Author: Chris Michlewicz

Solving Global Food System Inefficiencies With Hyperlocal Farming

As we navigate our way through the latter half of this decade, the global food system faces mounting pressure as climate change, population growth and resource scarcity converge.

Massive amounts of food are lost or wasted every year due to inefficient supply chains, long-distance transportation and spoilage during storage and distribution. Meanwhile, food insecurity continues to rise in both developed and developing nations. The current model, which relies heavily on centralized production and global logistics, is unsustainable in the long term and increasingly vulnerable to disruption (watch our recent video about this very subject).

Traditional agriculture, while capable of producing food at scale, is dependent on consistent weather, large plots of arable land and access to water. In many regions, those resources are dwindling or have become unreliable. Supply chain interruptions caused by natural disasters, pandemics or geopolitical conflicts can create severe bottlenecks, leaving communities without access to fresh, nutritious food. These inefficiencies impact not only consumers but also farmers who face limited market access and price instability.

Hyperlocal farming using controlled-climate shipping containers presents a promising solution. By growing food right where it’s needed, communities can bypass many of the pitfalls of traditional supply chains. These container farms operate year-round, regardless of weather, and require significantly less land and water than outdoor farming. With precise control over temperature, humidity, and lighting, they can produce consistent, high-quality crops with fewer inputs and less waste.

Another benefit of hyperlocal container farming is its ability to reduce emissions associated with food transportation. Food often travels thousands of miles before reaching consumers, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Growing crops in or near the communities where they’ll be consumed drastically cuts down on fuel use and packaging waste. It also allows produce to be harvested at peak ripeness, preserving flavor, nutritional value and shelf life.

Container farms can be integrated into urban environments, school campuses and corporate headquarters, making farming accessible in places where it wasn’t previously feasible. These farms can strengthen local economies by creating jobs, supporting small businesses and empowering residents to take control of their food sources. They also offer educational opportunities and foster a deeper connection between people and the food they eat.

While hyperlocal farming isn’t meant to replace traditional agriculture entirely, it plays a vital role in building a more resilient, efficient and equitable food system. By supplementing the global supply chain with localized, sustainable production, communities can better weather disruptions and ensure access to fresh food. Controlled-climate farming is no longer just an innovation—it’s a necessary step toward a future where food security isn’t dictated by distance or disaster.

How Schools are Using Container Farms for STEM, Entrepreneur Education

When STEM meets sustainable agriculture, it cultivates far more than fresh food—it grows future innovators. Across the U.S., pioneering schools are partnering with FarmBox Foods to deploy container-based hydroponic farms as immersive, hands-on classrooms. Here’s how a few standout programs are turning shipping containers into living laboratories.

🌾 South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM)

In Hartsville, SC, GSSM launched a Hydroponic Research Lab, a FarmBox container farm customized for cross-disciplinary STEM learning. Installed summer 2022, it’s integrated into residential, online, outreach and engineering programs.

  • Students study everything from biology and chemistry to robotics, computer science, and environmental policy within the container’s regulated climate.

  • Undergrad-level experiments tweak nutrient delivery, pH, humidity and light schedules.

  • It serves as a hub for curriculum development and for hosting K–12 outreach, including STEM Days and Family STEM events.

Dr. Josh Witten, Director of Research & Inquiry at GSSM said GSSM’s Hydroponic Research Lab isn’t necessarily centered on what it can produce, but how it produces, and, perhaps more importantly, why. It’s a venue for all-encompassing lessons in everything from civics and social responsibility to inventing new indoor farming techniques and creating avenues for environmental stewardship that previously didn’t exist. The educational promise is boundless, as are the practical applications that result.

In many respects, encouraging initial failure provides interdisciplinary opportunities for critical thinking and problem solving. GSSM’s students will have the ability to experiment with different controlled environments, study the research findings, and help answer questions about its effects on the agricultural community in its region, state and beyond. The lab will also help students to develop and standardize hydroponic research protocols for model plants used in plant science, plants of interest and plants beneficial to the area.

“The GSSM Hydroponic Research Lab provides unprecedented opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research on issues of worldwide significance right here on the GSSM campus in Hartsville, SC,” said GSSM Director of Research and Inquiry, Dr. Josh Witten.

“Because this lab represents a unique research resource, it will also be a platform for GSSM students, faculty, and staff to collaborate with researchers beyond our campus. These innovative and immersive experiences are a hallmark of the GSSM education, which prepares students to become the problem solvers of tomorrow.”

The container farm contains elements of — and applications for — biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, computer science, robotics and economics, and is ‘being used as a teaching tool to engage their creativity,” the school said.

EPIC Campus – Littleton, Colo.

EPIC, a Career Technical Education campus in Littleton, Colo., received its Vertical Hydroponic Farm in summer 2023 and it turned into a much-discussed amenity during the school year. While the FarmBox is used primarily by students working toward their plant science certification, it has touched many other career pathways; it has applications in business, computer science, nutrition and various other areas of study. The harvested veggies go to three places: the Littleton High School cafeteria via nutrition services, a local pizzeria, and Gracefull Café, a nearby pay-what-you-can eatery.

“The kids go deliver to Gracefull Cafe and they would have people in the cafe tell their stories about homelessness, how when you’re homeless, you’re not eating green veggies,” said Mike Montgomery, EPIC’s Natural Resources Pathway Lead and a certified environmental educator. “The kids would come back and that was a lesson that I couldn’t teach, and it was so powerful for the kids. Way more important than learning about photosynthesis.”

The FarmBox has become a centerpiece of the EPIC campus and visitors always want to know what’s going on inside, Montgomery said. The common refrain from faculty, parents and visiting volunteers is they wish a teaching tool like the FarmBox existed when they were in school.

“They’re so impressed by it and what we’re doing,” he said.

VALE – Parker, Colo.

When Venture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship (VALE) in Parker, Colo., was still just an idea, its founders knew they wanted to change the face of education. One idea to make that happen was bringing a FarmBox to the campus. Now that the school’s vertical hydroponic FarmBox is up and running, it’s proving even more valuable and multifaceted than envisioned.

“There’s just something magical about this place and space. When we do tours for incoming parents, they’re wowed by everything we do, but when they come out to the FarmBox, it’s a game-changer. You can feel it,” said LeeAnn Hayen, chief learner and disruptor at VALE.

The FarmBox has applications in science, culinary, business, nutrition and environmental lessons, among many others. It’s just as important for VALE to “turn out human beings who are empathy centered” as it is to teach them Algebra 1, Hayen said.

Generation Alpha “won’t be satisfied with sitting still,” and engagement tools like the FarmBox are what get kids excited about learning, she said.

According to Katy Kollasch, chief intrepreneur and change agent at VALE, learning doesn’t just happen in a textbook or classroom.

When entrepreneurship students are building a business “from seed to application of a product, they are creating this themselves, and they haven’t had the opportunity to do that in a two-dimensional classroom,” she said.

“The FarmBox creates that additional dimension that actually brings learning to life,” Kollasch said.

morgan community college – Fort morgan, Colo.

Morgan Community College received its Vertical Hydroponic Farm in 2024 and immediately drew interest from the community. Kids from all grade levels were invited to tour the farm, as were local stakeholders and dignitaries during two community open houses. Since then, MCC professors have used the FarmBox to teach general sustainable agriculture practices, and have incorporated students from multiple departments, from biology and agronomy to precision forming hardware, business and multimedia graphic design. Thus far, students have successfully grown broccoli, bok choy, parsley, Korean ponytail radishes, cherry tomatoes, arugula, oregano, basil, Mexican mint marigold, Asian green mix, romaine, dill, chives and jalapeños.

Bill Miller, Precision Agriculture Faculty & Division Chair for Career Technical Education programming, said agronomy students choose a specialty crop for their final research project.

“We do it from start to finish and look at how it produces, how long it takes to germinate, how until it’s mature enough to transplant, how did it grow in the walls, what are the nutrient vales,” Miller said.

Just before harvesting, Miller puts out a message to faculty and students and invites them to take produce home. Rising Up, a nonprofit in Morgan County, also regularly picks up fresh veggies for its food bank. “Everyone loves” the FarmBox, and it has become a vital and dynamic teaching tool on the campus, Miller said.

Moving Forward: FarmBox Foods Supports Projects Affected by Freight Farms’ Closure

The recent closure of Freight Farms has created a ripple effect across the controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) industry, leaving many projects stalled and uncertain about their future. We’ve heard from people across multiple industries who are looking for help getting their projects back on track.

We understand the challenges this unexpected news has brought to communities, institutions and entrepreneurs who were preparing to implement or expand sustainable farming solutions. We want you to know that you are not alone, that there is a path forward.

As a pioneer and trusted manufacturer of high-quality, controlled-climate container farms, FarmBox Foods is uniquely positioned to step in and help. With several years of experience building advanced container farms and supporting operations around the world, we have the infrastructure, expertise and team in place to get planned projects back up and running in a quick and efficient manner.

Our diverse line of modular, turnkey farms — including hydroponic, mushroom and fodder farms — are designed for resilience, efficiency and adaptability in any location. Whether your project was slated for a school, a resort, a nonprofit, a business park, a zoo, or a remote community, we can help you transition smoothly with a system that meets (and even exceeds) your original goals. We’re committed to maintaining project momentum and avoiding costly delays.

FarmBox Foods offers more than just hardware. We provide comprehensive support, from training and installation to ongoing farm management assistance and remote monitoring. We know firsthand that the success of a container farm depends on more than just technology — it requires reliable support and a shared commitment to growing fresh, local food sustainably. Our team takes that commitment seriously and has since our inception.

If you or your organization were planning to work with Freight Farms and now find yourself seeking an alternative, we encourage you to reach out via our web form or info@farmboxfoods.com. We’ll review your original plans, timelines and objectives, and work alongside you to provide a tailored path forward using FarmBox Foods technology. We aim to make the transition as seamless and productive as possible so you can focus on feeding your community and meeting your mission.

This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of controlled-environment agriculture. While change is never easy, it’s often an opportunity to build something even stronger. We at FarmBox Foods are excited to work with new partners who share our vision for resilient food systems and long-term sustainability. Let’s move forward — together.

Please contact us today to learn how we can support your project and keep your vision alive. The world needs more local food production, not less, and we’re here to help you grow and succeed.

From Our Farm to Your Fork: Explore FarmBox Foods Fresh!

Introducing FarmBox Foods Fresh: Gourmet Mushrooms Grown Locally in Sedalia

FarmBox Foods is thrilled to announce the official launch of FarmBox Foods Fresh, a new subsidiary dedicated to cultivating high-quality, chef-grade gourmet mushrooms right here in Sedalia, Colorado. With weekly harvests and an unwavering commitment to freshness and sustainability, FarmBox Foods Fresh is redefining what it means to eat locally.

Black king trumpet mushrooms

From restaurants looking for unique ingredients to food lovers seeking fresh flavors, FarmBox Foods Fresh offers a delicious variety of mushrooms that are grown with care and precision. These gourmet mushrooms are harvested throughout the week and are available for both pick-up and delivery, Monday through Friday.

Now Available: A Flavorful Assortment

Our current June harvest includes a colorful selection of gourmet mushrooms:

  • Blue Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
  • Black King Trumpets – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
  • Lion’s Mane – $12/lb (5-20 lbs), $10/lb (21+ lbs)

Coming Soon

  • Chestnut – $10/lb (5-10 lbs), $9/lb (11-20 lbs), $8/lb (21+ lbs)
  • Golden Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
  • King Blue Oyster – $10/lb (5-10 lbs), $9/lb (11+ lbs)
  • Pink Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
  • King Trumpets – $12/lb (5-10 lbs), $10/lb (11+ lbs)
  • Snow Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)

Whether you’re a chef sourcing premium mushrooms for culinary creations or a home cook on the hunt for nutrient-rich, flavorful ingredients, these mushrooms are as versatile as they are visually stunning.

Exciting new varieties are also in the works, with pre-orders now being accepted. Keep an eye on our website for updates as we expand our offerings.

Visit or Contact Us

Located at 5389 Plum Ave, Sedalia, CO 80135, FarmBox Foods Fresh offers convenient pick-up and delivery options to make fresh, local food more accessible. For ordering, questions, or pre-orders, reach out to us:

📧 sedalia@farmboxfoods.com
📞 (303) 285-4076
🌐 farmboxfoodsfresh.com

To learn more about each mushroom’s flavor profile and recommended culinary uses, visit our website and explore how FarmBox Foods Fresh is bringing gourmet fungi to your table — fresh from Sedalia.

What You Need to Know About Mushroom Extracts

It seems that the buzz about mushroom extracts has only gotten louder over the last few years.

It’s not just a passing fad. They’ve gained attention for their potential to support overall wellness, and people are increasingly turning to them as natural supplements. These extracts are typically derived from medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga and turkey tail. They’re usually concentrated into powders, tinctures or capsules, making it easier to incorporate their health-boosting compounds into a daily routine. Extracts often contain higher levels of beta-glucans, triterpenes and other active compounds than raw mushrooms, which is why they’re prized in herbal and functional medicine.

(Shameless plug: FarmBox Foods Fresh will soon be taking orders for freeze-dried mushroom varieties, including lion’s mane.)

Lion’s mane extract is especially well-known for its impact on brain health. It’s been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that’s critical for the growth and survival of neurons. People use it to improve focus, mental clarity and even mood, and there’s emerging research that supports its potential in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. It’s a popular ingredient in nootropic blends and is popular among students, professionals and older adults alike.

Reishi, sometimes called the “mushroom of immortality,” is used for its calming effects and immune-boosting power. Traditionally used in Eastern medicine, reishi extract is believed to help reduce stress, improve sleep quality and support immune function through its adaptogenic properties. It’s commonly found in nighttime teas or taken as a daily supplement to help the body cope with long-term physical or emotional stress.

Cordyceps extract stands out for its role in enhancing energy, stamina and athletic performance. It’s often used by athletes and those looking to improve oxygen utilization and reduce fatigue. Studies have shown that cordyceps may help support respiratory function and increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which is the body’s main source of energy at the cellular level. That makes it a popular addition to pre-workout supplements or endurance training regimens. Some of the world’s top athletes have incorporated it into their diets with positive results.

Chaga and turkey tail are both revered for their powerful antioxidant and immune-modulating effects. Chaga, with its high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score, is often taken to fight inflammation and neutralize free radicals. Turkey tail, on the other hand, is especially rich in polysaccharopeptides like PSP and PSK, which have been studied for their ability to enhance immune response and support cancer therapies. Both are frequently used as part of holistic approaches to chronic illness and immune system support.

Overall, mushroom extracts offer a wide range of health benefits that span from brain and immune support to stress reduction and increased energy. Their uses continue to grow as more scientific research backs up centuries of traditional use. Whether you’re brewing them into a tea, mixing them into smoothies or taking them in capsules, these fungi are proving to be versatile allies in modern wellness routines.

Exploring the Wondrous World of Functional Mushrooms

Anyone who’s even slightly attuned to developments in the ‘trending foods’ space are surely aware of the surging popularity of functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps.

Many of the purported health benefits that have been talked about for years are now supported by scientific research, and medical professionals increasingly are encouraging the consumption of these varieties, whether they’re ingested through foods, drinks, supplements, topicals or other means.

Used for centuries in traditional medicine, the dynamic mushrooms offer a range of effects from cognitive enhancement to immune regulation. While their mechanisms vary, they share anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support overall wellness.

Reishi mushrooms growing from a substrate block made of soy bean hulls and hardwood pellets.

Lion’s mane (hericium erinaceus) is best known for its impact on brain health. Compounds called hericenones and erinacines stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which supports the growth and repair of nerve cells. Clinical studies have shown that lion’s mane may improve cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment and potentially reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, likely due to its neuroregenerative effects.

Reishi (ganoderma lucidum) acts as a powerful adaptogen and immune modulator. It helps balance the immune system by either stimulating or suppressing immune activity as needed. Reishi has shown promise in improving sleep quality, reducing fatigue and enhancing well-being in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Some research also supports its use in promoting liver health and reducing inflammation.

Cordyceps (cordyceps militaris and sinensis) are commonly used to enhance energy and stamina. It supports the production of ATP, the body’s primary energy molecule, which may explain improved exercise performance and oxygen utilization observed in some studies. Cordyceps also help regulate blood sugar levels and support immune system function, making it a favorite among athletes and those with metabolic concerns.

Across the board, these functional mushrooms exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-balancing effects that contribute to long-term health. Though benefits often build gradually with consistent use, the safety profile for most people is favorable. Of course, individuals with autoimmune conditions, mushroom allergies or who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider before use.

As research continues, the potential of these mushrooms in areas like neurodegeneration, metabolic health and cancer treatment support looks increasingly promising. While not a replacement for conventional treatment, lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps represent powerful natural tools that can complement a wellness regimen rooted in evidence-based practices.

Strengthening Economies, Food Security Through Local Farming

It comes as no surprise that localized production of fresh produce offers a transformative approach to improving access to healthy foods in urban, suburban and rural communities. The means of achieving such gains, however, includes some tech-driven elements that will help us collectively plan ahead for our food-production future.

In many areas — especially low-income neighborhoods and remote regions — grocery stores are scarce or stocked with mostly processed, shelf-stable items. By growing food closer to where people live, whether through urban farms, community gardens or container-based systems, these gaps in access can be addressed directly. Local production empowers communities to bring fresh, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables into areas that have long been considered food deserts.

FarmBox Foods Trainers with customers in Montego Bay, Jamaica

One of the primary benefits of localized food systems is the shortened supply chain. Traditional food distribution often involves long-haul transport, multiple handling points, and significant delays from farm to plate. Local production drastically reduces this distance, improving both the freshness and nutritional value of produce. Additionally, fewer intermediaries means reduced transportation costs and waste, which can make fresh food more affordable and consistently available, especially in areas prone to supply disruptions or economic instability.

Localized agriculture also fosters greater food diversity and cultural relevance. Unlike national retailers that carry standardized offerings, local growers can tailor their crops to reflect the preferences and traditions of the surrounding community. This ensures that residents have access to foods that resonate with their heritage and culinary practices, increasing the likelihood that fresh, healthy options become part of everyday meals. It also offers opportunities for community input in crop selection, deepening the connection between people and the food they consume.

Beyond access, local food systems contribute to education and community engagement. School gardens, neighborhood farms and mobile container units serve as interactive classrooms where children and adults alike can learn about nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability. These hands-on experiences instill a deeper understanding of where food comes from and how it supports physical and environmental health. Over time, these lessons can lead to improved eating habits and a greater appreciation for healthy living, especially among younger populations.

This creates a virtuous cycle where food access and economic vitality grow hand in hand.

Perhaps most importantly, localized production enhances food security and resilience. Whether it’s an urban neighborhood affected by climate change, a rural town facing supply chain delays, or a suburban community preparing for future disruptions, decentralized food systems ensure a more stable and responsive supply of healthy food. With tools like container farming and controlled-environment agriculture, year-round access to fresh produce becomes a reality even in areas with challenging climates. In a world where food equity and sustainability are increasingly urgent, localized production stands out as a practical, scalable solution.

‘What Is Container Mushroom Farming?’ by iGrow News

iGrow News published an article in May 2025 about the FarmBox Foods Gourmet Mushroom Farm (GMF) titled ‘What Is Container Mushroom Farming?’ Below is an excerpt and a link to the full article.

Overview of the Method

Container mushroom farming is a method of cultivating mushrooms inside a retrofitted 40-foot shipping container. The entire growing process—from preparing the substrate to harvesting—is conducted within a controlled environment. These farms typically include:

  • A mixing station for combining substrates (e.g., soybean hulls and hardwood pellets)
  • Steam cabinets for pasteurization
  • A clean lab with a HEPA flow hood for inoculation with grain spawn
  • Colonization chambers for mycelium development
  • Fruiting rooms equipped with misting systems and shelving for vertical space optimization

Each stage of cultivation takes place within a clearly segmented part of the container, with the process beginning at the ribbon mixer and culminating in the fruiting room where mushrooms grow on stacked shelves. The goal is to offer a compact, self-contained production system suitable for growers with limited space.

A container growing blue oyster mushrooms can yield an average of 400 lbs. per week. The integration of sensors and automation allows for fine-tuning of growing conditions, resulting in better crop uniformity and predictability across batches.

Read the full article on iGrowNews.com

 

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CEO Rusty Walker Recognized As Small Biz Leader

We’re happy to announce that our CEO, Rusty Walker, is among the first class of Small Business Leader Award winners from the Denver Business Journal. Nominees were judged on the impacts they have as a leader of their organization and the business community. He was honored during a ceremony in Denver on May 22 and featured in a special section of the DBJ the following day.

CEO Rusty Walker pictured on stage holding his Small Business Leader Award and standing next to Denver Business Journal Publisher Keith Dennis and Aubrey Ebbs, executive vice president of FirstBank, on May 22, 2025
FarmBox Foods CEO Rusty Walker, center, with Denver Business Journal Publisher Keith Dennis and Aubrey Ebbs, executive vice president of FirstBank, on May 22, 2025.

Anyone who knows Rusty knows that he is all about relationships, whether it’s with customers, partners, vendors, colleagues, advocates or friends. It’s those strong relationships — some of them decades old — that have served him well throughout his influential and distinguished career as CEO of FarmBox Foods and president of Absolute Logistics, among other positions. There are few (if any) more deserving of this recognition, and we collectively tip our hats to the captain of this FarmBox ship.

Statement on the Closure of Freight Farms

We recognize that the recent news about the bankruptcy filing by Freight Farms has resulted in a lot of discussion and speculation. We respectfully acknowledge the many years of hard work that their employees, stakeholders and customers put into finding a more sustainable path to produce healthy food. Freight Farms played a significant role in developing some of the first automated modular farm systems and putting the industry on the map.

Even with big changes in our sector, we firmly believe the future of our company and the controlled-environment agriculture industry is sound. FarmBox Foods has been a privately funded company since our inception in 2017, and that has allowed us to put the customer first.

We’ve spent considerable time aligning our operations with our core values: a relationship with each customer through the life of their farm, quality craftsmanship, user-friendly design, and a focus on helping feed communities. This model has proven resilient, and our commitment to supporting customers through high-quality service and solutions remains unchanged.

We’ve also followed an intentional and measured strategic growth plan that has served us well. We’ve continued to innovate and introduce new product lines, including a Gourmet Mushroom Farm that is a strong profit center for customers.

We’ve always considered Freight Farms an industry peer and we’re grateful for their contributions to advancing a technology that will continue to have positive real-world impacts for years to come.

If you are a Freight Farms customer or partner and have questions regarding potential support, partnerships or opportunities with FarmBox Foods, please direct all inquiries to the form on our website.