Ever wondered how a seasoned executive from the oil and gas industry ends up leading a vertical farming startup? I sat down with Michael Oster, CEO of Saffron Tech, to explore this fascinating journey.

Michael's transition from the corporate world to the innovative field of vertical farming is a testament to adaptability in business. With decades of experience in oil and gas, real estate, and M&A, he brings a unique perspective to Saffron Tech. The company is pioneering the indoor cultivation of saffron, the world's most expensive spice, with potential applications ranging from culinary use to pharmaceuticals.

We delved into the challenges of scaling up startups, particularly in the agricultural technology sector. Michael emphasized the importance of careful planning, realistic financial modeling, and securing off-take agreements before major investments. He shared valuable insights on balancing ambitious goals with practical considerations, drawing from both successes and setbacks in his career.

Our conversation also touched on the geopolitical implications of saffron production, the potential for saffron-based pharmaceuticals, and the intricacies of building a commercial-scale vertical farm. Michael's leadership style, focused on leading by example and leveraging a small but highly skilled team, offers a blueprint for startup success in challenging industries.

Curious about the intersection of traditional business acumen and cutting-edge agricultural technology? Listen to this episode to gain invaluable insights from a leader who's bridging these worlds and revolutionizing saffron production.

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

5:03 Board member roles and responsibilities explained

8:08 Saffron's unique properties and market potential

14:00 Challenges of scaling up agricultural startups

17:35 Balancing passion and practicality in business

21:42 Learning from failed real estate project

26:47 Mitigating risks in high-risk ventures

Website - https://saffron-tech.ag/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloster01/

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod

Subscribe to our newsletters!

AgTech Digest -

Ever wondered how indoor farming is revolutionizing the way we connect with our food? I sat down with Marc Oshima, CEO of Babylon Microfarms, to explore the cutting edge of sustainable agriculture.

Marc Oshima brings over 30 years of experience in driving large-scale commercial businesses, including co-founding AeroFarms. Now at the helm of Babylon Microfarms, he's spearheading innovative solutions in B2B indoor farming across healthcare, corporate dining, hospitality, and education sectors.

In this episode, we dive deep into how Babylon Microfarms is bringing the farm directly to customers, fostering a greater connection between people and their food. Marc shares insights on the company's success in increasing leafy green consumption by 35% in senior care facilities and their expansion to over 350 farms across five countries.

We also discuss the evolution of the indoor farming industry, the importance of customer feedback, and how Babylon Microfarms is preserving cultural heritage through locally grown, culturally relevant produce. Marc offers valuable lessons on business fundamentals and the power of focus in scaling a successful AgTech company.

Ready to discover how indoor farming is reshaping our relationship with food and transforming industries? Tune in to this episode for a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture.

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

5:07 Babylon Microfarms' focus on key verticals

10:40 Surprising installations and high-profile customers

16:19 Lessons from early industry struggles

21:53 Listening to customers and adapting strategies

27:17 Workforce development in indoor farming

33:40 Cultural connections through locally grown food

37:18 CEA Alliance's role in industry advocacy

Website - https://babylonmicrofarms.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoshima/

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod

Subscribe to our newsletters!

AgTech Digest -

Ever wondered how a mushroom farm could revolutionize the food industry? I sat down with John James Staniszewski, the creator of the fungitarian lifestyle and a pioneer in the vertical farming space, to uncover the secrets of his success.

John's journey from nightclub manager to mushroom mogul is as fascinating as it is inspiring. He shares how he built a thriving mushroom farm from scratch, producing up to 35,000 pounds of mushrooms per month and supplying over 350 grocery stores.

In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of starting a vertical farm, the importance of hands-on leadership, and John's vision for creating 10 million fungitarians by 2027. John reveals how his past experiences in bodybuilding and personal training shaped his approach to the mushroom industry.

We also explore the parallels between vertical farming and bodybuilding, the potential of mushrooms in addressing childhood health issues, and John's upcoming launch of bioavailable mushroom tinctures and gummies.

If you're curious about the future of food, the potential of mushrooms, or how to build a successful vertical farming business, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain insights from a true innovator in the field.

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

5:42 Transition from nightclub scene to bodybuilding

11:15 Spiritual journey and discovery of magic mushrooms

16:59 Building a mushroom farm

22:31 Challenges of vertical farming and industry insights

28:15 Developing fungitarian food products and business growth

39:33 Current business operations and partnerships

45:46 Defining success: Goal of 10 million fungitarians by 2027

50:57 Leadership growth and employee management strategies

Website - https://windycitymushroom.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-james-staniszewski-0728312ab/

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod

Subscribe to our newsletters!

AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com

The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/

Horti-Gen Insights -

Ever wondered how automation is shaping the future of indoor farming? In this episode, I speak with Renko Schuil, Sales Manager of Indoor Farming at TTA ISO, a leading company in horticultural automation. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Renko offers invaluable insights into the evolving world of vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture.

We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing the indoor farming sector, discussing everything from market dynamics to technological advancements. Renko shares his perspective on the importance of knowing your market, the potential of hybrid growing systems, and the critical role of automation in scaling up operations.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the global landscape of indoor farming, touching on regional differences, emerging crop varieties, and the delicate balance between innovation and practicality. Renko also offers candid advice for newcomers to the industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking.

If you're curious about the future of food production and want to hear from an industry veteran, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could shape your understanding of indoor farming and its potential to revolutionize agriculture.

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

5:14 Renko's extensive experience in horticulture industry

10:47 Shift in sentiment towards vertical farming

15:50 Origins and growth of TTA company

20:13 Renko's role and responsibilities at TTA-ISO

25:59 Common mistakes in vertical farming projects

31:45 Regional differences in vertical farming needs

36:53 TTA's approach to new crop automation requests

41:46 Balancing advice and business opportunities

Website - www.tta.eu

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renkoschuil/

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod

Subscribe to our newsletters!

AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com

The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/

Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production and Marketing by

Ever wondered how to navigate the challenges of indoor farming and create successful products in this evolving industry? Oliver Rotko, CEO of Plant TUI and Arctic Farming, shares his journey and insights into the world of vertical farming.

I sat down with Oliver to discuss his unique path from business student to indoor farming innovator. He revealed how his experiences in B2B sales, marketing, and even watchmaking contributed to his success in developing cutting-edge vertical farming solutions. Oliver's story is a testament to the power of patience, market research, and customer-centric product development.

We delved into the development of Arctic Farming's flagship product, Herbie, a sleek and efficient indoor farming unit designed for the hospitality industry. Oliver explained the careful considerations behind its design, from the choice of materials to the user interface, all informed by extensive customer feedback and market testing. He also shared insights into the company's expansion into the consumer market with the acquisition of Plantui, a award-winning desktop hydroponic system.

Throughout our conversation, Oliver emphasized the importance of taking a measured approach to growth in the vertical farming industry. He highlighted the need for patience, both from investors and entrepreneurs, and the value of learning from industry failures. We also touched on Arctic Farming's exciting ventures into space agriculture and the company's unique "Earth first, space second" strategy.

If you're interested in the future of food production, sustainable agriculture, or entrepreneurship in emerging industries, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation with Oliver Rotko. Tune in to gain valuable lessons from a leader at the forefront of indoor farming innovation.

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

5:53 Importance of video marketing for CEOs

13:30 AI tools revolutionizing content creation

16:19 Early days of Arctic Farming development

21:53 Herbie: Innovative restaurant-grade vertical farm

27:41 Switching from aeroponics to fogponics

34:53 Space ambitions and Earth-first strategy

37:52 Acquiring Plantui: Consumer-focused hydroponic system

43:18 Motivation behind pursuing indoor farming

Website - https://www.arcticfarming.io/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverrotko/

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter -

Have you ever wondered how to grow fresh produce year-round, even in the harshest climates? I sat down with Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical, to discuss the innovative world of indoor farming and how it's changing the way we think about food production. Conner's journey into vertical farming began with a desire to make a tangible impact on food security and sustainability. With a background in environmental law and restaurant experience, he saw the potential for indoor farming to address issues of food waste and accessibility. Just Vertical started as an academic project and evolved into a company offering both consumer and commercial vertical farming solutions.

We delved into the challenges of developing user-friendly indoor farming systems, from early prototypes built with Home Depot materials to sleek, furniture-like designs that fit seamlessly into homes. Conner emphasized the importance of making vertical farming technology accessible and easy to use, whether for home growers or large-scale commercial operations.

The conversation also touched on Just Vertical's expansion into commercial projects, including partnerships with educational institutions and humanitarian efforts. Conner shared insights on the future of vertical farming, the need for innovation in seed development, and the importance of collaboration within the industry.

If you're curious about the future of food production and how vertical farming could revolutionize agriculture, don't miss this enlightening conversation with Conner Tidd. Listen now to gain valuable insights into the world of indoor farming and its potential to address global food challenges.

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

5:09 Conner’s restaurant experience and food waste

10:55 Origin story of Just Vertical

21:23 Variety of crops grown on living walls

25:01 Accessibility and ease of use focus

29:48 Global projects and ideal farming partners

33:56 Innovation in vertical farming seeds

36:18 Addressing AeroGarden closure and industry outlook

Website - https://justvertical.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connertidd/

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter -

Ever wondered how to revitalize struggling communities while promoting sustainable practices? I had the pleasure of speaking with Kirk Taylor, co-founder of Land Betterment Corporation, about their innovative approach to community development and sustainable agriculture. Kirk's background in accounting and finance, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to tackle the challenges faced by transitioning communities in areas like Kentucky, West Virginia, and southern Indiana.

We discussed Land Betterment's unique projects, including the transformation of abandoned industrial sites into housing solutions and the development of container-based farms in partnership with Anu. Kirk explained how their 20-foot shipping container farms, equipped with advanced automation technology, are revolutionizing local food production. These compact, efficient units are being deployed in various settings, from restaurants and grocery stores to universities, addressing food security issues and promoting education in sustainable agriculture.

Throughout our conversation, Kirk emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and community-driven solutions. He shared examples of how Land Betterment works closely with local communities to identify their needs and develop tailored solutions, whether it's creating affordable housing or repurposing land for agricultural use. We also touched on the company's involvement in sustainable fertilizer recycling and their commitment to circular economy principles.

If you're interested in innovative approaches to community development, sustainable agriculture, or the intersection of business and social impact, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in to hear Kirk Taylor's insights on creating positive change through entrepreneurship and technology.

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

11:31 ReElement Technologies: Recycling battery elements

16:31 Innovative housing solutions using shipping containers

22:20 Partnership with Anu for container farming

28:43 Applications for container farms in various industries

34:34 Building a diverse board for Land Betterment

39:50 Balancing opportunities and allocating time effectively

Website - https://www.landbetterment.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkptaylor/

Ever wondered how beer brewing could revolutionize vertical farming? Mat Halter, founder of TerraFerm, is turning brewery waste into a game-changing resource for indoor agriculture.

Mat Halter, a plant scientist turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from researching biofuels to developing an innovative system that captures CO2 from brewery fermentation for use in vertical farms. His patented technology promises to significantly boost crop yields while reducing carbon footprints.

In this episode, Mat discusses the challenges of bringing a new idea to market, from conducting initial experiments to seeking partnerships with breweries. He reveals how his spinach trials resulted in an astounding 89% increase in yield, far surpassing typical carbon dioxide enrichment results.

We also explore the intersection of craft beer culture and sustainable agriculture, Mat's approach to team building as a first-time founder, and the potential for this technology to transform both the brewing and farming industries.

If you're curious about innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture or the unexpected synergies between different industries, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how Mat Halter is brewing up a greener future for vertical farming.

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag

5:37 Early career in plant science and biofuels

10:43 Initial idea for carbon dioxide enrichment

15:36 Patent process and prototype development

21:40 Current status and plans for pilot project

27:51 Challenges as a first-time founder

32:32 Building a team and seeking mentorship

36:07 Potential brewery partnerships and marketing

38:38 Where to learn more about TerraFerm

Website - https://www.terra-ferm.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-halter-082043a3/

X - https://x.com/TerraFerm_Ag

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/terraferm_agtech/

VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

VFP Facebook -