233. Automating the Greenhouse Leafy Greens Industry w. Patrik Borenius

Adam Begman, as the Global Head of AgTech Investment Banking at Citi, possesses unparalleled expertise in AgTech investment. With a proven track record and extensive experience, Adam delivers invaluable insights and pragmatic approaches to drive your business toward prosperity. Drawing from successful case studies in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and other cleantech sectors, Adam and I delve into essential advice for thriving in CEA, innovative financing solutions, the critical role of retail relationships, and navigating potential pitfalls to ensure sustainable growth. 

Carl Gupton, CEO of Greenswell Growers, a leafy greens producer nestled outside Richmond, Virginia, brings a refreshing blend of humility and transparency to the forefront of agricultural innovation. Join us on this episode of CropTalk as Carl shares invaluable lessons gleaned from his expanding operation, offering insightful strategies for success in Controlled Environment Agriculture. Together, Carl and I explore the pivotal importance of setting the right course, breaking down industry silos through genuine transparency, and fostering a culture of collaborative CEA teamwork. Tune in to gain actionable insights for navigating the path to excellence in modern farming.

Melanie Yelton, the founder of Grow Big CEA Consultants, brings a wealth of expertise cultivated through her impactful roles at Lumigrow and Plenty, with a strong emphasis on Research and Plant Science. In this episode of CropTalk, Melanie and I delve into our shared dedication to advancing local produce, explore the transformative journey to mastering Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) through focused cultivar concentration, and contemplate the exciting prospects shaping the future landscape of CEA.

Devon Robinson is a leafy greens consultant focused on production efficiency and operation excellence. From his experience working at Springworks farm and Little Leaf Farms, Devon is helping growers perfect their grow operations. On this episode of CropTalk #KyleTalksAgtech Devon and I discuss the importance of cross-training your departments to ensure clear channel communication and a quality company culture, the dangers of internal company siloing, and his predictions for the future of CEA. 

Anthony Younan is the vertical market head of Food & Beverage at Siemens. On this episode of CropTalk #KyleTalksAgtech, Anthony and I delve into the critical role of data collection and its pivotal role in fueling AI and the evolution of CEA. With a strong emphasis on grower precision and the immense potential AI holds for the advancement of growing excellence, tune in to gain a deeper understanding of why data collection is paramount today for shaping a transformative tomorrow. 

Jim Pantaleo is the Industry Ambassador for the AI Institute for Next Gen Food Systems. With extensive experience in CEA through roles at Urban Produce, Oasis Biotech and Indoor Ag Con, Jim has a plethora of experience to share with the industry. In this episode of CropTalk #KyleTalksAgtech, Jim and I delve into the crux of industry dynamics, emphasizing the pivotal role of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and unveiling Jim's Triple P Approach for success in CEA.

In this episode of CropTalk #Kyletalksagtech, I chat with Daniel Plant, President of Plant Dynamics, an Economics-driven executive in Controlled Environment Agriculture. We explore his data-focused approach, discussing the importance of backing claims with clear data as Dan offers insights into the future of the industry, and the significance of 'following the puck' in agtech. Tune in as we dissect the nuances of CEA through a pragmatic lens, delving into the economic forces shaping its trajectory.

Curt Meltzer, founder of Curt Meltzer CEA Consulting, is a distinguished professional with a remarkable journey. With a wealth of experience as the former CEO of Kentucky Fresh Harvest and a background as an attorney, Curt brings a diverse and experienced perspective to controlled environment agriculture. In this episode of CropTalk #KyleTalksAgtech, Curt and I delve into the dynamic evolution of CEA. We explore the risks associated with unsubstantiated claims and share our hopeful outlook for the future as we transition from CEA 1.0 to the transformative CEA 2.0 era.

Gretchen Schimelpfenig is the Senior Energy Engineer at Energy Resources Integration, LLC and the Executive Director of GLASE. On this episode of CropTalk #KyleTalksAgTech Gretchen and I discuss the importance of energy optimization, utilizing the available resources to maximize your efficiencies and some of the key strategies to overcome the collective industry data siloing occurring.

Patrik Borenius is the CEO of Green Automation Americas. On this episode of CropTalk #KyleTaksAgTech I speak with Patrik about the future of leafy greens greenhouse production, some of the challenges vertical farms are facing, and how we can best evolve in an ever-changing industry.