Voting Opens for the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado “People’s Choice” Award
DENVER – Online voting opened today for the Colorado Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in Colorado People’s Choice award (edit: voting concluded on Oct.. 6, 2025). The fourth annual contest celebrates the vibrant and diverse manufacturing industry across the state.
“The People’s Choice award is one of the most exciting parts of this contest as it gives Coloradans the chance to support their favorite products from local businesses across the state,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. “These finalists showcase the creativity and innovation happening in Colorado, and we’re excited to see which product will stand out as this year’s People’s Choice!”
FarmBox Foods’ Vertical Hydroponic Farm was named as a top-10 finalist last month.
“Southwest is proud to champion the People’s Choice at Coolest Thing Made in Colorado, honoring innovation and celebrating the best of Colorado’s businesses and communities,” said Lexi Muller, senior regional manager of corporate responsibility at Southwest Airlines, the People’s Choice sponsor.
Voters can select up to three of their favorite products from the top 10 finalists list for the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado. Individuals can vote once per day until voting closes on October 6. The Colorado Chamber will announce winners of both the People’s Choice award and the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado top winner on Oct. 23 at the Coolest Thing Made Awards Banquet.
Voting is open now through October 6. Votes can be cast on the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado website here: https://coolestthingcolorado.com/peoples-choice.
The Colorado Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in Colorado contest is presented by FirstBank, and the People’s Choice Award is sponsored by Southwest Airlines.
There’s a time in almost every industry when an impactful shift upends what doing business looks like.
Farming has always been the backbone of society, but for many young people today, the idea of becoming a farmer feels out of reach. Land is expensive, climate conditions are unpredictable and the upfront costs of equipment and infrastructure can be overwhelming. That’s where automated container farms come in, offering a new pathway for the next generation of farmers to thrive.
Unlike traditional models, container farms don’t require hundreds of acres or decades of experience passed down from family. They’re compact, climate-controlled and highly efficient. Most importantly, they harness automation and technology, which makes them a natural fit for younger generations who grew up with smartphones, data analytics and digital tools at their fingertips. With sensors that monitor and control environmental conditions, automated watering and nutrient delivery systems, and detailed dashboards that track results, farming suddenly becomes less about guesswork and more about innovation.
This shift doesn’t just make agriculture more approachable, it makes it exciting. Young people who might never have considered farming can now view it as a career rooted in technology, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Container farms offer consistent, year-round production regardless of outside weather conditions, which speaks directly to a generation deeply concerned about climate change and food security. The controlled environment also uses a fraction of the water and land required by traditional farming, aligning with values of environmental stewardship that many young people hold close.
At the same time, container farms double as living classrooms. Schools, universities and community organizations are already using them to teach students about biology, engineering, natural resources, coding and even business management. Hands-on experience with these systems not only connects learners to where food comes from, but also equips them with skills they can carry into careers in ag-tech, sustainability or entrepreneurship. It’s a form of education that blends science with purpose, and it leaves a lasting impression.
Perhaps most empowering of all is the way container farms connect young people to their communities. These systems allow farmers to grow fresh food locally, reduce reliance on long supply chains and provide nutritious produce to underserved areas. Many young entrepreneurs are finding purpose in this mission, using container farms to build small businesses that serve both their neighborhoods and the environment. By removing many of the traditional barriers to farming, container farms open the door to opportunity and impact.
At its core, this movement is about redefining what it means to be a farmer. Agriculture is no longer confined to wide-open fields and unpredictable harvests. With the rise of automated container farms, farming has become a forward-thinking, tech-enabled career choice that blends innovation with sustainability. For the next generation, it’s not just about growing food—it’s about shaping the future of our food systems in a way that is accessible, resilient, and deeply meaningful.
CORE Electric Cooperative, FarmBox Foods & HRCA Partner
to Plant Hydroponically Grown Trees in Backcountry Wilderness Area
Douglas County, Colo. (Aug. 25, 2025) – CORE Electric Cooperative, FarmBox Foods and the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) Backcountry Wilderness Area came together on August 20 to plant blue spruce trees grown in a hydroponic farm, marking an innovative step toward sustainable reforestation
(watch the video).
The trees, a native species to Colorado, were cultivated in a FarmBox Foods vertical hydroponic container farm owned by CORE Electric Cooperative. The effort is part of a larger collaboration between the electricity distributor and FarmBox Foods to explore how hydroponic technology can support large-scale propagation of native trees. By collecting data on the growing process, the partners aim to strengthen future reforestation initiatives by partnersacross the state.
“We can safely say this is the first program of its kind. It’s fun to be part of such a unique partnership that’s doing something good for the community and allows us to conduct research,” said Chris Michlewicz, vice president of communications for FarmBox Foods.
The planting took place in the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area, an 8,200-acre expanse of protected land dedicated to conservation, recreation and outdoor education. Joining the effort were children from the Wild Roots, a year-round, nature-based early childhood program. With guidance from staff from the HRCA, FarmBox Foods and CORE Electric Cooperative, the preschoolers eagerly participated in planting the saplings, making the event both educational and hands-on.
“While we sometimes need to remove trees to protect the electrical system, it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a program that helps restore them to the environment,” said Kevin Perkins, vegetation manager for CORE Electric Cooperative.
The HRCA will oversee the long-term care of the trees while FarmBox Foods will periodically monitor their progress and health. Together, the organizations hope to demonstrate how advanced farming methods can complement traditional land stewardship practices.
“The young trees we planted in the Backcountry Wilderness Area show the growth that’s possible when organizations like CORE and FarmBox Foods align with a conservation-focused nonprofit. Planted by preschool-aged kids, the small sprouts now have the chance to grow and thrive alongside the children who placed them in the soil — rooting both in the future of our local wild place,” said Lindsey McKissick, communications manager for the Backcountry Wilderness Area.
The modern-day adage says that most people switch careers approximately 5 times in their life. Maybe you’re perfectly fine with your current job, but it feels like you’ve hit a ceiling. Or maybe the spark just isn’t there anymore, and the work that once kept you engaged doesn’t interest you the way it used to. That’s when the idea of trying something completely different starts to sound appealing—stepping into a new role, learning new skills and finding fresh energy in a new career path.
Farming inside a controlled-climate shipping container is increasingly seen as an attractive business option for retirees, military veterans and individuals seeking a fresh start in their careers. Unlike traditional farming, which often demands backbreaking labor, large tracts of land and a willingness to gamble with unpredictable weather, container farming offers a streamlined, modern alternative that lowers the barriers to entry (especially financially) and creates opportunities for people at different stages of life.
For retirees, container farming provides a way to stay active, socially engaged and purpose-focused without overextending physically or financially. Many retirees crave a second act that balances meaningful contribution with flexibility, and operating a container farm offers exactly that. Because the system is automated and climate-controlled, retirees can manage their farms with part-time effort—often just a few hours each day—while producing something tangible and beneficial for their community. It’s also a potential legacy project, something that can be passed on to children or grandchildren (learn about a FarmBox customer in Nebraska who decided to start a family-run farming business in 2023).
For military veterans, container farming offers both structure and mission. Veterans are well-suited for this kind of work because they’re trained in logistics, operations and discipline, all skills that directly translate to farming within a controlled environment. Many veterans also feel a deep desire to serve their communities after military service, and food production provides an outlet for that calling. Programs that connect veterans with farming often highlight the therapeutic benefits of working with plants and the pride that comes with producing food for others. Plus, reentering the normal workforce comes with its fair share of challenges. Container farms in particular offer an achievable path into agriculture without the steep startup costs of traditional farms.
For career changers, container farming is a pathway into entrepreneurship in a growing industry. Professionals who are leaving corporate jobs or shifting after economic changes often seek work that is more purposeful and personally fulfilling. A container farm offers flexibility, scalability and the ability to tie their new career to emerging trends in sustainability, local food and health. With demand for locally sourced produce continuing to rise among restaurants, schools, hospitals and consumers, container farmers are well-positioned to build profitable businesses while also making a social impact.
Ultimately, container farming blends technology, sustainability and community service into a business model that suits people seeking meaningful, manageable and future-oriented work. For retirees, it’s a way to stay vibrant. For veterans, it’s a new mission. For career changers, it’s a rewarding gateway into purposeful entrepreneurship.
FarmBox Foods celebrated a ribbon-cutting event on Aug. 14 to mark the official launch of FarmBox Foods Fresh, a new subsidiary focused on producing high-quality, chef-grade gourmet mushrooms, greens and herbs for restaurants, chefs and home cooks in Colorado and beyond. The fresh produce is grown entirely in shipping container-based farms built by FarmBox Foods.
Operating out of its headquarters in Sedalia, Colo., FarmBox Foods Fresh offers a wide variety of flavorful, nutrient-rich mushrooms cultivated in a controlled-climate environment to ensure year-round availability and sustainability. Greens and herbs will soon be added to the menu. With regular weekly harvests and flexible pickup and delivery options available Monday through Friday, FarmBox Foods Fresh is redefining what it means to “eat local.”
“We’re excited to bring a new level of quality and consistency to Colorado’s fresh produce scene, especially mushrooms,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods. “This venture reflects our commitment to sustainable agriculture and our passion for providing access to healthy, locally grown food.”
The current gourmet mushroom selection includes lion’s mane, blue oysters and black king trumpets. FarmBox Foods Fresh will soon offer even more gourmet mushrooms, including chestnut, golden oyster, king blue oyster, pink oyster, king trumpets and snow oyster varieties. Prices range from $7 to $12 per pound depending on quantity, and pre-orders are now being accepted for upcoming varieties.
Whether you’re a professional chef seeking unique ingredients or a home cook looking to elevate your meals, FarmBox Foods Fresh delivers mushrooms that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
FarmBox Foods’ Vertical Hydroponic Farm was named among the top 10 finalists for this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition put on by the Colorado Chamber. See the press release below!
Top Ten Finalists for 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Colorado Contest Announced
DENVER – The Colorado Chamber of Commerce today announced the top ten finalists for its fourth annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition sponsored by FirstBank.
“This year’s top ten finalists represent Colorado innovation in so many ways,” said Loren Furman, President and CEO of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. “From breakthroughs in space technology to products that support our farmers, protect our environment, and celebrate our love for the outdoors, these finalists reflect what makes Colorado such a unique place to live and work. We’re proud to highlight these amazing companies and look forward to celebrating them in October.”
The finalists were chosen by an independent selection committee who reviewed and assessed each nomination. The finalists will be honored at the Colorado Chamber’s Coolest Thing Awards Banquet on October 23, where the 2025 winner will be announced and presented with the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado trophy. The Chamber will also announce special categories of winners, including a “People’s Choice” award based on an online voting tool that will launch in the coming weeks.
The Coolest Thing Made in Colorado top ten finalists are as follows:
AE.1 Cosmos by Lightship
The AE.1 Cosmos is the first all-electric aero-electric travel trailer with a 77 kilowatt-hour battery and rooftop solar panels that create a fully self-contained power system. Made in Broomfield, its aerodynamic design and TrekDrive assist system improve towing efficiency and provide up to a week of off-grid living, offering a quiet and low-maintenance option for travel.
AIEye is a wearable assistive technology that translates nonverbal communication cues such as facial expressions, gestures and body language into discreet haptic feedback for people who are blind, low vision or autistic. The device pairs smart glasses with an integrated camera and a wristband to detect over 25 visual social cues and translates them into distinct, intuitive vibration patterns on the wrist. Made in Golden, AIEye is built for real-world durability, speed and ease of use.
The Austere Remediation Unit (ARU-10T) cleans 10 tons of diesel-contaminated soil per day, removing 99.99% of pollutants and recovering the diesel for reuse. Developed in Golden, Colorado, the system helps prevent water contamination, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps contaminated soil out of landfills, offering a cleaner and more sustainable solution for waste management.
The Autonomous Nano Tractor (ANT) is a fully electric, self-driving mini tractor engineered in La Junta, Colorado, for small to midsize farms. It handles precision row-crop tasks like weeding, targeted spraying, and planting support, cutting manual labor by more than 50% and reducing input costs by about 30%. Its modular design and advanced computer vision make it a scalable, low-maintenance solution for both regenerative and conventional farms.
Clarity-1, developed by Albedo in Broomfield, is the first commercial very-low-Earth-orbit (VELO) satellite to 10-centimeter visible imagery and 2-meter long-wave infrared data in a single pass. Launched in March 2025, it marks a breakthrough in multispectral imaging, providing unprecedented detail for applications from city planning to climate research.
The InnovaFlex Arrays, manufactured in Colorado Springs, are complex electrical systems built on glass or flexible materials that enable the measurement or application of electrical signals. These arrays have multiple uses, including “Organ-on-a-Chip” applications that allow researchers to study how human tissue responds to pharmaceuticals or treatments, reducing the need for animal testing and supporting more personalized medical approaches.
The Laser Maze Challenge, manufactured in Longmont, is an interactive attraction where players navigate glowing laser beams, racing against time in three unique game modes that test agility, speed and strategy. With immersive lighting, video replays, and a live leaderboard, it delivers an action-packed experience for families, thrill-seekers and competitive gamers.
The Spectra Optia Apheresis System, developed in Lakewood, is an industry-leading platform for therapeutic apheresis, cell processing, and cell collection, capable of separating and returning blood components while targeting specific cells for treatment or research. First introduced in 2007, it’s now used in over 125 countries to support procedures for hematologic disorders, rare diseases and emerging cell therapies.
Manufactured in Boulder, the Narwhals are portable cooling devices designed to quickly reduce core body temperature by targeting specialized vasculature in the palms. Used by professional athletes, firefighters, construction workers, and others exposed to extreme heat, Narwhals help improve heart rate recovery, extend work capacity and provide lasting relief from heat stress in demanding environments.
The Vertical Hydroponic Farm, manufactured in Aurora, uses patented vertical farming technology inside upcycled shipping containers to maximize growing space while minimizing water and energy use. These solar-capable, climate-controlled farms enable year-round cultivation of mushrooms, leafy greens and herbs almost anywhere in the world.
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, a healthy business environment and economic prosperity for all Coloradans. It is the only business association that works to improve the business climate for all sizes of business from a statewide, multi-industry perspective. What the Colorado Chamber accomplishes is good for all businesses, and that’s good for the state’s economy. It was created in 1965 based on the merger with the Colorado Manufacturers’ Association.
Seismic shifts in how we operate as a society are happening all around us, and some days, it seems like it’s all happening at once. The food industry is no stranger to change, and it’s constantly having to acclimate to a variety of external factors that are forcing this change.
In a world facing mounting environmental, social and economic pressures, the way people grow food is undergoing a radical transformation. No longer confined to traditional outdoor fields in rural settings, food production is now taking root in cities, repurposed buildings and even shipping containers. From climate change to shifting consumer preferences, multiple interconnected factors are reshaping how and where people cultivate crops, and the ripple effects are touching everything from supply chains to dinner plates. Let’s take 5 minutes to explore the primary forces driving these shifts and how they’re shaping the future of food production.
Climate Change and Unpredictable Weather
Perhaps the most significant factor reshaping food production is shifting climates. As global temperatures rise, traditional agricultural zones are experiencing unpredictable weather patterns, more frequent droughts, floods and rampant wildfires. Crops that once thrived in certain regions are now at risk, leading to decreased yields and food insecurity.
A rendering of a FarmBox Foods container farm in an arid region.
In some areas, once-reliable growing seasons are moving or shortening. Farmers are being forced to either adapt their methods — using drought-resistant seeds, rotating crops, or investing in irrigation — or abandon fields altogether. This instability is prompting innovators to explore controlled-environment agriculture, which includes hydroponics, aeroponics and aquaponics systems in greenhouses and vertical farms.
Indoor farming methods allow growers to remove weather variability from the equation, offering a stable, year-round growing environment. As weather extremes continue to escalate, climate-resilient farming will only grow in importance.
Urbanization and Land Scarcity
With over half of the world’s population now living in urban areas—and that percentage expected to climb, the availability of arable land near cities is shrinking. Urban sprawl devours farmland, forcing food to travel further to reach consumers. The longer the distance, the greater the transportation costs and the larger the carbon footprint.
To combat this, urban agriculture is emerging as a viable solution. Rooftop gardens, community farms and repurposed buildings are being transformed into micro-farms that feed local populations. Innovations such as modular container farms, which are portable and space-efficient, are enabling hyperlocal food production, even in areas with little or no traditional farmland.
The benefits of growing food close to where it will be consumed include reduced transportation costs, fresher produce and increased food security in densely populated areas. This localized approach is essential for making food systems more sustainable and resilient.
Technological Advancements in Agriculture
Technology is rapidly changing every aspect of farming. Precision agriculture, powered by sensors, artificial intelligence and satellite imagery, allows for more efficient use of water, fertilizers and pesticides. These tools help maximize yields while minimizing environmental impacts.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at the field. In indoor environments, growers are leveraging automation, climate controls and data analytics to maintain optimal growing conditions for each crop. LED lighting systems can be tuned to the specific wavelengths that stimulate plant growth (full-spectrum, anyone?), while real-time monitoring ensures that nutrients and water are delivered with pinpoint accuracy. This is a cornerstone of FarmBox Foods’ approach. Targeted and timely dosing, watering and lighting.
With the rise of “smart farms,” technology is making it easier to grow food in places that were once considered inhospitable. Whether it’s a basement in Brooklyn or a desert outpost, technology is unlocking new possibilities in agriculture.
Evolving Consumer Expectations
Today’s consumers are more educated and environmentally conscious than ever. They want to know where their food comes from, how it was grown, and what its impact is on the planet. Many are prioritizing local, organic, and sustainably grown options, even if it means paying a premium. This consumer shift is influencing how food is grown. Transparency, traceability and low environmental impact are becoming selling points. Supermarkets, restaurants and wholesalers are responding by sourcing more produce from local or eco-friendly farms, and in some cases, creating partnerships with indoor farming operations.
The “farm-to-fork” movement is no longer a fringe trend — it’s becoming an expectation. As people demand fresher, cleaner and more ethically produced food, growers are changing their practices to align with these values.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by geopolitical tensions and logistical bottlenecks, revealed just how fragile global food supply chains can be. Delays, labor shortages and inflation caused widespread disruption, highlighting the dangers of relying too heavily on international suppliers for essential goods like food.
As a result, many communities and governments are investing in decentralized food systems. Localized production provides a buffer against global instability and reduces the risks associated with long-distance transportation. In this context, indoor and urban farming offer an appealing solution, not just for sustainability, but for strategic resilience.
Building regional supply chains allows for greater control, adaptability, and community engagement. It also helps stimulate local economies by creating jobs in agricultural technology (softened shortened to ‘agtech’), operations and logistics.
Water Scarcity and Resource Efficiency
Water is one of agriculture’s most critical and overused resources. Traditional farming consumes roughly 70 percent of the world’s freshwater supply, and in many regions, aquifers are being depleted faster than they can recharge. With water becoming increasingly scarce, especially in drought-prone areas, growers must rethink how they use this precious resource.
Soilless systems like hydroponics and aeroponics can reduce water usage by up to 90 percent compared to conventional methods. These systems recycle water within closed loops, dramatically lowering waste. As water stress intensifies, efficient farming methods will become indispensable for maintaining food production.
Resource-efficient agriculture also reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides, which helps protect nearby waterways from runoff and pollution. This makes modern farming not just more productive, but more environmentally responsible.
Policy and Investment Trends
Governments, investors and institutions are recognizing the urgency of agricultural innovation. From grants for indoor farming startups to tax incentives for sustainable practices, public policy is beginning to reflect the need for resilient, future-proof food systems.
At the same time, venture capital and impact investors are pouring funds into agtech, alternative proteins, and regenerative agriculture. This influx of capital is accelerating the development and deployment of scalable farming solutions that can meet growing global demand.
Policies that support urban agriculture, reduce barriers to entry and promote food justice are also helping expand access to healthy food in underserved communities. These developments underscore the growing recognition that food security is inseparable from environmental stewardship and social equity.
The Future of Food is Flexible
As climate challenges intensify, populations grow and urban centers expand, how and where we grow food must evolve. What’s emerging is a more decentralized, diversified and tech-driven food system that emphasizes sustainability, efficiency and local resilience.
Multiple forces, such as climate, consumer demand, economics, technology and policy, are converging to redefine agriculture for the 21st century. While the traditional farm is far from obsolete, it’s now part of a much broader landscape that includes vertical farms, container farms, rooftop greenhouses and other creative solutions that haven’t even been invented yet.
Ultimately, the future of food will depend not on any single approach, but on a mosaic of practices adapted to local needs, conditions and cultures. By embracing innovation while honoring the principles of stewardship and equity, we can create a food system that nourishes both people and the planet.
It’s clear that emerging technologies will and are playing an increasingly vital role in how we live our lives and how we conduct business.
The advent of AI-driven everything marks a turning point in society. But it’s worth noting that technology has been transforming our day-to-day for centuries, albeit in different forms. The printing press was a game-changer for information sharing. Television built upon what radio had already started. Mechanized implements turned traditional farming on its head. Now, technology exists to enable people to grow food in places where it’s never been possible.
FarmBox Foods leverages its modular container farms to allow others to sustainably feed people, transforming standard 40-foot shipping containers (approximately 320 sq. ft.) into fully automated farms. These container units are climate‑controlled, sensor‑driven and — in the case of the Vertical Hydroponic Farm — stacked with vertical tubes to maximize yield per square foot, with integrated LED lighting and nutrient delivery systems supporting year‑round cultivation of leafy greens, herbs, peppers and more.
At the heart of the technology is a patented vertical hydroponic watering system, capable of reducing water usage by up to 99% compared to traditional agriculture. By cycling nutrient-rich water through seed tables and grow tubes, and tightly controlling environmental variables, FarmBox eliminates the need for pesticides or fertilizers, enabling the production of fresh, clean produce that can reach vulnerable populations with minimal contamination risk.
FarmBox also created a farm to grow nutrient-dense mushrooms. The mushroom unit yields around 400 lbs. per week, often across multiple specialty species. The fodder systems can produce 850 lbs. per day of high‑digestibility feed supplement for livestock, improving animal health and reducing methane emissions, a further benefit for sustainability and local protein supply.
A core component of our mission is deploying these container farms directly into food deserts, remote communities, schools, hospitals, underutilized urban spaces, prisons, farms and ranches, and food banks. By placing farms in or near populated, underserved areas, FarmBox dramatically reduces transportation delays, minimizes spoilage and provides locally grown produce on demand, boosting both food security and access.
Through smart, compact, water‑efficient container farms that can operate nearly anywhere, FarmBox Foods is bringing fresh food production to the front lines of food insecurity, feeding people in need with local, predictable, healthy and safe harvests year‑round.
Recent insights shared in this article by The Packer highlight a powerful and increasingly pronounced shift in food service strategies: consumers’ growing demand for health-conscious eating is driving major innovation in fresh produce sales. Industry experts say this shift is reshaping menus, sourcing and packaging, expanding access and opening doors for CEA technologies.
Article highlights:
Health-forward menu items: Food service decision-makers are featuring produce in creative ways to satisfy consumers seeking nutrient-dense, plant‑based options.
Produce innovation: From novel cuts to new varieties and packaging formats, freshness and convenience are key themes.
Food service adapting: Chefs and operators are rethinking ingredient sourcing, menu flexibility and preparation efficiencies to meet evolving wellness expectations. Locally grown and locally purchased goods have gained more importance.
Harvested veggies
Linking Trends to Controlled‑Environment Agriculture (CEA)
CEA (the indoor growing of fruits, vegetables and herbs using technologies like container farms, greenhouses and hydroponics) fits nicely into many of these emerging food service trends.
Consistent Supply of High‑Quality, Nutrient‑Dense Produce
CEA enables year‑round production of crisp, nutrient‑retaining greens and microgreens, perfect for health‑centric operators who want predictable quality and availability.
Novel Varieties & Flavor Innovation
CEA allows experimentation with niche and specialty varieties (e.g. colorful lettuces, edible flowers, herb hybrids) that stand out on menus — exactly the kind of produce innovation operators are seeking.
Traceability & Transparency
Foodservice customers increasingly value knowing where their produce comes from and how it’s grown. CEA offers strong control over environmental parameters, traceable growing records, and often lower pesticide use—aligning with clean‑label preferences.
Local Proximity & Sustainability
Urban vertical farms and greenhouse operations close to metro centers reduce transportation times dramatically, delivering fresher product with a smaller carbon footprint. Operators can highlight “locally grown, indoor‑grown, and pesticide-free” produce as a differentiator.
Packaging & Shelf‑Life Benefits
Plants grown in optimized indoor settings often require less handling and damage, enabling minimal packaging solutions. Freshness and extended shelf life translate to less waste for food service operators.
Menu Innovation & Customization
With controlled environments, growers can produce micro‑batches of specialty herbs or leafy greens on demand. Chefs benefit from flexible supply and can experiment with new ingredients or shareable formats tailored to health‑oriented menus.
What This Means for Foodservice Operators
Food Service Challenge
CEA Advantage
Unpredictable seasonal supply
Consistent year‑round production
Desire for unique, fresh items
Grow custom varieties and formats
Need for transparency and cleanliness
Controlled inputs, reduced chemical use
Consumer preference for local
Urban CEA provides nearby sourcing
High perishability & waste
Longer shelf life, less bruising
By embracing CEA partnerships, food service brands can scale their innovation, deliver fresh, local, health‑optimized greens and produce, and respond nimbly to menu trends while enhancing supply chain reliability and sustainability.
Final Takeaway
The health-driven trends highlighted by The Packer signal a moment of transformation in produce strategy across foodservice. Operators eager to lead in the wellness and convenience space will find fertile ground in controlled-environment agriculture, leveraging its precision, consistency and foundations in sustainability to meet consumer demand for fresh, healthy and innovative produce.
There are a seemingly infinite number of nonprofit organizations, schools, small businesses and large corporations that do their part to reduce waste on a mass scale, in some cases leading the way to a paradigm shift in how we think about and approach waste as a society. FarmBox Foods and its customers, partners and vendors strive to do their part in this process, too, and much like the aforementioned institutions, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to contribute to the greater good (suggestions welcomed!). Below are a few ways that we and the incredible people in our network work to reduce and even eliminate waste.
The exterior of an upcycled shipping container used to sustainably grow feed for livestock. This container farm yields 3 tons of barley fodder per week in a 320 square-foot area.
Smart Water Management & Hydroponics
Our Vertical Hydroponic Farm uses sensor-driven systems to capture, filter and recycle water, consuming only around 10-15 gallons per day per unit—roughly 95% less water than traditional agriculture. This not only minimizes water waste but also means fewer water-related nutrient runoff losses. Conventional outdoor operations typically lose a significant amount of water through evaporation, transpiration and less-targeted measures.
Localized, Hyper Local Production Cuts Supply Chain Waste
Placing farms on-site at grocery stores, hospitals, schools or in urban environments means produce can go from harvest to consumer within 24 hours or less, dramatically reducing spoilage and consumer-level food waste, and minimizing emissions related to long transport.
Upcycling Shipping Containers
Repurposing insulated shipping containers for farms gives them a new life and diverts materials from landfills, reducing waste while creating scalable, stackable and relocatable farm units that allow people to sustainably grow food in regions that traditionally have not supported robust farming.
High-Efficiency Energy Use & Solar Compatibility
FarmBoxes utilize LED grow lights and smart controls to minimize energy consumption. A VHF typically uses around 190 kWh/day, while the mushroom farm we manufacture uses around 60-80 kWh/day—equivalent to just two loads of laundry. Farms can also be powered by solar installations, reducing emissions and waste associated with fossil fuel energy use.
Compostable By-Products from Mushroom Farms
At the end of grow cycles, spent mushroom substrates and seedling pods are donated or reused as nutrient-rich compost, enriching soil and reducing organic waste. The spent mushroom substrate still contains nutrients and mycelium that help plants grow and communicate subterraneously.
