180: Why Focusing on Farming Holds the Key to Real Success in Vertical Agriculture

Ever wonder if vertical farming is more about mastering plant care than chasing the latest tech trend? I do—and in this episode, you'll find out why that's the reality.Join me as I sit down with Andrew Volpetti, Business Development Director for North America at Red Horticulture, whose deep background in horticulture, hydroponics, and business development has positioned him at the forefront of controlled environment agriculture innovation. With an impressive career spanning over 15 years—including leadership in lighting solutions and a passion for solving agricultural challenges—Andrew brings rich expertise and refreshing honesty to the booming vertical farming industry.This episode gets real about what’s driving the next wave in vertical farming: prioritizing plant health and farm success over flashy tech. Together, Harry Duran and Andrew Volpetti unpack why the “hype bubble” around vertical farming technology has popped, and why that’s a good thing for growers, investors, and anyone passionate about sustainable food systems. You’ll get an insider look at how Red Horticulture’s dynamic LED lighting is helping make farming smarter, not just more high-tech.Beyond tech talk, we explore personal journeys—from backyard gardening roots to global industry leadership—plus crucial topics like sustainability, the impact of legacy practices on soil and water, and the evolving rebate landscape for LED upgrades. Andrew Volpetti also shares candid stories of wins, challenges, and the importance of relationship-building in agri-business.Ready to discover the real future of vertical farming and how you can be part of a movement that’s grounded in reality—not just hype? Click play and listen to the full episode now!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 Indoor Ag Con Recap & Industry Reality00:06 Early Connections: Family, Food, and Farming00:13 Hydrofarm Career Journey & Sales Philosophy00:22 Transition to RED Horticulture & Dynamic Lighting00:29 LED Technology Advances & Client Success Stories00:36 Work Ethic, Motivation, and Future VisionsTweetable Quotes"I think a lot of the hype bubble, which did pop, and everyone using that trough of disillusionment graph ad nauseam, I think it was good to see. And I think everyone is appreciating it more.""Dynamic lighting was something that I was vaguely familiar with. I knew there were a lot of changes in LEDs, and the one thing I knew I didn't want to do is just be a box pusher. I wanted to believe in the product, I wanted to understand the product, and I wanted to find solutions for people growing crops that hadn't been presented to them. That's where I think the value lies.""I wanted to take Latin. I wound up taking 8 years of Latin. Now, I'm not going to say I was an A student. I wasn't a B student. I was like a C-. But you know what? Dogged determination. I think that pays. And I think it also helped me just realize, look, if you work hard, you put the time in, you learn, you really can achieve, you know, and I think my parents' work ethic, but you know, being told you can't do something is usually the greatest motivator for most people."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.horticulture.red/en/LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/andrew-volpetti-mbaConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Ever feel like droughts, rising costs, or feed shortages are always threatening your ranch’s future? I get it—and so does this week’s guest, who’s engineering innovative solutions for resilient, sustainable animal agriculture.In this episode, Harry Duran sits down with Joaquin Gonzalez, Chief Expansion Officer at Eleusis Feed, an expert in agricultural engineering with deep roots (literally) in ranching and hydroponic fodder systems. Raised on a ranch near Santiago and backed by a career spanning Chile, Colorado, and now Texas, Joaquin Gonzalez brings a wealth of hands-on experience and entrepreneurial spirit to revolutionize how livestock are fed.This conversation dives into the power of hydroponic fodder systems as a game-changer for ranchers and farmers battling water scarcity, price hikes, and traditional feed limitations. Joaquin Gonzalez unpacks why modular container farms aren’t always the answer at scale, and shares how Eleusis Feed’s industrial solutions offer flexibility for both small and massive operations, empowering producers in drought-prone regions to ensure feed—and food—security all year long.Beyond the nuts and bolts of fodder systems, you’ll hear stories from Joaquin Gonzalez's lifelong obsession with horses, lessons learned from engineering trial and error, and the realities of transitioning from South America to the U.S. Discover what it really takes to convince traditional ranchers to embrace innovation, and get inspired by the impact of sustainable practices on animal health, water conservation, and rural livelihoods.If you’re ready to learn how vertical farming can safeguard your operation and secure the future of animal agriculture, tune in to this episode now—this one’s packed with practical insights and the passion to match. Listen and get equipped to grow smarter today!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:06:42 Tackling Chile’s Drought and the Quest for Sustainable Fodder00:13:01 Engineering Solutions: Container Farms and Overcoming Mold00:19:22 Barley Fodder for All: From Horses to Giraffes00:25:29 Scaling Up: Industrial Hydroponic Fodder Systems00:32:09 Educating Ranchers and Challenging Traditions00:38:18 Entrepreneurship, Moving to Austin, and Staying MotivatedTweetable Quotes"At the end, you have to have horses, you have to have a trainer and all this stuff, and it was something that from there I transitioned to another sport because it was too expensive. Being one of seven, it wasn't something that I was the only one obsessed with horses and stuff, so I pushed that dream aside and focused on other sports. But then after college, I picked it up again, started riding again, won another championship, and it was everything about having a horse and having a train with feed and all this stuff that gets complicated over time. That is something I have in my heart—at some point, I will do it for sure.""The containerized solution that we could put together was able to produce 850 pounds a day, which, if you look at the industry, you can feed 30 cows, 35 horses, and stuff like that. I was talking to many ranchers that had 200 head of cattle, so for that you need eight containers. Putting one container next to another at some point doesn't make sense—maybe two is okay, three you start to think about, no, because every container has its own system, its own way of farming. At the end, we were looking for something more industrial.""With a fodder system, you use about 95% less water than traditional farm. We’re here to help those places, especially in the western states, where drought makes water a critical issue. There are even incentives from the government like retiring wells—they’ll pay you to retire a well because water is so scarce. Those are the people who benefit the most from this technology."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://eleusisfeed.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxbGX9JbBJ89H51sVEN1BogLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquingonzalezv/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576560510377 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eleusis_feed/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Ever wondered how to scale your vertical farm without breaking the bank—or your nerves?In this episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, I sit down with Tristan Fischer, CEO of Fisher Farms, one of the pioneers in modular farming technology. Tristan brings over 25 years of experience in clean energy and large-scale renewables, translating that expertise into creating more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective vertical farming solutions. Having navigated the challenges of building some of the largest vertical farms in the UK, Tristan is passionate about making vertical farming both accessible and sustainable—and he’s got the battle-tested insights to prove it.We dive deep into Fisher Farms’ journey from traditional R&D setups to their cutting-edge modular approach, using shipping containers like building blocks for truly scalable farms. Tristan shares candid stories about the risks and surprises of massive farm construction, and how clever modular design is transforming the economics and flexibility of indoor agriculture, enabling global expansion—even in places like Abu Dhabi, where energy costs are astonishingly low.Beyond technology, we explore Fisher Farms’ culture of innovation, their relentless focus on driving down costs, and why Tristan believes vertical farming should move from premium niche to practical staple for feeding the world. You’ll hear how the team’s values—kindness, respect, factfulness, and robustness—help foster big ideas and quick pivots, and how these principles drive Fisher Farms to be the lowest-cost vertical farm in the world.If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible with vertical farming and discover how modularity might be the answer to your growth headaches, don’t miss this episode! Click play and join us as we explore the future of feeding the world—without wrecking the planet.Ready to stop dreaming and start building a profitable, impactful vertical farm that transcends tired food system models? Click to listen and get inspired by Mary’s story, strategy, and actionable insights!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 Fisher Farms Expansion and Modular Approach06:01 Overcoming Scaling Challenges at Farm Two12:01 Fisher Farms Ethos and Focus on Cost Reduction18:31 Advancements in Lighting and Efficiency23:40 Competing with Glasshouses and New Market Opportunities29:54 Modular Growth in the UAE and Global Impact35:03 Plug and Play Modular Flexibility40:02 Fisher Farms Technology Certification and Branding46:08 Building an Innovative, Kind, and Robust Company Culture52:42 Closing Reflections and Future OutlookTweetable Quotes"If you have a thousand things which need to get right, I think we probably planned for about 900 of them and got them right, and then once Farm 2 got running, 50 of them were relatively quick to fix, but there were a few items which actually ended up being very, very difficult. Sometimes you had a problem hiding behind another problem.""Our view is that if we focus on really driving down cost, cost, cost, cost, then we don’t have to worry about becoming a premium brand—but it gets us in the direction where we want to be, which is: how do you actually feed the world without trashing the planet at the same time?""What we want is my terrible idea and a genuinely bad idea, and your crazy, insane idea and somebody else’s drug-addled idea or sleep-addled idea—whatever it is—and they’re all actually genuinely bad ideas independently, but by putting those ideas together, layering those ideas on top, we come up with a beautiful, brilliant insight which none of us independently had thought about."Resources MentionedLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanfischer/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite - https://fischerfarms.co.uk/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched passionate urban farmers burn out because their business model wasn’t sustainable—what if there were a better way?This week on Vertical Farming, I sit down with Mary Wetherill, founding president and CEO of Green Food Solutions, for a candid conversation about building a truly sustainable urban farming business. Mary’s unique journey—from the service industry and massage therapy to pioneering food access solutions in city environments—gives her an unmatched perspective on both the struggles and opportunities vertical farmers face today.In this episode, Mary demystifies how Green Food Solutions is reimagining the food system with a “farming as a service” franchise model that prioritizes support, profitability, and genuine community impact. We dig into what makes a good franchise partner, why most farms face recurring challenges, and how Mary’s mission-driven approach is shaking up the industry’s status quo. If you’ve ever wondered how to make real money in urban farming—without sacrificing your values—this conversation is your playbook.Beyond the business model, you’ll hear stories about navigating Silicon Valley hype cycles, lessons learned from early accelerator programs, the importance of resourcefulness, and the surprising ways personal experience shapes entrepreneurial journeys. Plus, discover how Green Food Solutions fosters partnerships that work, advice for new farmers, and eye-opening discussions on market realities and PR.Ready to stop dreaming and start building a profitable, impactful vertical farm that transcends tired food system models? Click to listen and get inspired by Mary’s story, strategy, and actionable insights!Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways00:00 Jersey City Roots and Entrepreneurial Beginnings06:10 Entering Urban Farming & The Square Roots Experience12:35 Green Food Solutions Business Model Explained18:26 Franchising, Farmers, and Fit for New Owners24:57 Green Food Solutions Origin Story & Mission30:22 Monetization, Resourcefulness, and Revenue Streams36:48 Team Management & Leadership Values41:02 Industry Reflections & Farmers’ Challenges46:16 Closing Thoughts & Contact InformationTweetable Quotes"Honestly, when I worked for Merrill Lynch, I quit. I was in with my boss and I was getting a promotion. She brought me in her office and I was just going to give my two weeks. I'd rather stick a pencil in my eyes than take your promotion. I just really didn't like the corporate environment.""We were disgusted by how consultants and all these people were charging tens, twenties of thousands of dollars for things we were giving for free, and honestly, manufacturers usually give those for free—so I didn’t like what I saw happening when I was so originally excited about it.""There was a day that my mom had a box of food that was brought into the house by a priest. I think that was the first day I had an experience of feeling poor, regardless of what level it was. I started selling my toys and shining shoes—I think I got my knowledge about monetization and being resourceful because of having grown up poor."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.greenfoodsolutions.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18566881Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenfoodsolutions/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/greenfoodsolutions/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreenFoodSolutionsConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Are you worried about potential pathogens lurking in your indoor farm's water system or substrate? I've got you covered with insights from an expert in agricultural analytics.I sat down with Taylor Robinson, Chief Scientist and founder of Rimrock Analytical, to discuss the critical role of proactive monitoring in controlled environment agriculture. Taylor's unique background in molecular sciences and agriculture has positioned him as a leader in providing cutting-edge analytical services to indoor farms.Taylor shed light on the common challenges indoor farmers face, from biofouling in water systems to unexpected pathogen outbreaks. He stressed the importance of having a solid biosecurity plan and regular monitoring to catch issues early. We delved into real-world case studies, including a Pythium outbreak that nearly devastated a farm's operations, and how data-driven solutions helped turn the situation around.We also explored the evolving landscape of indoor farming, discussing the industry's consolidation and the lessons learned from early adopters. Taylor shared valuable insights on how farms of all sizes can benefit from analytical services, emphasizing the return on investment in preventing crop losses. If you're involved in indoor farming or curious about the science behind growing food in controlled environments, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you won't want to miss.Ready to unlock the secrets of maintaining a healthy indoor farm environment? Listen now to gain valuable insights that could save your crops and optimize your growing operations.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:03 Water treatment challenges in indoor farming10:31 Proactive monitoring vs. reactive troubleshooting16:23 Education and support for growers22:25 Risks of pathogen spread in grow systems26:50 State of the indoor farming industry31:32 Rimrock team size and recent hires34:36 Importance of preventative maintenance for farmsTweetable Quotes"We take the mantra of 'data to decisions' at Rimrock. We see ourselves as a vehicle to streamline what can be barriers for growers and operators to get the necessary data.""Microbes have the capacity to multiply and spread very rapidly. So keeping a close eye on things, establishing routine monitoring surveys we've found is key.""We're rolling out a microbial heat map to help you better visualize your microbial results mapped to your process flow in your facility. With that you can see potential hotspots for pathogens and how they might integrate to downstream systems."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://rimrockanalytical.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/65487487/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rimrock_analytical/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Are you curious about the latest innovations in sustainable agriculture? I recently caught up with Charlie Guy, CEO of Let Us Grow, to discuss the fascinating world of advanced aeroponics and its potential to revolutionize greenhouse farming.Charlie shared insights on Let Us Grow's journey from vertical farming to focusing on aeroponics technology for greenhouses. He explained how their advanced aeroponics system offers significant advantages over traditional hydroponic methods, including increased yields, improved plant health, and reduced water usage. Charlie also touched on the company's expansion into global markets and their efforts to educate both industry professionals and the public about the benefits of controlled environment agriculture.We delved into the challenges faced by the vertical farming industry and how Let Us Grow has adapted to changing market conditions. Charlie emphasized the importance of collaboration within the industry and highlighted their partnerships with established greenhouse builders and system integrators. He also discussed their community outreach efforts, such as the Bristol Basil Company initiative, which demonstrates the potential of local food production using advanced growing techniques.Throughout our conversation, Charlie provided valuable insights into the future of controlled environment agriculture and the role of aeroponics in creating more sustainable and resilient food systems. If you're interested in the intersection of technology and agriculture, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the cutting-edge world of advanced growing methods.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:07 Shifting focus to glasshouses and partnerships11:40 Biking to GreenTech conference and industry events16:44 Building relationships with government agencies20:21 Bristol Basil Company and local food initiatives28:12 BBC Radio 4 feature on sustainable growing34:57 Challenges of running a company in this environment39:06 Future plans and global expansion goals44:01 Closing thoughts on collaboration in indoor farmingTweetable Quotes"We've taken the rolling bench architecture widely used in the greenhouse industry and integrated our advanced aeroponics technology into it. This means we can partner with numerous Dutch large greenhouse builders to deliver these systems, providing the smarts while they handle the delivery.""There's no point in doing vertical farming unless it's powered by renewable energy. It doesn't make sense from an environmental standpoint to burn fossil fuels to convert them into electrons to power lights to grow plants when the sun is free.""We're showing you can turn disused greenhouses into productive grows that are profitable and give back to your local food community. You can achieve many of the same outcomes as vertical farming with a slightly lower tech structure like a greenhouse, while still growing the best produce year-round with the least water."Resources MentionedWebsite - www.lettusgrow.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lettus-growFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/LettUsGrow/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lettusgrow/X - https://twitter.com/LettUsGrowConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Are you struggling to maintain soil health and reduce costs in your indoor farming operation? Soil steaming technology might be the solution you've been searching for.In this episode, I speak with Hans Kristian Westrum, Chief Strategy Manager at Soil Steam, about their innovative soil steaming technology. Hans grew up on a farm in Norway and later pursued a career in business before returning to agriculture. His company, Soil Steam, has developed machines that use steam to sanitize soil and substrates, eliminating harmful pathogens and weeds without chemicals.We discuss how Soil Steam's technology evolved from open field applications to containerized solutions for indoor farming. Hans shares insights on how their machines can effectively treat substrates, allowing farmers to recycle growing media and reduce costs. Recent trials with strawberry growers in Belgium demonstrated that steamed, recycled substrates performed as well as new substrates, opening up exciting possibilities for sustainable farming practices.The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing different market demands, from construction projects to indoor farms. Hans emphasizes the importance of focusing on containerized solutions to meet the growing needs of indoor farmers worldwide. We explore future plans for expansion into North America and the company's commitment to participating in industry conferences to share their research and technology.If you're curious about innovative solutions for sustainable indoor farming and want to learn how soil steaming technology could revolutionize your growing practices, don't miss this fascinating conversation with Hans Kristian Westrum.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways0:00 Intro: Steaming soil for construction and farming5:13 Early experiences with steam on the farm16:53 Expanding into indoor farming and substrates21:15 Research on steaming to eliminate pathogens27:52 Positive results from substrate recycling tests34:00 Focusing on container-based steaming machines39:02 Closing thoughts and future plansTweetable Quotes"We steam the substrate before they took it in the first time to have control. Be 100% sure that this is clean. These guys cannot take a risk on anything. If you have one disease in that coco coir or whatever you get, if something can happen, it means it comes from Sri Lanka and it can go by boat, what happens all this distance.""We got rid of the harmful organisms that were there and the natural life was back two weeks after. It comes from surroundings, from the soil beneath and stuff like that.""I think it's a fantastic combination. You can talk about sustainability, but if there's no saving money, it's impossible. We say that we can recycle one cube of the substrate at the cost of maybe five to ten dollars. Approximately something between 50 and 60, 70, $80 per cube."Resources MentionedWebsite - http://www.soilsteam.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-kristian-westrum-12023444/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/soilsteamConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of applying for agricultural grants? I sat down with Andy Seckinger, Sales Director at United Grants of America, to demystify the process and explore effective sales strategies for farmers and entrepreneurs.Andy's journey from a skeptical view of sales to becoming a passionate advocate for helping others is truly inspiring. He shares how his experiences in Iowa and personal challenges shaped his approach to sales and client relationships. Andy emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs, asking the right questions, and maintaining integrity throughout the sales process.We delve into the world of agricultural grants, discussing how United Grants of America assists farmers in navigating complex government programs. Andy explains their team-based approach, which includes compliance experts, analysts, and account executives with farming backgrounds. He highlights the value of personalized service and the company's success-based fee structure.Andy also touches on recent trends in agricultural grants, including changes in government programs and the increasing availability of funding opportunities. His insights provide valuable guidance for farmers looking to secure financial support for their operations.If you're a farmer or entrepreneur seeking to improve your sales skills or explore grant opportunities, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on sales, personal growth, and the world of agricultural grants.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:02 History and mission of United Grants of America9:16 Andy's journey into sales and professional development14:26 Lessons from stand-up comedy applied to sales19:40 The importance of self-improvement in sales30:59 Overcoming personal struggles and professional growth37:45 How United Grants of America assists farmers42:55 Keys to success in securing agricultural grants46:58 Exploring spirituality and vulnerability in businessTweetable Quotes"At the end of the day, there's three reasons why people buy. Are you going to make me money? Are you going to save me money? You're going to make my life easy.""Life is here to help us. It's up to us not to say bad or good. Life is here to really help us.""I don't think farmers' lives always fit perfectly into what's being offered. So you got to do a little brain surgery and understand what the end is mine and ask really good questions."Resources MentionedAPPLY HERE: https://www.verticalfarmingpodcast.com/grantsWebsite - https://www.unitedgrantsofamerica.com/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-grants-of-americaConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Struggling with the complexities of indoor farming and looking for innovative solutions to streamline your operations? Join me as I explore groundbreaking ideas with Marcus Comaschi, R&D engineer at Gyroplant, who is revolutionizing the way we think about plant substrates in controlled environment agriculture.Marcus Comaschi, an R&D engineer at Gyroplant, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in design and engineering to the world of indoor farming. With a background that spans from working at Ford Motor to developing hydroponic systems, Marcus has a unique perspective on how to innovate within the agricultural sector. His journey from traditional engineering to creating reusable plant-holding superstructures is a testament to his passion for sustainable and efficient farming solutions.The main focus of our conversation is Gyroplant's innovative approach to eliminating traditional substrates in indoor farming. Marcus shares how his company developed reusable silicone rubber superstructures that hold plants without the need for messy, single-use materials. This advancement not only simplifies the growing process but also addresses issues of cleanliness, cost, and supply chain reliability, making it a game-changer for growers worldwide.Beyond the main topic, we delve into the challenges of standardization in the vertical farming industry and the importance of collaboration among growers and technology providers. Marcus also discusses the role of 3D printing in prototyping and developing custom solutions, highlighting how this technology has been pivotal in Gyroplant's success.Curious to learn how Gyroplant's solutions can transform your indoor farming operations? Click to listen and discover how Marcus Comaschi's insights could help you achieve cleaner, more efficient plant production.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways0:00 Intro: Marcus Comaschi joins Vertical Farming podcast5:20 Marcus's journey from engineering to food10:41 3D printing's crucial role in prototyping18:29 Eliminating substrate: Drivers and challenges24:38 Need for standardization in vertical farming31:21 Design process for crop-specific superstructures37:42 Balancing focus and opportunities in business42:39 Closing thoughts on indoor farming's futureTweetable Quotes"We don't like to problem solve, but problem eliminate. Traditionally an engineer solves a problem and creates 20 other problems.""There's this great mesh of the engineered and the organic together in one and that's never going to go to plan initially.""I think the indoor farming world is finding its feet and we really would like to say to people to look at some of our case studies online to see how we slightly disrupted the traditional models."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.gyroplant.com/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-comaschi-05b9327b/?originalSubdomain=ukConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Ever wondered why some vertical farms thrive while others struggle? The answer might lie in combining traditional horticultural wisdom with cutting-edge technology.I sat down with Wessel van Paassen, Managing Director at Green Simplicity, to explore the intersection of greenhouse expertise and vertical farming innovation. Born into a family of flower growers, Wessel brings a unique perspective to the vertical farming industry. His company, Green Simplicity, has been at the forefront of developing research chambers and vertical farming solutions for the past decade.Wessel shares how his background in traditional horticulture has shaped his approach to vertical farming. He emphasizes the importance of efficiency, optimization, and practical knowledge in developing successful systems. We discuss the challenges faced by the vertical farming industry and how lessons from greenhouse cultivation can be applied to indoor farming.Our conversation covers a range of topics, including the evolution of vertical farming technology, the importance of collaboration within the industry, and the potential for hybrid approaches that combine greenhouse and indoor farming techniques. Wessel also offers insights into the future of vertical farming and the role of companies like Green Simplicity in driving innovation.If you're interested in the future of agriculture and want to understand how traditional farming wisdom can inform cutting-edge vertical farming solutions, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the industry's most experienced voices.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:27 Evolution from research chambers to vertical farms10:30 Pioneering LED lighting in tulip cultivation16:58 Challenges of vertical farming system integration24:40 Attending conferences and industry trends29:45 Green Simplicity joining the GreenV group35:08 Preparing for growth and future innovationsTweetable Quotes"I always say under pressure everything gets fluid. So you have to make sure it works at the ends of the line.""We are not a company that can say, 'Oh, we prove that you can produce 120 kilos of lettuce.' I just say I've never done lettuce. But if you now produce 80 kilos and your climate is this, I know it will be better because our climate is just spot on and we have uniform light distribution.""Seeing is believing. I always say talk to my customer and don't involve me. Then you know the real story."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://greensimplicity.com/en/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/greensimplicity/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/