In the Community Archives - Hydroponic Container Farms and Mushroom Farms

Vertical Hydroponic Farm Named Coolest Thing Made in Colorado

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – From the Colorado Chamber of Commerce

October 23, 2025

FarmBox Foods Vertical Farm Named 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Colorado

DENVER – The Colorado Chamber of Commerce today announced that the Vertical Hydroponic Farm by FarmBox Foods has been named the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado for 2025. The award was presented that the Coolest Thing Made Awards ceremony presented by FirstBank.

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. Each unit is designed for easy transport and stacking and is equipped with full-spectrum LED lighting, remote monitoring capabilities and advanced climate control systems.

“FarmBox Foods is doing remarkable work to transform the future of farming while helping feed communities around the world,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. “They are a powerful example of how Colorado’s manufacturing sector is driving innovation that has a global impact. Their advanced vertical farming technology makes it possible to grow fresh, healthy food almost anywhere while also addressing critical challenges such as sustainability, resource efficiency and climate resilience. We’re proud to honor FarmBox Food’s Vertical Hydroponic Farm as our 2025 winner and to recognize all our incredible finalists this year!”

The Colorado Chamber also recognized the runner-up and People’s Choice Award winner in the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition. The full list of winners is as follows:

Coolest Thing Made in Colorado 2025 Winner

Vertical Hydroponic Farm by FarmBox Foods

Watch the winner’s video.

Coolest Thing Made in Colorado Runner-Up

AIEye by HapWare

Watch the runner’s up video.

People’s Choice Award

Spectra Optia Apheresis System by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies

Watch the People’s Choice winner video.

An independent committee selected the recipients of the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado award and runner-up. Following a comprehensive review and assessment of all nominations submitted for the contest, the committee determined the finalists and ultimately selected the winner.

The People’s Choice Award winner was decided by online popular vote conducted in September, which drew more than 2,500 votes cast.

Nominations for the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado opened on June 16, 2025 and the top 10 finalists were announced in August.

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Hydroponically grown trees planted by CORE Electric Cooperative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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.

Container Farming a Fulfilling Option for Retirees and Military Vets

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.

Celebrating the Launch of FarmBox Foods Fresh

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.

Leaders from FarmBox Foods Fresh and the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

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 Fresh

5389 Plum Ave.

Sedalia, CO 80135

303-285-4076

www.farmboxfoodsfresh.com

Boosting Food Security Through Emerging Technologies

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.

Playing a Part in Reducing Waste

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.

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.

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.

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.

Controlled-Environment Agriculture: A Crash Course

Let’s start from the beginning.

Controlled-environment agriculture (commonly known as CEA) is a method of growing crops in an enclosed environment where climate parameters such as temperature, humidity, lighting and watering schedules, CO2 levels and nutrient delivery are precisely regulated. The goal is to create optimal growing conditions year-round, regardless of what’s happening outside.

HVAC systems regulate temperature and humidity, while LED or high-pressure sodium grow lights provide consistent light intensity and spectrum, mimicking natural sunlight. In hydroponics, plants are fed a nutrient-rich water solution and grow without soil (FarmBoxes typically utilize coco coir plugs as the substrate). In aeroponics, roots are suspended in the air and misted with nutrients, and aquaponics combines hydroponics with fish farming, using fish waste as plant fertilizer.

In concert with software, sensors placed in key areas within the farm monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, pH and nutrient levels in real time. Closed-loop irrigation systems reduce water usage, and energy requirements are nominal when compared with traditional outdoor growing. Of course, there will always be a need for conventional farming methods. After all, no one will be growing 8-foot-tall corn stalks (for example) en masse in an indoor environment for a variety of reasons.

CEA promises year-round crop production, a critical tool for those living in locales that don’t support food production due to climate conditions, poor soil, limited growing seasons or other factors. This is done without pesticides, and operators of CEA units often see high yields and faster growth cycles while using less land area. Hyper-localized food production results in decreased transportation emissions, helps the harvested goods retain their shelf life and full nutrient density, reduces supply chain vulnerabilities, and protects against common diseases that can wipe out an entire season’s worth of crops in short order.

Emerging trends in CEA include increasing use artificial intelligence to optimize yields, detect plant diseases and predict ideal harvest times. Meanwhile, more CEA farms are integrating renewable energy sources to lower costs and carbon footprints.

It’s worth noting that controlled-environment ag goes beyond just plants. Amateur mycologists have spawned businesses that focus on commercial-scale production of fungi, including the sought-after varieties such as lion’s mane, oysters, chestnuts, enoki and king trumpets.

These farms that allow for sustainable food production are being used in a multitude of industries, including education, grocery, food service, nonprofit, residential, workforce development and hospitality, and are bolstering food system resiliency for islands and people living in remote areas.

Indoor farms are not the entire solution for feeding our growing global population, but they’ll be a critical cog in the machine as we navigate an unpredictable food-production future.

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Container Farming an Ideal Career Path for Military Veterans

The process of transitioning from active-duty military into a traditional business office setting is, for some, a daunting one. Luckily there is an option that marries procedure with technology, and those fundamentals result in something tangible. And edible.

Farming inside an upcycled, controlled-climate shipping container offers an environment rich with therapeutic benefits. It also provides the surrounding community with access to fresh veggies, ones that are grown locally by someone who takes great pride in their work. Building a indoor farming business, possibly by using a VA business loan for startup costs, is not just attainable, but it’s a practical solution for those who just can’t stomach a 9-5 grind in a stuffy office building.

VA business loans act as financial tools designed to assist veterans, active-duty service members, and, in many cases, their families in starting, growing or sustaining a business. While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not directly provide business loans, it collaborates with programs such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer loan options with favorable terms for veteran entrepreneurs. One such option is the SBA Veterans Advantage Program, which provides fee reductions and competitive interest rates on popular loan types like the SBA 7(a) loan, used for working capital and equipment purchases, and the SBA 504 loan, intended for real estate and major fixed assets. Through these programs, veterans can access up to $5 million in funding.

Eligibility for VA business loans generally includes honorably discharged veterans, active-duty military personnel in the Transition Assistance Program, National Guard members, reservists, and military spouses, including those who have lost a spouse due to service-connected reasons. These loans offer several benefits, such as lower fees, flexible repayment terms, and access to capital for a variety of business purposes, including working capital, purchasing equipment, real estate acquisition, and even franchising opportunities.

To apply for a VA business loan, potential borrowers must prepare a comprehensive business plan that outlines their business model, financial projections and funding needs. Supporting documentation, such as proof of veteran status (e.g., DD-214 form), personal financial records, and business financial statements, is required. Applicants should identify participating lenders that offer SBA-backed loans and submit their applications for review. Upon approval, funds are disbursed for business use.

In addition to loan programs, veterans can access resources such as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), which provide mentorship, training, and guidance. Other financial assistance options include the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL), which supports businesses affected by the deployment of essential employees. Some organizations also offer grants specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.

Those who are interested in exploring VA business loan options should research lenders and available resources to ensure the best fit for their business needs.

So, in short, fulfilling work after retirement from the military can be found inside a tech-assisted farm. For those who wish to explore purchasing a FarmBox and building a business around it, contact us for information that can help you put together a solid business plan.

Becoming a Farmer is Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Might Think

The word ‘farm’ usually evokes certain images. You might visualize vast open fields stretching toward the horizon, dotted with rows of crops or grazing animals. A red barn with a pitched roof, a silo standing nearby, and perhaps a tractor parked beside a weathered fence. We’re trying to broaden the definition, and give people the ability to farm in places that historically have not been able to support agriculture for one reason or another. With continuing climate shifts and general uncertainty regarding our ability to properly feed a fast-growing global population, our ag technology can provide a lifeline by introducing sustainable, hyperlocal food production wherever it’s needed. Watch the video about small-scale farming being an option, even for those who have no experience in agriculture.