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.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:27 Evolution from research chambers to vertical farms

10:30 Pioneering LED lighting in tulip cultivation

16:58 Challenges of vertical farming system integration

24:40 Attending conferences and industry trends

29:45 Green Simplicity joining the GreenV group

35:08 Preparing for growth and future innovations

Website - https://greensimplicity.com/en/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/greensimplicity/

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AgTech

Have you ever wondered how to combine sustainable farming, education, and entertainment into a single innovative concept? I sat down with Mike Smart, founder of Smart Farms, to discuss his unique approach to revolutionizing the food industry and educating the next generation.

Mike's journey is a fascinating blend of technology, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. From his early days in crypto and digital payments to his current focus on sustainable farming, Mike has always been driven by a desire to empower individuals and decentralize systems. His latest venture, Smart Farms and the Bucket Buddies brand, is a testament to this vision.

At the heart of Mike's concept is the Bucket Buddies book series, which features anthropomorphic characters teaching children about farming, nutrition, and sustainability. But it doesn't stop there – the brand extends to physical products, grow kits, and plans for animated content, all designed to engage children and families in the world of agriculture.

We delved into Mike's ambitious plans for scaling his concept, including the development of hyperlocal farms across the country and the creation of educational experiences that blend entertainment with hands-on learning. Mike also shared his thoughts on the challenges of bringing such a multifaceted project to life and his strategies for attracting investors and partners.

If you're interested in innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, education, or building a brand with a purpose, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with Mike Smart. Tune in to hear how one entrepreneur is working to transform our relationship with food from the ground up.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:35 Crypto journey and payment industry experiences

8:14 Origins of indoor farming interest

13:44 Creating the Bucket Buddies book series

19:33 Walt Disney-like vision for Smart Farms

23:52 Current progress and future plans

29:14 Scaling the brand and outsourcing production

34:53 Immediate needs and ideal partners

Website - Https://smartfarms.global

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-smart-bucket-buddies

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/16n455CPLE/

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Have you ever wondered how the vertical farming industry is evolving and what it takes to organize successful events in this space? I had the pleasure of speaking with Tahir Abdul Bari, founder and CEO of TAB Group, about his journey from traditional agriculture to organizing one of the largest vertical farming events in the Middle East.

Tahir's story is fascinating, starting from his childhood experiences in Kashmir's apple orchards to becoming a key player in the events industry. He shared how his grandfather's teachings on respecting and valuing people have shaped his leadership style and approach to team building. The conversation delved into the challenges of pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it led to the creation of the Global Vertical Farming Show.

We discussed the importance of adaptability in the events industry, especially when dealing with emerging technologies like vertical farming. Tahir provided insights into how the show has evolved over the years, growing from a virtual event to a large-scale physical exhibition. He emphasized the critical role of collaboration in the indoor farming industry, particularly at this early stage of development.

If you're interested in the intersection of agriculture, technology, and event management, or if you want to learn about the latest trends in vertical farming, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Tahir's valuable perspectives on team building, industry challenges, and the future of indoor agriculture.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

3:42 Impact of COVID-19 on events industry

9:15 Building long-term relationships in events

16:28 Decision-making process for event viability

21:34 Evolution of Global Vertical Farming Show

32:15 Unique aspects of upcoming Vertical Farming Show

36:38 Importance of team building and culture

42:37 Tough questions leaders ask themselves

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

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

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

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AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com

The Indoor Farmer -

Are you struggling to find sustainable solutions for your crops in an ever-changing agricultural landscape?

I sat down with Jessica Staha, CEO of LPC Naturals, to discuss the fascinating world of microbials in agriculture. With a background in molecular biology and genetics, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having worked in various industries before finding her passion in agricultural technology.

We delved into the unique challenges faced by both indoor and outdoor farming, and how microbials can provide innovative solutions. Jessica explained how their proprietary isolate of Beauveria bassiana works as a plant stimulant, helping crops withstand various stresses. She emphasized the importance of educating farmers and growers about the benefits of microbials, as they offer a more holistic approach to plant health compared to traditional chemical solutions.

Throughout our conversation, we touched on the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture, the impact of extreme weather on farming, and the potential for collaboration within the industry. Jessica shared insights on leadership in a startup environment and the importance of maintaining work-life balance in the fast-paced world of agricultural innovation.

If you're curious about the future of farming and how microbials could revolutionize crop management, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from an industry expert and discover how these tiny organisms could make a big difference in agriculture.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:57 From corporate to entrepreneurship challenges

11:47 LPC Naturals origin and microbial solutions

17:57 Educating farmers on microbial benefits

24:59 Preparing environments for microbial use

30:20 Balancing entrepreneurship and personal well-being

35:17 Collaboration opportunities in microbial research

Website - https://lpcnaturals.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-staha

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/primesuperiorgrow

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@primesuperiorgrow

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

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Have you ever wondered how plants adapt to extreme conditions without the ability to move? I've always been fascinated by the resilience of plants, and in this conversation with Alberto Campanaro, we explore the intricate world of plant science and its applications in modern agriculture.

Alberto Campanaro, Head of Science at Zayndu, brings a wealth of experience from his background in industrial biotechnology and plant research. His journey from traditional open-field agriculture to innovative seed treatment technology offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture. Alberto's passion for understanding plant behavior and his transition from academia to a startup environment provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this field.

The heart of our discussion revolves around Zayndu's cold plasma technology for seed treatment. Alberto explains how this innovative approach can enhance seed germination, improve plant growth rates, and potentially increase crop yields. We delve into the intricacies of developing "recipes" for different plant species and varieties, highlighting the precision required in this cutting-edge technology.

We also touch on the broader implications of this technology for sustainable agriculture, the importance of maintaining a connection with plants in scientific work, and the challenges of transitioning from hands-on research to a management role in a growing company. Alberto's insights offer a glimpse into the future of agriculture and the potential for technology to address global food production challenges.

If you're curious about the intersection of plant science, technology, and sustainable agriculture, this episode offers a fascinating look into the future of food production. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how innovative approaches like cold plasma treatment are shaping the way we grow our food.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

0:00 Intro: Plants' resilience without movement

5:43 Growing up in Italy and family memories

11:48 Journey to plant science and UK studies

17:40 Transition to controlled environment agriculture

22:47 Discovering Zayndu and startup excitement

34:42 Crop-specific responses to cold plasma treatment

38:38 A day in the life of a plant scientist

42:40 Evolving from scientist to team leader

47:27 Closing thoughts and contact information

Website -

Are you struggling to optimize your greenhouse operations and maximize crop yields? I recently spoke with Dima Chernobilsky, co-founder and CEO of GrowDirector, who shared groundbreaking insights on greenhouse automation and the future of controlled environment agriculture.

Dima's journey from finance to agriculture is a testament to the power of curiosity and perseverance. With a background spanning real estate, business development, and agriculture in various parts of the world, Dima brings a unique perspective to the field of greenhouse automation. His company, GrowDirector, has evolved through four generations of technology, each iteration addressing specific challenges in the industry.

The conversation centered on GrowDirector's innovative approach to greenhouse automation. Dima explained how their wireless, modular, and scalable system provides growers with unprecedented control and flexibility. The latest generation of their technology offers future-proof scalability, allowing growers to expand their capabilities without significant additional investment.

We also explored the role of AI in agriculture, discussing GrowDirector's AI-powered features such as predictive analytics and agronomic advice. Dima shared insights on the challenges of vertical farming, the importance of crop selection, and the need for patience as technology continues to evolve. His advice for the industry emphasized the importance of careful planning and adaptability in the face of rapid technological change.

If you're interested in the cutting edge of greenhouse technology and want to learn how AI is revolutionizing agriculture, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Dima's fascinating journey and gain valuable insights that could transform your approach to controlled environment agriculture.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:18 Evolution of GrowDirector's product generations

10:03 Challenges faced by greenhouses and indoor farms

14:36 AI integration in greenhouse management

29:57 Lessons learned in hiring and leadership

35:38 Future goals for GrowDirector's growth

Website - www.growdirector.com

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

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@growdirector8723

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growdirectorltd

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

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Ever wondered why so many indoor farming ventures fail despite the hype? I've got the inside scoop from a true industry veteran.

Glenn Behrman, founder and president of CEA Advisors, brings over 50 years of experience in horticulture and indoor farming to our conversation. From his early days in the foliage industry to pioneering container farming, Glenn's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field.

I delved into Glenn's perspective on the current state of indoor farming, exploring the challenges faced by newcomers and established players alike. He emphasizes the importance of a realistic, business-focused approach, cautioning against the pitfalls of easy money and unrealistic expectations that have plagued the industry.

We also discussed the potential opportunities in custom projects, the limitations of container farming, and the need for honesty and integrity in the industry. Glenn's insights on the recent demise of prominent indoor farming companies offer valuable lessons for anyone considering entering this space.

If you're curious about the real challenges and opportunities in indoor farming, straight from someone who's seen it all, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a no-nonsense look at what it really takes to succeed in this complex and evolving industry.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/

5:55 Glenn's journey into vertical farming

27:48 Evolution of container shipping business

41:33 Automation and robotics in agriculture

47:35 Innovative ideas for container farming

54:05 Lessons from recent industry bankruptcies

Website - https://cea-advisors.com/

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

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

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AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com

The Indoor Farmer -

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.

CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/

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

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