Robotics (Booth 1032) creates innovative automation solutions for vertical and indoor farming, specializing in affordable, modular systems designed to empower small and medium-sized growers. Their products, including tabletop seeders, harvesters, and washers, streamline labor-intensive tasks while boosting efficiency and yield. With a focus on flexibility, their machines can be integrated into fully automated workflows using groundbreaking L.I.N.C. (Linearly Integrated Networked Conveyors) technology. See the new L.I.N.C. seeder, harvester, and tray/NFT channel washer at Indoor Ag-Con.

Growbud (Booth 431) provides truly wireless grow medium sensors for indoor agriculture. The Growbud software platform enhances plant cultivation by providing real-time environmental monitoring, advanced analytics, and seamless integration with Growbud’s suite of sensors. The insights provided by the platform allow cultivators to dial in irrigation controls to increase crop yield. At Indoor Ag-Con, Growbud will be debuting the Growbud Dro and Vero substrate sensors.

For more information on the 2025 exhibitors, visit Who’s Exhibiting 2025 – Indoor Ag-Con

ABOUT:

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. 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, visit www.indoor.ag

CropKing Grower’s School In Tulsa Oklahoma

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on July 30, 2024. Posted in Blog.

Indoor Ag-Con Sponsor CropKing Inc., based out of Lodi, OH is pleased to announce a Tulsa, Oklahoma Grower’s Workshop on August 7-8 at Better Day Farms.

In the two-day course, the CropKing team will lead participants through the ins and outs of hydroponic production. This workshop will be focused on NFT growing as that is the system used at Better Day Farms and includes information on the different types of growing media and pest management, creating a business plan, building for success and more. Workshop attendees will walk away with the knowledge to start their own hydroponic crops as a hobby grower or as a new business venture.

“The Grower’s School workshop program has been a staple offering of CropKing’s for over 40 years. We’re excited to partner with Better Day Farms and share our growing methods, best practices and discuss the mistakes to avoid with the next group of future hydroponic farmers,” said Paul Brentlinger, CEO CropKing Inc.

Better Day Farms is an 11,000+ sq. ft. lettuce and herb facility, producing over 24,000 plants each month. Located in the Osage Hills, Better Day Farms is Tulsa’s first large scale hydroponic farm, proudly transforming north Tulsa’s food desert.

Grower’s School capacity is capped at 16 attendees to enable more personal interaction and Q&A. Interested participants can register by calling 330-302-4203 or visiting https://cropking.com/Oklahoma-Hydroponic-Workshop.

ABOUT CROPKING INC.:
For over 35 years, CropKing has been the leader in controlled environment agriculture, greenhouse manufacturing and hydroponic systems. Through innovation, research, and technical expertise, we find solutions that enhance the production of crops while ensuring customer success through horticulture support. Our growers are throughout the United States and in 20 different countries.

For more information, please visit www.cropking.com

High Tech Greenhouse Debuts in East Pasco – Local Bounti

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on May 19, 2024. Posted in Blog.

From Tri-City Herald, Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Local Bounti Northwest made its official debut in Pasco on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Tri-City Herald. Local Bounti Northwest formally dedicated its new lettuce growing greenhouse in Pasco, shown here during construction, with a ribbon cutting ceremony May 7 and visits by executives.

The young ag tech firm celebrated operations at its 242,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse with a ribbon cutting, a visit by company executives and an employee appreciation lunch at the site, near East Lewis and “A” streets.

Local Bounti , based in Hamilton, Mont., built a greenhouse to grow lettuce and other leafy greens at 950 S. Elm St.

The warehouse features stackable growing systems to produce spring mix, butter lettuce, romaine crisp, green leaf and other lettuce blends for distribution through a national network of grocery chains.

The three-acre greenhouse was seeded in January and completed its food safety certification process in April. It employs 40 people. Pasco supports distribution to customers in the Pacific Northwest.

CEO Craig Hurlbert issued a statement for the occasion.

“We are proud to officially be able to call Pasco home with the opening of this latest facility, which enhances our rapidly growing distribution footprint across the U.S.,” he said.

Read full story from Tri-City Herald and Yahoo

Indoor Ag Con 2024 Boosts Worldwide Attendance At Largest Event To Date

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on March 19, 2024. Posted in Press Releases.

16% Attendance Increase For Las Vegas March 11-12, 2024 Event That Drew CEA Industry Members from 49 U.S. States, 31 Countries

(MARCH 18, 2024) — Indoor Ag-Con marked its 11^th edition with increases in attendee and exhibitor participation for its March 11-12, 2024 run at Caesars Forum Las Vegas. The exhibiting company roster grew by 54% with a sold-out show floor featuring 207 companies in 287 booths vs. 134 companies in 174 booths for 2023. Attendance saw a 16% increase over 2023 with 1584 attendees from 49 states, the District of Columbia and US territories, as well as 31 other countries. Attendees included C-level execs and other decision-makers involved with every sector of controlled environment agriculture — grower/operators, investors, tech providers, start-ups, academia, government, real estate developers, food service retail, suppliers and more.

For the third year, Indoor Ag-Con once again co-located with the National Grocers Association (NGA) Show, attracting 146 attendees from that event to the Indoor Ag-Con expo floor — taking the total attendance number over the 1700 mark.

“Every year our speakers, exhibitors and attendees from across the country and globe look forward to Indoor Ag-Con as it brings together our industry as a community to hold important discussions on timely topics and show off what’s new in indoor agriculture,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “This year we experienced record exhibitor growth and attracted companies and attendees from 35 countries to our global event. Next year, we are moving to a new location providing more expo and meeting space as we continue to grow with this ever-evolving industry.”

Among the 11^th Annual Edition highlights:

Keynote Sessions
Each year, Indoor Ag-Con features three inspiring Keynotes and this year’s all-star speakers included Paul Sellew, Founder and CEO of Little Leaf Farms. A mid-morning keynote on day one, “Leader Insights: Charting the Future Landscape of Controlled Environment Agriculture”, was led by industry veterans Moderator, Daniel Malech, Board Chair, SVP CEA Alliance for Plenty, Jim DiMenna, President of Red Sun Farms, Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO of Gotham Greens, and Matt Ryan, CEO of Soli Organic. Adam Bergman, Managing Director, Clean Energy Transition Group, Global Head of AgTech for Citi, delivered the day two morning keynote address.

Educational Tracks & Expo Floor Theater Panel Discussions
The Conference features two jam-packed days of educational and insightful sessions from 90+ speakers in four tracks including Planning & Operations, Grower, Cultivating Possibilities and NEW this year, the Cannabis track.

Sold Out Expo Floor
In 2024, the Expo Hall grew and expanded boasting 207 world-class companies in 287 Booths that showcased the most cutting-edge technologies, products and services in the indoor agriculture industry from lighting and control systems to substrates, equipment, irrigation systems.

Networking Opportunities
Daily lunches and an afternoon cocktail reception on the expo floor expanded the show’s networking opportunities.

Indoor Ag-Con |Philips VIP Welcome Party
Back by popular demand, Philips Horticulture LED Solutions teamed up once again with Indoor Ag-Con to tee-up the 2024 edition with a VIP Welcome Par-tee on Sunday evening, March 10 at Topgolf Las Vegas. Indoor Ag-Con conference speakers and other industry VIPs came together for an incredible evening of golf, networking, cocktails, food, music and fun – all compliments of Philips LED Horticultural Lighting.

Looking ahead, Indoor Ag-Con Las Vegas will move to the Westgate Las Vegas for its March 11-12, 2025 edition. The new location provides additional expo floor and meeting room space to accommodate the event’s steady growth.

For more information, please visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT:

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Trend Report Part Two – Indoor Ag-Con 2024

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on February 28, 2024. Posted in Blog, Exhibitor News, Press Releases.

Climate Control, Smart Irrigation, Healthy Super Food

(Photos L-R from Hoogendoorn, FabricAir, NGS, Pure Life Carbon and Dramm)

Indoor Ag-Con returns March 11-12 to Caesars Forum Las Vegas offering attendees an insider look into the driving forces behind the ever-evolving vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture industry. Boasting an expanded Expo Hall with 200+ exhibiting companies showcasing the most cutting-edge products, services and tools on the market, Indoor Ag-Con will offer an immersive experience to farmers, growers, ag tech leaders, suppliers, advocates and enthusiasts.

As a follow-up to Indoor Ag-Con Trend Report One issued earlier this year, below are some of the latest trends shaping the indoor agriculture industry today and a selection of product highlights from Indoor Ag-Con 2024 exhibitors.

Climate Control

In recent years, climate control has emerged as a pivotal trend in indoor agriculture, revolutionizing the way crops are grown in controlled environments. With a heightened focus on sustainability and food security, growers are increasingly turning to sophisticated climate control systems to optimize growing conditions regardless of external weather patterns. These systems integrate advanced technologies such as sensors, automated ventilation, and LED lighting, to create tailored environments that mimic ideal growing conditions. By fine-tuning factors like temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity, indoor farmers can achieve higher yields, faster growth cycles, and superior crop quality while conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Groupe Eode, (Booth 1306) in partnership with ECU Plus, ATC, and GPS, offers a comprehensive precision climate solution, assisting growers in increasing yields while minimizing risks and energy costs. The ECU plus is a new product line offering a HVAC system capable of delivering the most precise temperature and humidity control in the industry, with exceptional energy efficiency. GPS is a new product line reducing and controlling mildew and pathogen by generating ions in the space. Cost effective and without any maintenance or replacement parts.

Hoogendoorn Growth Management’s (Booth 600) flagship product, IIVO, is a revolutionary climate computer equipped with Intelligent Algorithms, streamlining greenhouse management. IIVO not only simplifies climate optimization but also stands out with proactive Intelligent Algorithms that continuously fine-tune climate control based on forecasted weather conditions, ensuring peak efficiency in greenhouse operations.

Microclimates (Booth 701) is an innovative technology firm specializing in environmental automation tailored for the controlled agricultural sector. In an era where automation systems often operate independently, lacking seamless communication, Microclimates introduces a groundbreaking solution. Unlike traditional siloed approaches, the platform transcends hardware dependencies, providing a unified ecosystem. Through the platform, disparate systems—ranging from climate control and lighting to irrigation and fertigation—are seamlessly integrated onto a single user-friendly interface, facilitating harmonized data management and optimal operational efficiency. Microclimates partnered with Veea Inc. to launch LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) as the wireless solution for sensing and controlling and its low price point allows for easy deployment in any facility.

DryGair (Booth 207) develops and manufactures a patented dehumidification solution for commercial-scale horticulture, including greenhouses, nurseries, indoor grow rooms, drying rooms, and more. DG dehumidifiers combine powerful and efficient dehumidification with a unique air circulation mechanism to ensure uniform, optimal conditions in the grow space.

DesertAire (Booth 1305) offers highly efficient, purpose built integrated HVACD equipment specifically designed for indoor agriculture. Desert Aire’s GrowAire™ GreenAire™ and DriCure™ HVACD solutions provide integrated HVAC control of temperature and humidity in order to provide stable VFD to enhance and protect crops. The new Chilled Water Integrated HVACD System for CEA will be shown at Indoor Ag-Con.

FabricAir (Booth 702) provides complete air solutions for indoor farming and vertical grow operations. Their fabric-based air delivery systems are custom engineered to prevent microclimates, facilitate uniform temperature and humidity within the grow space, and allows plants to flourish through every stage of the grow cycle. FabricAir ducts are lightweight, hygienic, washable, and they don’t condensate which eliminates corrosion issues. The Rack Flow system offers custom designed airflow solutions for multi-tiered grow spaces.

A new partnership between Wageningen University & Research and Skytree (Booth 903), focuses on the use of direct air capture (DAC) technology in the Dutch horticulture industry. The project aims to explore how DAC-generated CO2 can affect plant growth, the energy efficiency of producing CO2, and the optimal integration of DAC into existing greenhouses.

Quality: The project investigates the impact of DAC-generated CO2 on plant growth, which is crucial for greenhouse quality improvements.
Energy: It measures the energy required to produce 1kg of CO2, a key factor in the sustainability of greenhouse operations.
Integration: The research focuses on optimizing DAC integration, which is essential for modernizing greenhouse infrastructure.

MJ–Tech (Booth 320) is a leader in providing high-pressure fog systems, from breeding to propagation and/or cultivation. To manage humidity, to have adiabatic cooling (lower temperatures) all in the most flexible way with your overall climate computer steering.

Smart Irrigation

Irrigation in indoor agriculture has undergone a notable transformation, driven by advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. Traditional irrigation methods, such as flood and drain systems or hand-watering, are being replaced by more precise and automated techniques. Hydroponic and aeroponic systems, utilizing nutrient-rich solutions or misting mechanisms, have gained popularity due to their ability to deliver water directly to plant roots while minimizing waste. Moreover, the integration of sensors, data analytics, and smart controls enables growers to monitor and adjust irrigation schedules in real-time, optimizing water usage and crop health. This shift towards precision irrigation not only conserves water, but also enhances crop yields and quality in indoor farming environments.

Dramm (Booth 613) is pleased to announce their partnership with CE-Line to provide in-line nutrient testing to irrigation water in North America. CE-Line is a unique, laboratory quality, nutrient analysis system that automatically samples water throughout the day. This in-line testing solution provides accurate data within an hour, eliminating the wait for test results from a remote laboratory. Sample results are securely stored in the cloud with APIs available to connect to your climate control and fertigation systems. This connectivity allows for automated optimization of nutrient levels in real-time.”

In the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector, Siemens’ (Booth 1400 and 1501) advanced controls systems, innovative infrastructure, and building automation systems empower growers to optimize crop growth, conserve resources, and increase yields—all while harnessing the power of automation and data-driven insights—leaving customers more sustainable, from the field to the table.

FGM USA (Booth 321) offers automated NFT growing systems including all irrigation and water treatment systems, as well as a propagation/vertical grow system manufactured by FGM. FGM a Danish and USA Company is a leading designer and mfg. of horticulture equipment since 1979.

HANS® (Booth 1522) has reinvented every component used to treat water – from the redundant pump to reverse osmosis elements into intelligent, efficient, space-saving devices. They are designed to work together in modular, scalable systems to meet every need. So even if your customers have brackish water, or need de-ionized water, or use a million gallons per day, HANS components can be assembled to get the job done – quickly, easily and effectively.

Super Food

Indoor agriculture presents a promising avenue for exploring alternate food sources, particularly in the realm of sustainable and innovative farming practices. Vertical farms, hydroponics, and aquaponics systems are just a few examples revolutionizing how we grow food. These methods not only maximize space but also offer opportunities to cultivate unconventional crops like microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty herbs. As indoor agriculture continues to evolve, it provides a fertile ground for experimenting with diverse food sources, offering resilience against climate change and bolstering food security for future generations.

Pure Life Carbon (Booth 1222) is a private Canadian clean AgTech firm that has developed the first re-usable, carbon sequestering, soilless growing medium for the controlled environment agriculture market. The products utilize Advanced Carbon technology to solve problems for growers that were unsolvable in the past. Pure Life Carbon is among a high-performing group of global innovators and visionaries working to feed the populations of tomorrow while healing the environment. Pure Life Carbon has developed the first re-usable, carbon sequestering, soilless growing medium for the controlled environment agriculture market.

Klassman-Dielmann’s (Booth 812) focus will be on the presentation of a genuine innovation for modern horticulture: Nygaia. Nygaia is a new and groundbreaking substrate fiber based on biopolymer technology that is biodegradable and is particularly suitable for use in hydroponic systems. Under the theme “The magic of innovation,” the completely newly developed, innovative substrate solution will be brought to life with plant examples grown in Nygaia, test kits distributed to interested guests at the Klassman-Dielmann booth or with the appearance of magician Rob Anderson during the Indoor Ag-Con Expo Floor Day One Cocktail reception!

Royal Gold (Booth 505) is the Original Coco soils company, pioneering Coconut based soils and growing mediums for nearly 2 decades. They are leaders in quality and consistency in the marketplace and focus on industry leading customer support for both hobby and commercial cultivation of all crops. Featuring a variety of soils and soilless mediums and offering OMRI/CDFA organic fertilizers and amendments, Royal Gold is the gold standard in gardening. They will be displaying the new All-purpose fertilizer and new 70/30 Coco-Perlite Blend as well as sharing information on its forthcoming Planting Mix and Potting and Propagation Mix.

BIO520 (Booth 1212) is an all-natural essential liquid mineral nutrient for optimal plant cultivation. Derived from a combination of ancient volcanic magma and sea sediments, and free of any harmful chemicals, BIO520 contains an abundance of vital minerals to help plants thrive. BIO520 is beneficial for all plants and crops, indoor or outdoor. Developed from Mother Nature for Mother Nature.

NGS (Booth 1023) manufactures hydroponics for Strawberries, Lettuces and Leafy Greens. NGS is an engineering firm which has been developing automated systems to optimize growing production both by reducing labor and by incrementing production. NGS builds greenhouses that grow lettuce in the desert as well as indoor systems for strawberries. NGS is presenting its patented rotational system for strawberries which doubles normal tabletop production. This new system is revolutionizing the way strawberries are being grown while reducing labor and production costs.

Supreme Perlite (Booth 1216) horticultural perlite products are the ideal indoor, CEA, or hydroponic growing media made here in the U.S.A from domestic raw material sources. The products are sterile, 100% natural, non-toxic, lightweight, pH neutral, durable and insulating. Used as a standalone product, expanded perlite offers clear advantages such as excellent capillarity, water-holding capacity, and air-filled porosity. Combined with other media, perlite boosts drainage rates and aeration, holds moisture and nutrients close to roots, and resists compaction as other substrates begin to break down.

EPM (Booth 521) stands at the forefront of eco-friendly plant protection, manufacturing natural solutions in the USA. They excited to debut a 3in1 plant wash, ECO Green, an innovative solution that cleans plant leaves, roots, and acts as an effective pest management alternative. Its unique blend of catalytic enzymes and citric acid not only removes dirt and biofilm but also guards against pests.

For more information on the 2024 exhibitors, please visit www.indoor.ag.

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Cultivating Change: Vertical Harvest CEO Talks Urban Farming, Local Impact, and Sustainable Futures

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on November 14, 2023. Posted in Blog.

Founded in Jackson, Wyoming in 2016, Vertical Harvest stands out as a pioneering force — fusing architectural imagination, sustainable agriculture and a commitment to inclusivity. Our CEA Q&A with CEO Nona Yehia explores the design principles and sustainability initiatives shaping her company’s growth, its newest projects in Westbrook, ME, and Detroit, MI and the meaningful difference the Vertical Harvest “Grow Well” model is making on the lives of individuals with disabilities. From redefining “local” in food production to utilizing sustainable practices, Vertical Harvest has emerged not just as a trailblazer in controlled environment agriculture, but as a leader dedicated to feeding communities and fostering a brighter, more inclusive future.

As an accomplished architect, you brought your vision of North America’s first vertical hydroponic greenhouse to life with your flagship farm in Jackson, Wyoming in 2016. Could you share the key design and sustainability principles that guided the development of Vertical Harvest, and how these principles align with the company’s broader mission?

Our first farm in Wyoming started with a simple mandate: responsibly grow as much food as possible within our community (which has a four-month growing season and imports 90% of the food we eat) and to create job opportunities for people who live in our community, especially ones who suffer overwhelming unemployment rates, like people with disabilities. Our goal was to pursue both missions simultaneously, year-round via indoor growing, and work within the parameters of a city very scarce on available land and with a seasonable economy/labor pool.

And as an architect I’ve always been driven to try and understand the systems that build communities, how they support people, and conversely how they fail people, so it was amazing to dig into this in my own backyard. And I’ve rooted my career in the notion that the buildings and systems that make up the fabric of our cities, can and should be designed to meet the challenges of the 21st century – and be designed to serve all members of our 21st century society, especially those on the margins. States and cities are also recognizing that we need to do things differently, we need different approaches to climate adaptation as traditional agricultural systems come under greater stress.

Efforts to re-localize food production will be one of these different approaches and is a growing trend. As is indoor agriculture that can provide increased yields using fewer resources and climate proof our food supply against extreme weather.

So that’s how we became vertical farmers, designing and operating large scale indoor urban farms that grow better food and futures. We’ve seen how our farm is a new type of infrastructure that embodies conscious and radical inclusion — amplifying the voices of all to cultivate a new and burgeoning industry.

Vertical Harvest is expanding into different locations, such as the Westbrook, Maine farm and the recently announced project in Detroit. Can you share more about these projects and how they align with your mission of “feeding locals first” and supporting local food economies?

Vertical Harvest Maine — Vertical Harvest Westbrook rendering.

We imagine and advocate for a food system where everyone has the right to healthy food. Our goal to “feed locals first” prioritizes 70% of our produce going to customers within 150 miles of our farms — for the record we don’t call 400 miles “local” — and to meet the needs of the communities we’re growing in before we tap into wider distribution networks. To achieve this we look at the entire “community-as-our-customer” – so not just retail but also the small and medium businesses that make up the local culinary community as well as stalwart community institutions like hospitals, school systems, nursing homes and college campuses. On top of that we aim to divert 4 – 5 % of our farm’s total output specifically into low-income, low-access (LILA) channels, like food rescue operations and the charitable pantry system.

Vertical Harvest Detroit rendering — Vertical Harvest Detroit Rendering

Because of this focus on local food going to local folks, our farms are intentionally built within urban areas to both bolster the local food system and address food insecurity in the same communities where we farm. Our goal then becomes to replicate this mission across a national network of local farms. This is true in Westbrook, ME, a city in and of itself within the greater Portland Metro area, where we expect to be a meaningful contributor to the New England Food Vision of growing 30% of food locally by 2030. And it’s definitely true in Detroit, where we’re building in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood with Bedrock Detroit. We’re very excited about exploring an even deeper level of opportunity there to imagine how we can use our farm to connect with all of the revitalization and infrastructure investment happening in that city (coincidentally, also my hometown and recently voted the #1 city in the world for start-ups).

Your commitment to employing people with disabilities and focusing on their abilities is inspiring. Can you elaborate on the impact this approach has had on the lives of your employees and how it has enhanced your company’s performance and mission?

Vertical Harvest Co-Founders Nona Yehia and Caroline Croft Estay

Employing people with disabilities is personal. I grew up with a brother with developmental disabilities and from an early age, I observed how society treated him differently, with less opportunities. So when we set out to build the country’s first indoor vertical greenhouse, we wanted to implement a one-of-a-kind workforce model, too. Together, with my co-founder, Caroline Croft Estay – a former case manager in Teton County– we imagined “Grow Well,” a customized employment model fostering professional development, personal discovery and community impact. This person-centered approach aligns professional, personal and community components of the workplace to ensure the development of job skills, growth, accountability and engaged citizenship.

Across the country people with disabilities suffer on average an 80% unemployment rate, but at our farms we start by focusing on ability vs disability. And 40% of our folks are
differently-abled. For some we’re they’re first experience of meaningful and stable employment they’ve been offered. Others, even those with college degrees, often found themselves offered only entry level positions like cleaner or dishwasher.

In our 7 years of operation we’ve helped employees open bank accounts, sign their first lease, reverse evictions, get their driver’s license, earn back their guardianships and acted as health advocates as employees work to coordinate care across multiple doctors and health systems. These are real outcomes of our Grow Well customized employment program that we’re intensely proud of….

But also, our commitment to our people is an absolute brand differentiator. We like to say people come to the farm because they like our story, but they come back because of the quality of the product. We’re not in this for pity pennies – in fact that would undermine our whole mission to prove that neurodiverse minds, different life experiences and a range of perspectives make for stronger teams. And the fact that we are able to weave a great product and a great purpose together earns us tremendous brand loyalty and love.

Sustainability is a key focus for Vertical Harvest. Can you share some of the sustainable practices and technologies you implement in your operations and how they contribute to reducing environmental impact?

We’re committed to continuous improvement and innovation to enhance our own sustainability and in the indoor ag industry at large. We’re collaborating with the Resource Innovation Institute and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy to create the first of its kind benchmarking report for the CEA sector. This USDA-grant funded program is collecting 4 years of data to inform the strengths and weaknesses of production methods. Additionally, our Wyoming facility acts as an R&D lab to test strategies for maximizing yield, including crop-specific growing and harvesting techniques like optimal lighting, climate controls, rack density and crop transport automation. Our work in that farm has been recognized by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the U.S. Department of Energy for our sustainable approach to natural and supplemental lighting. And then all future “next generation” farms are designed to be 100% electric. We like to say as the grid gets greener, so are we. And we’re always trying for more sustainable sourcing from our suppliers and keep a close eye on new technologies that enter the market.

What’s next for Vertical Harvest?

We have a roadmap for expansion – in addition to Maine opening and Detroit breaking ground next year, we hope to be announcing another 1 – 2 farms as well. Every farm will share some core features (like the Grow Well model and a commitment to prioritizing local), but also with a level of customization so each farm can adapt to the specific needs of the community they’re rooted in.

The needs of local ethnic communities and their culinary heritage is a great example, and we’re already trialing certain herbs and aromatics that are being requested in Maine. So, just as the farm in Jackson is a reflection of our western heritage and abundant outdoor adventure scene, the farm in Westbrook, ME will take on its own personality adapting to its place, space and culture. And of course, that goes for Detroit too and all our future farms as well, because we believe hope lies in the local. We know that real community is built through the tables we set, who we make a place for and the love and care and nourishment that gets mixed into every dish. We’re excited to dig in!

About Nona Yehia

An accomplished architect by training, and principal of GYDE Architects in Jackson Hole, WY, Nona designed North America’s first vertical hydroponic greenhouse and founded Vertical Harvest Farms. Alongside her co-founder, Caroline Croft-Estay, Nona pioneered an inclusive, customized employment model for people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Vertical Harvest grew from Nona’s experiences growing up with a brother with developmental disabilities, love of fresh and local food, obsession with great design, and long-standing community involvement. Nona’s dynamic leadership style has led to recognition as a CNN Champion of Change. She is a Tony Hsieh Award Fellow and a Cities Member on World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council. Vertical Harvest is a 2x finalist for Fast Company’s Best Places to Work for Innovators. Nona graduated from the University of Michigan and earned a Masters degree in architecture from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. She resides in Jackson, WY.

Learn more about Nona and Vertical Harvest —visit the company website.