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Tag: microgreens

Sprouting Success: ISGA Returns To Indoor Ag-Con For 2026 Las Vegas Edition

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

Annual Convention Brings the Global Sprout Industry Together with the CEA Community For Expanded Networking, Education & Innovation

Building on the successful 2025 partnership, Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for controlled environment agriculture (CEA), is pleased to announce that the International Sprout Growers Association (ISGA) will once again co-locate its Annual Convention with Indoor Ag-Con’s upcoming edition, February 11-12, 2026, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

The 2025 collaboration united sprout and microgreen growers, greenhouse operators, vertical farmers, CEA innovators, researchers, suppliers, and other industry leaders from around the world for two days of networking, education, and dealmaking. The 2026 return promises to expand on that success — offering ISGA members full access to Indoor Ag-Con’s show floor, educational sessions, and networking events, while Indoor Ag-Con attendees can tap into ISGA’s specialized sprout-focused programming.

The ISGA 34th Annual Educational Convention track will spotlight:

• Keynote: Frank Yiannas — Former Deputy Commissioner for Food at the U.S. FDA and food safety leader for Disney and Walmart—sharing strategies to foster a culture of safety, innovation, and excellence.
• Dr. Kathleen Liang — W.K. Kellogg Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Agriculture—diving into The Future of Sprouts, nature’s healthiest food, and inspiring new ways to integrate sprouts into diets worldwide.
• Additional sessions packed with industry insights, history, and innovation in indoor agriculture—coming soon.

“Indoor Ag-Con is thrilled to welcome ISGA back for our 2026 event,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “This partnership creates a powerhouse gathering for the global CEA Community — bringing together growers, innovators and suppliers to share ideas, spark partnerships, and drive the next wave of industry growth.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has become the largest trade show and conference for the CEA sector, encompassing vertical farming, greenhouse production, and more. Crop-agnostic in its approach, the event covers everything from produce and cannabis to alternate proteins and non-food crops. Indoor Ag-Con brings together industry professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations shaping the future of agriculture. More information – www.indoor.ag

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SPROUT GROWERS ASSOCIATION (ISGA)
Since 1989, ISGA (The International Sprout Growers Association) has served as the global voice of sprout growers and suppliers, representing members across North & South America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. With a mission to advance the sprout industry, ISGA promotes best practices, fosters global information exchange, and champions sprouts as a cornerstone of a healthier, more sustainable future. More information – www.isga-sprouts.org

Indoor Ag-Conversations

Beyond the Box: The Realities of Container Farming in 2025

Written by Kyle Barnett, Founder, KB CEA Consulting on . Posted in Blog.

The recent Indoor Ag-Conversations  panel brought together four seasoned voices from the container farming world. The session was moderated by Grant Anderson of Better Fresh Farms, a container farm operator, and featured three manufacturers as panelists: Matt Daniels (AmplifiedAg®), Glenn Behrman (CEA Advisors LLC), and Tripp Williamson (Vertical Crop Consultants).

Their goal? To offer a clear-eyed look at what’s working, what’s not, and where the industry goes from here.

What followed was one of the most honest, detailed discussions the container farming sector has seen in some time.

Is Container Farming Still Viable?

The consensus: Yes, but only if expectations are reset.

As Matt Daniels noted, “It’s still viable, just not in the way we all thought it would be.” Most panelists agreed that early marketing painted an overly rosy picture, luring operators with promises of easy ROI and plug-and-play farming. That pitch didn’t match reality. Now, the model is evolving into something more grounded and focused: smaller, local, specialty-driven, and built with a deep understanding of both market and margins.

As Grant Anderson shared from personal experience, “We’ve all felt the sting of overpromised systems that didn’t deliver. But if your market can consistently consume what you grow, container farms can absolutely work.”

Indoor Ag-Conversations: The State & Future of Container FarmingWhy Do So Many Fail?

The panel didn’t hold back: false promises, poor support, and a fundamental misunderstanding of what it takes to farm were cited repeatedly.

Glenn Behrman offered a blunt assessment: “Container farming isn’t for everyone, and it was sold like it was. The Freight Farms model led people to believe it was a tech play with automatic profits. That did serious harm.”

Panelists emphasized that running a container farm is more than a side hustle. It takes entrepreneurial grit, an appetite for learning, and a willingness to work through the inevitable failures. The most successful operators, they agreed, aren’t necessarily those with ag backgrounds, but they are relentless learners and problem-solvers.

Who Should Be a Container Farmer?

Tripp put it simply: “People with a teaspoon of passion and a gallon of grit.”

The ideal operator, according to the panel, blends curiosity, resilience, and humility. You don’t have to be an agronomist, but you do have to be ready to show up every day, learn from failure, and adapt quickly.

Matt Daniels added that transparency is key: “We don’t just drop off a farm and wish you luck. We walk growers through multiple grow cycles because support is everything.”

Real ROI: Hope or Hype?

When asked about return on investment, every panelist pushed back on the idea of quick payback. There is no one-size-fits-all ROI in container farming. Power rates, market access, and product quality all play a role.

“You’ve got to move 85 to 95 percent of your product, every week, all year, to stay ahead,” Anderson said. “You can’t just copy a spreadsheet and expect it to work.”

What’s Actually Working in 2025?

Mushrooms, microgreens, and specialty crops like edible flowers came up repeatedly as strong plays.

These products tend to have better margins, faster cycles, and more niche demand, especially in foodservice. As Williamson explained, “You’ve got to get good at a few things. Don’t try to grow everything for everyone.”

Daniels echoed that, encouraging farmers to dial in a repeatable process before chasing new crop types.

Navigating the Freight Farms Fallout

With Freight Farms filing for bankruptcy, many operators are left in limbo. The panelists addressed this directly.

Both AmplifiedAg and Vertical Crop Consultants are working on retrofit kits to help stranded growers keep their systems operational. Daniels noted their goal is to provide “lightweight, low-cost” upgrades that restore functionality without requiring a full rebuild.

Behrman added that the crisis should be a reset moment for the industry. “It’s a chance to raise the standard. Honest, trustworthy systems. Realistic pricing. No more smoke and mirrors.”

Final Advice for New Entrants

  • Go slow. Do your homework and don’t rush the purchase process.
  • Know your market. Don’t build until you know who you’re selling to.
  • Volunteer first. Get hands-on experience before investing.
  • Keep it simple. Avoid overengineered systems with too many failure points.
  • Stay focused. Nail three or four products before expanding your offerings.

Anderson wrapped up the panel with a simple takeaway: “The container is just a tool. Your business model, your support system, and your discipline will determine your success.”

 

About Kyle Barnett
Kyle BarnettWith over a decade of experience in Controlled Environment Agriculture, Kyle Barnett has built a career at the intersection of hands-on production, strategic sales, and industry leadership. From early roles as a grower to closing multimillion-dollar deals and advising leading suppliers, his work has consistently been driven by results and grounded in integrity. He leads panel development for Indoor Ag-Con, produces and hosts the CropTalk podcast (launched in 2019 and now with over 250 episodes), and consults with some of the most forward-thinking companies in the space. His approach is rooted in facts, offering clear insights, honest conversations, and practical strategies that help businesses grow. Learn more at www.kbcea.com

Malaias Microgreens

From Backyard Shed to Michelin Star Supplier: Malaia’s Microgreens’ Indoor Farming Journey

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

In just a few short years, Malaia’s Microgreens has transformed from a humble backyard operation to a thriving business supplying top-tier microgreens to some of California’s premier Michelin Star restaurants. Co-founders Malaia Martinez and Jaebin Yoo took a bold leap into the world of indoor farming with no prior experience, relying on passion, perseverance, and innovative problem-solving to scale their business. In this month’s CEA Q&A, Malaia shares their journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their vision for the future, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to succeed in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry.

Malaia's MicrogreensWhen did you open for business and how did you take the plunge into indoor farming or….What was your “I can do this!” moment?

In the winter of 2020, we purchased a small shed and built a ‘micro farm’ located in a neighbor’s backyard. We literally used our entire savings and even pawned off Jaebin’s camera equipment! Our decision to fully commit to indoor farming stemmed from the bold optimism only a pair of 20-year-olds could muster. During these nascent stages it was impossible for us to foresee all the impending challenges. Driven by our passion for plants, we charged ahead, undeterred by what we couldn’t yet see.

Neither of us had formal experience in agriculture or business, but we were quick learners, relying on the Internet, YouTube, and good old-fashioned trial and error. Reflecting on those early days, I’m amazed at how we embraced challenges which seemed insurmountable at the time. We learned to navigate uncertainty. After outgrowing the shed, we moved into my garage, only to be forced out when the landlord discovered our business!

That moment marked our biggest leap of faith. We could either shut down or double down. We didn’t hesitate—we doubled down. Securing a loan from the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) we landed our first commercial location in Irvine, California. Every step was a risk, with no guarantees, but our determined mindset laid the foundation for what our business has become today.

As a small-scale indoor grower, what have been some of the challenges you’ve overcome in an industry which seemingly has several large, well-funded players?

As a small-scale grower, we always face a challenge of resources compared to well-funded companies. Malaia’s Microgreens does not have the same level of capital to invest in staffing and equipment, which forces us to be scrappy and creative. Our farm runs a tight ship of 5 team members where our roles are constantly evolving to fit the task at hand. Although difficult at times, this allows us to have an intimate connection to almost every aspect of our business. We currently don’t have the resources to invest in highly expensive equipment so over the years, we’ve ended up developing our own proprietary farm technology to improve efficiencies at manageable costs. For example, we’ve developed our own automatic watering system, tray washer, tray potter, and more, at a fraction of the cost of the equivalent equipment for sale on the open market. These functions all play a part in our ability to scale, which in turn affects our opportunities to work with other companies and potential channel partners like produce distributors who require large volumes, which incentivizes our need to scale. But we do so in a way that does not hurt our business operations (see ‘death by growth’). We are always focused on incremental growth and creative decision-making.

Malaia's Microgreens Please share your customer make-up and what have you learned about their needs and requirements?

At Malaia’s Microgreens, our primary customers are fine dining establishments and chef-owned restaurant concepts. Every chef we partner with is an artist, a master of their craft and they incorporate our microgreens to add the final touches, accentuating their dishes before they reach the table. Our unwavering commitment to quality, food safety, and extended shelf life consistently wins over our clients.

We’ve learned that some microgreen providers have traditionally suffered from a reputation of poor quality and short shelf life. This makes it easy for us to stand out—chefs instantly recognize the superior quality of our product. Even more impressive is when they see our microgreens lasting three times longer in their fridge compared to the industry standard.

With strong values and a dedicated team focused on building close relationships with chefs to fully understand their unique needs, we’ve excelled in the fine dining scene. We’re proud to work with every Michelin Star restaurant in Orange County, California and within the next year, we plan to work with all the Michelin Star restaurants in Los Angeles as well!

Malaia's Migrogreens What has been the most satisfying aspect of operating Malaia’s Microgreens?

Our partnership. For both Jaebin and me, the most rewarding part of running this business has been the strength of our partnership. While we’ve enjoyed the complexity of building the business, learning about controlled environment agriculture, working with chefs, etc., we both know it’s only possible because we complement each other so well. One’s strengths naturally balance the other’s weaknesses, and vice versa. It’s incredibly fulfilling to have someone in your corner, especially through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

What truly makes our partnership so strong is neither of us is willing to give up! We are completely aligned in our belief that grit and perseverance will take us far, and every year, we see this belief bear fruit.

What words of wisdom would you tell those who seek to start their own small-scale indoor farm?

Farming is not for the faint of heart! At the end of the day, indoor farming must be treated as a business based on the many costs involved. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to get swept up in the magic of indoor farming without realizing the substantial expenses associated with construction, food safety (certifications and audits), equipment, labor, and more. Once you get a handle on these costs, you must work twice as hard to drive sales and find opportunities to make your investments provide a tangible return. Surprisingly, for us, the actual farming has been far less challenging than the business operations side.

However, if you’re committed to the cause, you must seek out and take all the help you can find. Reach out to local growers, speak to your local SBDC, and build a strong support system to help you along the way. Malaia’s Microgreens was not just built by 2 people, but rather through an entire team of supporters.

What’s on the horizon for Malaia’s Microgreens?

The future is bright for Malaia’s Microgreens! We recently secured a $250,000 grant from the CDFA (California Department of Food & Agriculture), which will enable us to expand our facilities to four times our current size. In this new location, we plan to collaborate with major produce distributors, invest in community outreach initiatives, and further develop our proprietary systems.

We’re also excited to grow our team by focusing on hiring from within our local community. Additionally, we aim to invest in educational opportunities, offering students, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists a chance to learn more about controlled environment agriculture.

Looking further ahead, our long-term goals will extend beyond microgreens. We’re passionate about indoor farming and exploring how systems like ours can be replicated to support farmers in regions where climate challenges make crop success nearly impossible.

 

malaia's microgreens

Learn more about Malaia’s Microgreens here.  And  hear more about their journey as Malaia joins the speaker roster for the upcoming Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, 2025 as a presenter in the conference session: Cultivating Success: The Grit Behind Building a CEA Business

Shawn Woods GoodLeaf Farms

Canada’s Largest Commercial Vertical Farm | Q&A With GoodLeaf Farms’ Shawn Woods

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

GoodLeaf FarmsWhat started in 2011 as a dream to deliver fresh, nutritious produce to Canadians year-round has become reality. As Canada’s first and largest commercial vertical farming operation, GoodLeaf Farms began supplying microgreens and baby greens to retail locations and restaurants throughout Ontario in 2019.

Indoor Ag-Con is excited to kick off our 2022 Indoor Ag-Conversations webinar series on June 1, 2022 at 2:30 pm ET with the idea-packed case study session , “A Dream Becomes Reality” with GoodLeaf Farm Manager Shawn Woods and equipment partners from Signify & Montel.  Ahead of the webinar, we had the chance to catch up with Shawn to learn a little more about how GoodLeaf is delivering on its mission and what’s next for the growing company.

 What are you growing at your Guelph, Ontario operation, and, what differentiates GoodLeaf from other vertical farms in the marketplace

GoodLeaf FarmsWe are currently growing microgreens  — Spicy Mustard Medley, Pea Shoots, Asian Blend, Micro Arugula, Micro Radish, and Micro Broccoli —  and baby greens – Ontario Arugula, Ontario Spring Mix and Ontario Baby Spinach.

In terms of what sets us apart, we are Canada’s largest commercial vertical farm, and the only one with scale to supply the major grocery chains with safe, fresh, and healthy greens. We lead the industry in Food Safety with SQF Level 2 Certification and a positive release program, which  means that we test every harvest for pathogens and only release them once they have been cleared by our internal lab

In addition, our proprietary technology enables us to grow nutrient-dense local food that is environmentally conscious 365 days a year.

From Day One, our focus has been on growing healthy, tasty food that people want to eat. We use our technology to grow food, while others use technology to collect data.

 

Sustainability is a key part of your mission. Can you share some of GoodLeaf’s sustainable practices and initiatives?

GoodLeaf Farms Sustainable PracticesOur sustainable practices include:

  • Water use in vertical farming is 95 per cent less than traditional farming methods.
  • More food can be grown per acre, maximizing use of space, and limiting land use.
  • Because our farm is indoors in an environment that is almost entirely controlled, there are no pests, bugs, or birds — and thus no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides are used.
  • The water used is cleaned and recirculated, so there are no run-off issues.
  • Peat / Soil is recycled and re-used in landscaping.
  • Favorable carbon footprint compared to traditional farming.
  • By providing a local food source, we are removing thousands of food miles annually; Leafy greens coming from the southwestern United States are trucked across the continent, burning fossil fuels the whole way.

 

Last year, GoodLeaf announced an aggressive growth and expansion plan to build a national network of vertical farms.   Can you share updates, including progress on the Calgary project?

GoodLeaf FarmsConstruction on our Calgary farm is well under way. We are on schedule to have the 95,000-square-foot farm open and providing fresh leafy greens to grocery stores across Western Canada in first half of next year.

We are continuing to move forward with our plans for a similar facility in the Montreal area but are not able to provide additional information at this time.   

 

GoodLeaf is working on a number of R&D projects with universities to advance the science & engineering of vertical farming.  Can you tell us about any of the projects currently underway?

We have an MoU with the University of Guelph to build stronger links between theoretical research, the development of technology and processes and practical application in the field.

Some of the best and most innovative agricultural research in Canada happens at the University of Guelph. Building on the vertical farm technology we have already developed and are using; it will be exciting to see where this partnership can take us.

Some of the projects currently under way with the University of Guelph include research into:

  • Enhancing yields, plant science and new product development.
  • Substrates, growing compounds, and microbiology.
  • Human resources and training future experts in the field of vertical farming.

 

What’s next for GoodLeaf ?

GoodLeaf FarmsWe are constantly innovating and experimenting with new processes and products to bring the best possible leafy greens to Canadian consumers.

Efforts continue to build partnerships with grocery retailers across Canada, and we are aggressively pursuing growth into the restaurant and hospitality sector. Chefs can do wondrous things with our leafy greens, and we are excited to see where this journey will take us.

While Canada is our priority today, we can’t wait to bring our greens to consumers across the globe

What’s more, we are excited about other opportunities for vertical farming to add value — expanding the portfolio beyond leafy greens or growing specialty crops for healthcare

 

To learn more about GoodLeaf Farms, visit the website at www.goodleaffarms.com  and check out this video that takes you through a quick tour of GoodLeaf’s seeding and grow rooms, harvesting and packaging:

 

Quick Plug

Quick Plug: How BioStrate® Can Help With Your Growing Needs?

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Exhibitor News.

BioStrate® from Quick Plug: Biobased Propagation Felt continues to be a Premier food safe growing textile for Commercial Microgreen Growers and Hobbyist alike. Manufactured with 100% Biobased fibers, the BioStrate® Felt provides the optimal environment for dense healthy root development with efficient air and water management.

And after the microgreens are harvested, the BioStrate® 185gsm is certified industrial compostable allowing for sustainable environmental stewardship. With more than 10 million square feet delivered, the BioStrate® Felt is aconsistent media providing ongoing reliable benefits that growers trust.

The patented Hamama® Grow Kit and Seed Quilts® are innovations that incorporate the BioStrate® Felt and makes microgreen and micro herb production success super easy. The Hamama® Grow Kit with pre packaged,fully contained Seed Quilts® allows for the microgreens to be grown clean and safe without using unwanted soils,pesticides or fertilizers. Even for those without a “green thumb,”the grower simply has to add water to the tray and Seed Quilts® andthe seed germination begins! With 10 exciting microgreen varieties ,it is a fun way to eat healthy and fresh superfoods.

 

The BioStrate®: Biobased Propagation Felt was developed and is manufactured by Quick Plug in North America. At Quick Plug, we pride ourselves on finding solutions through close collaboration with the grower.
We design and manufacture stabilized growing media and specialized substrates for most any crop and culture practices.

Quick Plug growing media products are designed to reduce labor, boost root development and increase germination rates.

To learn more about the BioStrate,® microgreens and the Hamama® Grow Kit and Seed Quilts® please visit these websites: Hamama.com or Quickplug.global.

Notes From the Field: Evofactor Enhances Microgreens Production

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Exhibitor News.

The mighty microgreen has become a chef and consumer darling over the last few years because they’re nutrient dense and pack a flavor punch. Growers looking to get the most out of each tray have a new way to meet demand.

In a field trial with a multi-state, commercial microgreens grower and Indoor Ag-Con 2021 Exhibitor, Verano365, introduced their nutrient adjuvant, Evofactor®. The grower tested the fertilizer enhancer on four different varieties of microgreens to help boost yield per tray.

In basil, red sorrel, cilantro, and mild microgreens, the grower applied 3.5oz of Evofactor for every 1lb of actual Nitrogen to the stock tank. At the conclusion of the trial:

 Basil yield was up 8.3%
 Red Sorrel gained 28.3%
 Mild variety increased 16.9%
 Cilantro put on 13.3% more yield

The growing cycle ranged from nine days for some varieties, up to 21 days for others. Across the board, the product enhanced tray weight.

Herbert Rabalais, president of Verano365 shared, “In working with microgreen producers, we’ve seen excellent results from low use rates of Evofactor. Growers have shared that they’ve noticed better germination rates when using our product on microgreens, producing denser flats, and ultimately seeing trays that weigh more than the trays produced with standard growing practices.”

Evofactor is formulated with Verano365’s OpusMAX®, a carrier that creates supramolecular structures of the active ingredients in fertilizers, ultimately delivering highly concentrated nutrients to the plant.

Rabalais went on to say, “It’s easy for a grower to see a return on investment with Evofactor. If they can produce 8 to 25% more microgreens for pennies per tray, they can quickly do that math to see how the product will help maximize their profit per square foot.”

Evofactor is registered in all 50 states and is available from distribution partners: BFG Supply Co., BWI Companies, and Griffin Greenhouse Supplies.

The Underutilized Labor Market For Controlled Environment Agriculture | CEA

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

Recently, Lou Driever, grower for The Abilities Connection (TAC), a 501(c)3 that provides vocational rehabilitation for adults with developmental disabilities,  reached out to us regarding the labor market for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).  He wanted to share what his organization and others are doing to help provide local greenhouse / nursery employers with trained, experienced workers ready to be employed in an integrated setting.

“CEA involves a lot of repetitive activity where clearly defined observations are crucial to efficiently nourish, harvest and pack produce,” said Driever.  “Regretfully, it’s not a great pathway to riches for average hands-on workers. It’s tough for employers to find enthusiastic workers that relish the scope of work who will show up for work faithfully while drawing minimum wage.  There is an underutilized labor market that can meet these needs.”

TAC IndustriesDriever went on to detail how TAC has operated a 3,000 square foot greenhouse and 1,000 square foot grow room raising leafy greens for the past 10 years.

“By teaching our individuals how to plant, transplant, harvest and pack produce (following strict QC / sanitary guidelines) we can provide local greenhouse / nursery employers with trained, experienced workers ready to be employed in an integrated setting.  We aren’t alone,” he added. “We are a member of the Growing Opportunities Partnership – a group of 10 different organizations sharing the same approach and methodology.  Even WE aren’t alone – there are probably at least 20 other groups across the country with the same mission.  That doesn’t include organizations providing vocational rehabilitation using greenhouse settings to veterans with PTSD, those previously incarcerated or in other socially disadvantaged groups.  Each of these can be a resource for employers – if they are aware of them.”

Driever shared information on the 10 organizations comprising the Growing Opportunities Partnership below and has offered to field any questions you might have, as he can connect you with an organization best suited to your geography  He can be reached at 937-525-7500.

The Arnold Center/We Grow – Midland, Michigan
Greg Knop | gknopp@arnoldcenter.org  |   ph 989-898-1592

The Arnold CenterLaunched in 2018, the indoor farm has approximately 6,000 square feet of space and capacity for 26,000 plants. The farm raises lettuce, kale, basil microgreens, amaranth, green and purple shiso, wasabi, cilantro and mint. Twelve full and part-time employees work at the indoor farm. They monitor the pumps, which dispense nutrients as they are needed. They transfer plants from germination to seedling stage and later to the area where plants grow to their desired size and are harvested. We have a great opportunity to explore agricultural sustainability and we’ve got a great opportunity to create jobs for people with disabilities. Arnold Farms uses no pesticides, and the founder Craig Varterian likes to call the facilities plants ‘purer than organic’. What’s Varterian’s dream for the future of Arnold Farms? He’d like to employ this kind of farming around the country, especially in ‘food deserts’ where food isn’t easily accessible.  “I’d like to see people with disabilities as leaders around the country in this type of farming,” he adds.  More information is available here. 

Developmental Disabilities Institute – Long Island, New York
Thomas Forester (Assistant Director) ph 631-360-4604

DDIFounded in 1961, DDI is a dynamic, non-profit agency with more than 30 locations throughout Long Island, NY.  It provides special education, vocational , day and residential programs, as well as healthcare services for more than 5,000 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.  The Horticulture curriculum of DDI offers greenhouse opportunities to more than 300 adults served in Adult Day Services.  The greenhouse has been in operation for more than 30 years.  Some of the vegetables include peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, squash, kale and various herbs to name a few.  The greenhouse offers 1,500 square feet of growing space.  This enables the DDI team to grow vegetables indoors during the colder weather.  Vegetables grown are either sold at farmers markets or used at various site for cooking classes.  More information is available here.

Greens Do Good – Hackensack, New Jersey
Jessalin Jaume, Farm Manger and Jennifer Faust, Operations Manager.   ph 201-960-2355

Greens Do GoodGreens Do Good raises microgreens, basil and butterhead lettuce hydroponically in Hoboken, New Jersey. They donate 100% of their proceeds to REED Next, a nonprofit organization supporting adults with autism. This helps provide continued education, life experience, and work opportunities so that these individuals can achieve greater independence and participate meaningfully in their communities. Greens Do Good also provides these individuals the opportunity to work at our farm. Our focus is on providing local businesses with top-quality, locally grown ingredients year-round. We hand-pick and pack our produce at the height of freshness and deliver them straight to our customer’s door for peak taste and nutrition. In the future, we hope to open more farms with the goal of expanding and continuing to create sustainable funding for REED Next. More information about our work is available here

Lettuce Dream – Maryville, Missouri
Charlie Clodfelter  (Director) ph 660-224-2203

Lettuce DreamLettuce Dream is a social enterprise engaged in hydroponic farming that exists to provide meaningful employment and job training programs for persons with cognitive or developmental disabilities so that they may enjoy the benefits of living, working and fully participating in our community.  Lettuce Dream was founded in 2016 and operates a 6700 square foot hydroponic greenhouse. Lettuce Dream helps to provide workplace skill training for young adults with intellectual disabilities. The people with disabilities in Lettuce Dream’s program take part in an internship alongside volunteers from the community, staff and their college peers from Northwest Missouri State University growing 500-700 lbs of leafy greens and living basil per week. The interns in the program help with all aspects of Lettuce Dream’s business operations including- seeding, transplant, packaging, food safety recordkeeping, data entry, invoicing and customer service. After obtaining the necessary pre-vocational skills and developing their resumes through the internship program, Lettuce Dream helps the interns transition to community employment. Lettuce Dream helps the individuals in the program secure jobs and provides further on the job support through job coaching. Since their founding, Lettuce Dream has helped provide employment supports for 24 people with disabilities and has an 83% placement rate for individuals that have completed the program.  More information is available here.

Medina Creative Produce – Medina, Ohio
Cheryl Kukwa (Greenhouse Manager) ph 330-591-4434

Medina Creative PRoduceMedina Creative Produce provides vocational training for students from Medina County School Districts and adults with physical and developmental disabilities, many whom are residents of Medina Creative Housing. Workers develop skills such as cultivating, harvesting and marketing locally grown, nutrient rich Butter Bibb and Romaine lettuce. Our hydroponic greenhouse is fully handicapped accessible to accommodate the broad spectrum of individuals with disabilities that we serve. In 2011, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held celebrating the opening of our hydroponic greenhouse, which supplies local restaurants, schools and area businesses with gourmet lettuce. A weekly harvest produces on average six hundred heads of lettuce and proceeds pay the workers’ wages. Our lettuce is used to support our café’s located at local hospitals. More information available here.

The Murdoch Center – Butner, North Carolina
Hayley Tate (Recreational Therapist) ph 919-575-1253

Murdoch Developmental CenterMurdoch Developmental Center in Butner, NC is one of three state operated developmental centers, primarily serving 25 counties of the Central Region. Murdoch provides services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), complex behavioral challenges and or medical conditions whose clinical treatment needs cannot be supported in the community. Murdoch operates four specialty programs including children and adolescents programs which are available for individuals residing in all regions of the state. Our hydroponic greenhouse is a vital component of our vocational rehabilitation program. More information is available here.

Peacehaven Farm – Whitsett, North Carolina
Buck Cochran (CEO) ph 336-449-9900

Peacehaven Community FarmPeacehaven Community Farm is a sustainable farm established in 2007 and located on 89 beautiful acres of organic gardens, rolling pastures, and lush woodlands that connects people with special needs to their community – and connects their community to them! After high school graduation, there are few housing and programming options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Peacehaven seeks to offer these folks in our community the choice to live in a farm setting within a community where people with and without disabilities live and work side by side. We use the term “Core Members” to describe the individuals with disabilities who live and work at Peacehaven. That term reflects their central status in our community. They are at the core of all that we do and are the best teachers of the values of community. Major expansions in our vocational and housing programs are planned for this year. In our hydroponic greenhouse we focus on raising lettuce, greens and culinary herbs. Partnerships with other organizations in our community and the Growing Opportunities collation represent a keystone practice for Peacehaven. More information is available in this video.

The Trellis Center – Ellensburg, Washington
Heather Odenthal  heather@thetrelliscenter.com |  ph 509-968-4040

Trellis CenterCurrently more than 85% of individuals with developmental disabilities are unemployed due to lack of transitional support, job-site training, and employment opportunities geared for success. The Trellis Center aims to fill this gap for young adults with developmental disabilities who are approaching this transition time or adults who have graduated from high school but still need a structured environment designed to match programming to individual capabilities. With a focus on agriculture, the Trellis Center provides vocational skill development, stimulating activities, and a social community of peers. More information is available here

TAC Industries Inc. – Ohio
 Lou Driever (Hydroponics Coordinator) Springfield, Ohio ph 937-525-7500

TAC IndustriesBuilding on the success of the indoor hydroponic operation, TAC Industries Inc. built a 3,000 square foot hydroponic greenhouse in 2010. Twelve adults with developmental disabilities regularly work there to raise lettuce, kale, cilantro and orache. The produce is served at our sister restaurant “Fresh Abilities” and is also available at the local farmer’s market. Our customers have also included both public and private local schools, restaurants and the local culinary institute. We aim to donate 40# of produce each week to 2nd Harvest Food Bank (supporting over 60 pantries in 3 counties). More information is available here

Zeponic Farms – Woodbridge, Virginia
Zach Zeph (Founder) ph 571-296-4477

Zeponic FarmsThrough the use of innovative urban farming models, we provide supported employment for adults with special needs and autism. We grow greens and micro greens for local restaurants, colleges, and individuals within the community. All of our produce is non GMO and grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. More information is available here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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