Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA

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.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:35 Crypto journey and payment industry experiences8:14 Origins of indoor farming interest13:44 Creating the Bucket Buddies book series19:33 Walt Disney-like vision for Smart Farms23:52 Current progress and future plans29:14 Scaling the brand and outsourcing production34:53 Immediate needs and ideal partnersTweetable Quotes"How about we funnel all of that consumerism into sustainable farming methods and then scale those sustainable farming methods as a nonprofit as opposed to forcing people to pay taxes to jump on board with whatever systems they can remain centralized and shut us off from our electricity or shut us off from our food supply anytime they want.""Adults are indoctrinated and it's harder and in fact impossible to change the mind of an adult who doesn't want to change their mind. And so it just only makes sense to start with educating the youth, making this stuff entertaining, fun, stickable, addicting.""I'm Daddy in my world and I'm fixing everything I can fix with these processes. And if I can create a subscription service to these micro local hyperlocal farms and instill the curriculum into all the libraries and the schools and homeschool communities so that the kids are learning Smart Farms is where we get our food... Then we're going to be a household name."Resources MentionedWebsite - Https://smartfarms.globalLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-smart-bucket-buddiesFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/16n455CPLE/X - https://x.com/smartfarms2024YouTube - https://youtube.com/@smartfarms2024Connect 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/Mentioned in this episode:2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report

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.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:57 From corporate to entrepreneurship challenges11:47 LPC Naturals origin and microbial solutions17:57 Educating farmers on microbial benefits24:59 Preparing environments for microbial use30:20 Balancing entrepreneurship and personal well-being35:17 Collaboration opportunities in microbial researchTweetable Quotes"DNA is DNA is DNA. It doesn't matter the organism. And so again, it's this universal language that you can communicate with.""In a controlled sector, you're really pushing those plants to an extreme. Really fast cycle times, beautiful, consistent responses are needed. And then on top of it, packaging, handling, long shelf lives are needed.""As more chemicals are being pulled and aren't being allowed to be used, it's clear that more people are doing a better job at communicating the efficacy of microbials in agriculture and vertical spaces."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://lpcnaturals.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-stahaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/primesuperiorgrow/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/primesuperiorgrowYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@primesuperiorgrowConnect 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/Mentioned in this episode:2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report

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.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:18 Evolution of GrowDirector's product generations10:03 Challenges faced by greenhouses and indoor farms14:36 AI integration in greenhouse management29:57 Lessons learned in hiring and leadership35:38 Future goals for GrowDirector's growthTweetable Quotes"We are the god in the greenhouse. We control all of your equipment automatically. Our AI can even predict problems which are coming into the greenhouse and change the rules with your permission.""Hire slow, fire fast. I do think this is the thing because every time I gave a second chance it didn't work for me.""Be very picky about what you do. Not everything you can grow, you can sell, and not everything you can sell you can make money from. Finally you need to make money because you need to feed yourself, your family, and sometimes also get money to your investors."Resources MentionedWebsite - www.growdirector.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimacher/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@growdirector8723 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growdirectorltdInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/growdirectoragri/X - https://x.com/DirectorGrowConnect 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/Mentioned in this episode:2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report

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.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:03 Board member roles and responsibilities explained8:08 Saffron's unique properties and market potential14:00 Challenges of scaling up agricultural startups17:35 Balancing passion and practicality in business21:42 Learning from failed real estate project26:47 Mitigating risks in high-risk venturesTweetable Quotes"Just to give you a perspective, you need 120,000 flowers growing to create £2 or a kilo of dry saffron. That's a lot of space. That's a lot of flowers.""We're producing the highest quality of saffron if you compare it to the different bands. In all categories of the active ingredients, we're producing a higher quality than the top notch saffron.""We're in a business that has high risk by design. The last thing you want to do is add to that with bullish assumptions. So we try to minimize them in a way that we'll have room for some failure and still be very successful."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://saffron-tech.ag/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloster01/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/Mentioned in this episode:2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report

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.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:42 Transition from nightclub scene to bodybuilding11:15 Spiritual journey and discovery of magic mushrooms16:59 Building a mushroom farm22:31 Challenges of vertical farming and industry insights28:15 Developing fungitarian food products and business growth39:33 Current business operations and partnerships45:46 Defining success: Goal of 10 million fungitarians by 202750:57 Leadership growth and employee management strategiesTweetable Quotes"I've always been a weirdo, so in all reality it was for me I've been on this like universal timeline where all the things that I want to embody and do have just been ahead of time.""I believe that I have the opportunity, which you don't get in another lifetime, to be able to gear people towards a new food.""I'd rather have somebody that knows nothing and wants to learn everything than somebody who thinks they know everything."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://windycitymushroom.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-james-staniszewski-0728312ab/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/Mentioned in this episode:2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report

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.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways5:53 Importance of video marketing for CEOs13:30 AI tools revolutionizing content creation16:19 Early days of Arctic Farming development 21:53 Herbie: Innovative restaurant-grade vertical farm27:41 Switching from aeroponics to fogponics34:53 Space ambitions and Earth-first strategy37:52 Acquiring Plantui: Consumer-focused hydroponic system43:18 Motivation behind pursuing indoor farmingTweetable Quotes"We've taken it incredibly slow, gathering feedback, meanwhile seeing all these bankruptcies, for example, from infarm, learning from them, interviewing the insiders, interviewing their ex investors, interviewing their customer suppliers and so on, and kind of feeding all of that information and learnings from the customers, from the industry, from experts like you back into the product.""Why do we do this? To be honest, I had a wonderful conversation with a colleague from the US where the standard greeting that we have is, how are you doing? Fine, thank you. And as well as you can do as an indoor farming startup or entrepreneur, it's. This is the most difficult industry that I can imagine getting into.""Just seeing the iterative progress with a product that you have designed from zero, literally scratch, is the most rewarding feeling that you can have."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.arcticfarming.io/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverrotko/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/Mentioned in this episode:2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report

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.Thanks to Our SponsorsCEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/Key Takeaways11:31 ReElement Technologies: Recycling battery elements16:31 Innovative housing solutions using shipping containers22:20 Partnership with Anu for container farming28:43 Applications for container farms in various industries34:34 Building a diverse board for Land Betterment39:50 Balancing opportunities and allocating time effectivelyTweetable Quotes"We understood that we were not a nonprofit. We wanted to create a business that made sense financially. But we also wanted our investors and our partners to understand that we were making decisions not just for their return, but to maximize the return of all our stakeholders.""The challenge with any farming is external environment and human error. We solve the external environment by doing it inside a shipping container. Our competition doesn't solve for the human error component, but the Anu team does.""I think that everybody has the ability to make something out of themselves and be proud of what they do. Not everybody realizes that. By providing direct roadmaps, direct opportunity for these community members, we can give them the steps that they can walk up on their own."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.landbetterment.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkptaylor/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/Mentioned in this episode:2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report2025 US Indoor Farm Reporthttp://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/reportAgTech Companieshttps://agtechcompanies.com2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report