Jason Brown Named Colorado Leader in Ag

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Jason Brown, our VP of Operations, is one of 22 people in the entire state of Colorado to be named as a Leader in Agriculture by the Denver Business Journal. Jason was employee No. 1 at FarmBox and he designed and built our very first container farm from scratch.

A general contractor by trade, Jason has dived into his leadership role and oversees the deployment of all of our farms, among many other responsibilities. We’re fortunate to have a hardworking, forward-thinking person like Jason on our team, and we appreciate all that he’s contributed to our company and the world.

Jason will be honored alongside the other 21 recipients during a ceremony on March 28, 2024, at the CSU Spur Hydro Building.

What ‘Supporting Local Farms’ Really Means

We often hear the phrase “Support your local farmers.” But what does that really mean?

Well, it contributes to the economic vitality of local communities in a major way. When consumers choose locally produced goods, they help sustain crucial local farming operations, preserving agricultural land and maintaining rural (and urban) livelihoods. In turn, this fosters a stronger economy by generating employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship within the community.

Supporting local farms also promotes environmental sustainability. Locally sourced produce often requires less transportation, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping. This can lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more eco-friendly and sustainable food system. Many local farms prioritize sustainable farming practices, promoting biodiversity and soil health, too. These elements of the operations can’t be overstated.

Buying from local farms often means fresher and more flavorful products as well. Locally grown produce is typically harvested at peak ripeness, offering consumers higher nutritional value and better taste. This connection to fresh, seasonal ingredients can also foster a greater appreciation for the diversity of crops and promote a healthier diet, while ensuring that people have a longer period of time to eat the food before it goes to waste.

Supporting local farms plays a role in maintaining food security. By diversifying the sources of food production and distribution, local communities become less vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains, like what we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic. This localized approach helps build resilience against external factors that could impact food availability and affordability.

In a social context, backing local farms fosters a sense of community. Farmers markets and direct-to-consumer sales allow for direct interactions between producers and consumers, creating a stronger bond and understanding of where food comes from. This connection promotes a shared commitment to sustaining local agriculture and can strengthen community ties.

In short, supporting local farms goes beyond the act of buying food; it’s a holistic investment in the economic, environmental and social well-being of communities. Choosing locally sourced products empowers local farmers, promotes sustainability, enhances the quality of food and contributes to the resilience and cohesion of communities. What more can you ask for?

How to Meet Food Demand for a Growing Global Population

Meeting global food needs in the coming years is going to require some ingenuity, marrying a combination of strategic changes and innovations across various aspects of the food system.

As you might have guessed, sustainable agriculture practices are at the forefront of what FarmBox Foods is doing as a company to help move that needle. It’s part of the company’s mission to promote and adopt sustainable farming practices, such as hyperlocal growing, conservation agriculture, and concepts that help minimize environmental impact and enhance long-term soil fertility. FarmBox is well aware that it’s not the entire solution, but we endeavor to play our part to the extent possible.

There are several things happening outside of our purview that we wholly support, among them: embracing precision agriculture technologies including sensors, drones and data analytics. But where we’re strongest is: optimizing resource use, improving crop yields, diversifying available foods, reducing food waste, and lowering the carbon footprint associated with agriculture.

Perhaps the company’s strongest contribution is in helping to shore up the protein needs of communities in need. Conditions are such that raising livestock has become a gamble in some areas of the world, particularly where drought plays a large role. So what can be done? Large-scale mushroom farming in a container is filling those nourishment gaps.

Much work is being done to invest in crucial research and development of climate-resilient crop varieties that can withstand extreme weather conditions, helping ensure stable yields in the face of climate change.

Many nations are also implementing efficient water management practices, including drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, to conserve water resources and address water scarcity challenges.

Developing and implementing strategies to reduce food loss and waste at every stage of the food supply chain, from production and storage to distribution and consumption, is also a key area of interest for FarmBox Foods, given that our model is meant to empower individual communities with the ability to grow their own food.

Governments worldwide are fostering international collaboration and partnerships to share knowledge, technologies, and resources to address global food challenges collectively. They’re implementing policies that promote sustainable agriculture, support research and innovation, and incentivize environmentally friendly practices. Likewise, more private sector entities are increasing education and awareness regarding sustainable and healthy food choices and promoting consumer understanding of the impact of their dietary habits on both personal health and the environment.

According to the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization, we will need to produce 60 percent more food to feed a world population of roughly 9.3 billion by 2050. It’s an ambitious goal with staggering consequences if we get it wrong. Addressing global food needs requires a holistic, integrated and coordinated approach that considers social, economic and environmental factors. Sustainable and resilient food systems will play a crucial role in ensuring food security for our growing global population. Now is the time for each individual and company to calculate where and how they can contribute.

Why Localized Food Production Matters

Local food production, or “localized agriculture,” offers a range of benefits that can have positive impacts on individuals, communities, and the environment. gourmet mushrooms

Freshness and Flavor Matter!

When food is grown nearby, like in a shipping container farm, it can be harvested at its peak ripeness and delivered to consumers more quickly, which results in fresher and more flavorful produce compared to items that have traveled long distances.

Nutritional Value

Fresher produce typically retains more of its nutritional value because it spends less time in transit and storage.

Reduced Food Miles

Growing food locally reduces the distance it needs to travel from farm to plate. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, helping to mitigate climate change.

Support for the Local Economy

Local agriculture supports local farmers, creating jobs and contributing to the economic vitality of the community. It keeps money circulating within the local economy, which can have a multiplier effect.

Community Engagement

Growing food near the consumer often fosters a sense of community. Customers can connect with the farmers who grow their food, fostering relationships and trust.

Food Security

Hyperlocal food systems can enhance food security by reducing reliance on distant sources of food. In times of disruption, such as natural disasters or supply chain issues, local food production can ensure a more stable food supply.

Preservation of Open Space

Supporting local agriculture can help protect open spaces and agricultural lands from development, preserving the rural character of communities.

Customization and Diversity

Local farmers may be more responsive to consumer preferences, allowing for a greater variety of crops and specialty products. This can lead to a diverse and unique food offering, in addition to food that’s culturally relevant to the community as a whole.

Reduced Food Waste

Because local food doesn’t have to travel long distances, it is less likely to spoil in transit. This can help reduce food waste, which is a significant issue in many parts of the world. Around one-third of food grown in the U.S. goes to waste.

Cultural and Culinary Connections

Local food systems often celebrate regional culinary traditions and cultural diversity. Consumers can enjoy foods that are unique to their area and learn about local food traditions.

Seasonal Eating

Eating locally encourages seasonal eating, as consumers rely on what is currently in season in their region, which promotes a healthier and more diverse diet.

Health Benefits

Fresher produce can be more nutritious and may encourage people to consume more fruits and vegetables, leading to improved health outcomes.

Transparency and Accountability

With shorter supply chains, it’s often easier for consumers to trace the origin of their food and ensure it meets certain quality and safety standards.

While there are numerous benefits to growing food close to the consumer, it’s important to recognize that not all types of food can be grown locally in all regions due to climate and other factors. Therefore, a balanced approach that combines local production with responsible global sourcing may be necessary to meet all food needs sustainably. We will always need traditional farming to grow staple crops like corn and wheat!

Reflecting on an Uplifting Fundraiser for an AgTech Program

The smiles said it all.

We don’t often have the opportunity to see people working in our farms or enjoying fresh produce grown in a FarmBox. But that changed with our sponsorship of “Dancing with the Pueblo Starz” on July 15.

The event included active participation by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who work in the farm that was refurbished by FarmBox Foods and purchased by the nonprofit, Pueblo Diversified Industries. The Vertical Hydroponic Farm is used as the centerpiece of its Fresh Greens Colorado business, which doubles as a workforce development center for this underserved population.

The night was nothing short of magical. PDI and the seven couples who performed the featured dance routines raised $75,000, which will go toward supporting their agtech program.  Eric Gostenik (Director of National Sales at FarmBox) had the opportunity to dine with one of the developmentally disabled farmers and witness his reaction when he saw a video of himself talking about working in the farm. The farmers also participated in their own rehearsed dance routines.

Seeing this community rally around their own and around a program with infinite potential to transform lives was an opportunity of a lifetime. It brought the reasons why we do what we do to the forefront. We had the chance to meet city and county leaders, and I got to share a little bit about our company and our mission to the 600+ attendees.

To me, this is only the beginning of our work in Pueblo. There’s a significant need for food access, and when you can include a subset of people who find purpose and joy in helping others, it benefits everyone. We get to tell these stories and, ideally, show people outside of the company just who we are and what we believe.

This partnership was wholy a team effort. Eric shepherded PDI through the sales process, Jason Brown (VP of Deployment) and Jesse Gantzler (Quality Control Manager) put in a lot of work moving and refurbishing the VHF to be in ready condition, and they along with farm trainers Nick Brooks and Mollie Sullivan have provided support during operational challenges. Joseph Cammack (Executive VP) and Eric attended the Saturday night event in Pueblo and represented the company well while thinking about future partnerships with those sitting at our tables. I (Chris Michlewicz, VP of Communications) nervously gave a speech about who and what FarmBox, why we sponsored the event, and I even managed not to tear up when talking about the uplifting videos of those who work in the farms.

This is the ideal customer. They want to do good in the world, they know the impact of our container farms, and they’re serving as our ambassadors in Pueblo. This is what it’s all about.

FarmBox Foods Proud Sponsor of Dancing with the Pueblo Starz

FarmBox Foods was the proud “executive producer” of Dancing with the Pueblo Starz, which raised more than $75,000 for agtech programming.

The fundraising event at the Pueblo Convention Center benefitted Pueblo Diversified industries and Fresh Greens Colorado, an indoor farming operation in Pueblo that provides job opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

PDI and Fresh Greens Colorado are dedicated to supporting and empowering the community while becoming a catalyst for change. The donated funds will help transform the lives of these extraordinary individuals by enhancing their independence through vocational training and life skills development in a Vertical Hydroponic Farm built by FarmBox Foods. From job training to job placements, the money raised will support this hub where the whole community can connect, share experiences, and find a sense of belonging.

About PDI

Those with severe diverse abilities may need an additional hand-up in reaching their goals. PDI has a team that nurtures, supports, and guides the process, all driven by the individual. This team assists them in moving forward in life to their place of greatest comfort in work, home and recreation. We help our people leave limitations at the door through life-enhancing opportunities both in-house and within the community.

At PDI, our programs are specifically designed to provide a wide variety of choices and options, to engage both the body and mind. Because we are person-centered, we create the space for choice, ranging to serve younger individuals to those with more life experience; those who are independent to those who require more personalized care.

Each individual can choose from a wide array of activities and programming, include games and community outings, classes ranging from Spanish to cooking to computers, social skills activities, music and dancing lessons.

Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of the Pandemic

There’s no doubt that healthcare professionals deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication during the pandemic.

Police and fire personnel and even restaurant workers also should be lauded for continuing to work in very uncertain times. But a group that gets little recognition for adapting to the times (albeit less consequential) is local farmers.

When the supply chain dried up, people turned to local farmers, who played a vital role in helping to provide fresh, healthy food to their communities. Some did it through direct-to-consumer community-supported agriculture programs, or CSAs; others partnered with local grocers.

When the pandemic hit, grocery store shelves were emptied due to panic buying and supply chain disruptions, leading to food shortages in some areas. In response, local farmers stepped up to fill the gap, including Sutton’s Vertical Gardens in Nova Scotia. The husband-and-wife team that owns SVG noticed that the produce arriving in their area near Halifax was lacking in quality and was priced quite high.

Local farmers largely had more flexibility to adjust their production and distribution strategies to meet the needs of their communities. For example, some farmers shifted their focus from supplying restaurants and institutions to selling more products directly to consumers.

Local farmers also played a critical role in supporting food banks and other organizations that serve vulnerable populations. Many farmers donated excess produce or sold it at discounted prices to food banks and other organizations, helping to ensure that everyone had access to quality produce during a time of crisis.

Those who got to know nearby farmers forged new friendships and supported local economies, all while strengthening and reshaping food systems. Many consumers decided to stick with the new model after realizing it was important to know where their food comes from and it helped reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances.

Transforming a Neighborhood with an Indoor Garden

What if traditional community gardens were expanded into indoor spaces, eliminating seasonal barriers from the equation?

Imagine for a moment having a weekly farmers’ market in your community throughout the entire year.

Most can only dream of such a scenario, as typical community gardens take root in May and close for the season in October (depending on where you live). Additionally, demand for space is persistently high and waiting lists can be years long. But what if the community garden was expanded into indoor spaces, eliminating seasonal barriers from the equation?

Residential community developers — as well as those who serve on boards that oversee the neighborhoods — know that acreage is at a premium, and dedicating enough space for a traditional farm can be a challenge.

But what if the farm took up only 320-square-feet of space?  

If you’ve ever considered bringing indoor growing to your community, read on. A controlled-climate container farm could be what you’ve been looking for.

Automated container farms can be placed in urban areas, close to consumers, meaning produce can be delivered quickly, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transport and increasing accessibility to fresh, locally grown produce.

Accessibility improves the diets and overall health of property owners, and because it’s protected inside, the produce is grown without the use of harmful pesticides.

Container farms use less water and energy than traditional farms. They can operate year-round, regardless of weather conditions, by using efficient LED lighting and controlled environments to optimize growing conditions. This can result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and water usage when compared to traditional farming methods. To take it a step further, tree seedlings can also be started in Vertical Hydroponic Farms made by FarmBox Foods and planted in the community later on, providing a full, get-your-hands-dirty experience for residents to play a part in bettering their subdivision.

Container farms can also provide educational opportunities for children and adults in the community. They can learn about sustainable farming practices, the benefits of locally grown produce, and how to grow their own food. The farms can create jobs in the community, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and small business development. They can also provide a new source of revenue for local farmers.

Aside from the aforementioned, a farm that operates year-round is a differentiator for housing developers who want to stand out from the rest. It shows a willingness to think critically about infrastructure that bolsters a neighborhood’s status, and it can be done for relatively little upfront cost. The farms can also be wrapped with a high-resolution design that makes it fit in with its surroundings.

Given the lengthy lifespan of container farms — 25 years or more — it’s an amenity that can become a community gathering place for decades to come.

Educating Future Generations Using Innovation, Hands-On Learning

Educating Future Generations Using Innovation, Hands-On Learning

GSSM 4

Is there any greater gift than bestowing life-changing knowledge to younger generations?

For schools that focus on science, technology, engineering and math — or those that simply think outside the box when it comes to how they educate their students — it’s a no-brainer. The trend of implementing curriculums that emphasize hands-on learning is on an upward trajectory, and it shows no signs of slowing.

The Governor’s School of Science and Mathematics in South Carolina is a prime example of how to promote greater interest in learning among all students, including those who struggle in a traditional, straight-out-of-the-textbook setting. The high school recently began growing in a Vertical Hydroponic Farm made by FarmBox Foods that will serve as an interactive classroom for years to come. It’s housed inside an upcycled shipping container that’s been outfitted with all of the plumbing, electrical components and sensor technology needed to grow food.

Oftentimes, engagement is the key that unlocks the door to improved attentiveness, and producing something tangible hammers home the potential impacts. When a student is able to hold, say, a fresh head of lettuce that was grown via ingenuity, it can spark something greater: intense motivation to learn more. They suddenly — and satisfyingly — have used both existing and newfound knowledge of science and technology to grow fresh, nutritious food, perhaps for those who face hunger in their community. The students can literally hold the real-world impact in their hands.

GSSM’s Hydroponic Research Lab, however, 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.

Creating a curriculum

Within the next 1-2 years, FarmBox Foods plans to roll out a curriculum specific to each controlled-climate farm it manufactures. The Colorado company is fortunate to be surrounded by educators of all types who have offered to contribute their expertise to the endeavor, largely because they can see the enormous potential. The goal is to create plug-and-play lesson plans that fit with current science and technology curriculums.

User-friendly automation within the Vertical Hydroponic Farm puts control in the hands of the students and teachers. For example, they can tweak the watering schedule or crank up the humidity and witness first-hand its effects on the plants, and learn precisely why it has such a big influence on the growing process. They can also explore how plants that historically haven’t been able to grow in low humidity can survive.

Higher learning

One of FarmBox Foods’ prototype hydroponic container farms was delivered to the campus of Delaware State University in Fall 2022. Consider for a moment all of the different academic disciplines and tracks that a single farm can touch, from marketing and business development to mechanics and horticulture. 

“We have a lot of interested clients looking for ag-tech solutions to bring to schools,” said Michael Choi, owner of Ponix, which equips indoor farms with specialized software. “It offers a compelling story for schools — how they can work with the community, and offer things like workforce training. It’s how you program around it.”

Choi, who sold the used farm to Delaware State University, said they will use it for both food security and educational purposes.

“I’ve been working with a network of schools for many years, and that particular school wanted to move forward quickly,” he said.

Valor Christian High School, in Highlands Ranch, Colo., has a project-based learning environment that is helping to lead the next generation of agriculturists to the greener pastures of the future.

The Applied STEM Program, led by director Rick Russon, enables students to put into practice what they learn in the classroom, preparing them for successful careers in a number of industries, including agriculture. Members of Valor’s agriculture club, in particular, have an infectious enthusiasm for ideas that combine brain power with a desire to make a positive impact on the world, and it’s already leading to groundbreaking results. For their capstone project, Russon and the club members built a four-tube vertical hydroponic unit using prototype parts donated by FarmBox Foods.

The Applied STEM Program is aiming to modify the four-tube hydroponic system and build several models to bring them into food deserts to feed people in need. Valor Christian sends nearly 40 teams throughout the world each year on missions, and Russon’s hope is that they can help deploy a workable system in areas with little arable land and few natural resources.

The Valor-based vertical hydroponic setup continues to draw interest from students and faculty who want to grow their own farm-fresh greens and help others learn the science behind the hydroponic growing process.

By the numbers

  • The farms are housed inside an insulated, 40-foot-long shipping container
  • A Vertical Hydroponic Farm — or VHF — produces 200-250 lbs. of veggies each week; a Gourmet Mushroom Farm yields around 400 lbs. of mushrooms per week
  • The farms have a 320-square-foot footprint
  • A Vertical Hydroponic Farm can grow approximately 8,000 plants in various stages of growth simultaneously (4,100 in the grow walls, 3,800+ in the seed table)
  • Because of its ability to capture, filter and recycle water, the Vertical Hydroponic Farm uses around 5 gallons of water per day
  • The VHF yields the equivalent of approximately 2.5 acres of farmland annually
  • The VHF grows peppers, grape/cherry tomatoes, microgreens, tree seedlings, as well as a variety of leafy greens, like lettuce, kale, cabbage and culinary herbs
  • Estimated labor required for a VHF is 15-20 hours per week. Labor for the Gourmet Mushroom Farm is about 30 hours per week

CORE Electric, FarmBox Foods announce partnership to grow trees for reforestation​

CORE Electric, FarmBox Foods announce partnership to grow trees for reforestation

A groundbreaking reforestation program launched by CORE Electric Cooperative and FarmBox Foods is using innovation to achieve a new form of environmental stewardship.

 

On Nov. 17, the electricity provider finalized a contract with FarmBox Foods, a Colorado-based manufacturer of controlled-climate farms, to grow trees in a Vertical Hydroponic Farm housed inside an upcycled, insulated shipping container.  CORE plans to use the trees to rehabilitate forests within its service area, which covers 5,000 square miles along Colorado’s Front Range.

 

“CORE’s partnership with FarmBox to support reforestation efforts in our service territory advances our work to be responsible stewards of the environment,” said Jeff Baudier, CORE Electric Cooperative CEO. “As a member-owned cooperative, protecting the natural resources of the communities where we live and serve is a cornerstone of our mission.”

 

In the first three years of the initiative, CORE plans to plant 15,000 blue spruces and ponderosa pines, both native species in Colorado.FarmBox Foods began successfully growing tree seedlings and saplings in the controlled-climate container farm in 2021, but the Vertical Hydroponic Farm purchased by CORE is the first to be solely dedicated to tree propagation.  Under the terms of the agreement, FarmBox Foods will operate the indoor tree farm at its home base in Sedalia and conduct research on drought resistance, nutrient dosing, lighting and other growing parameters.  The trees will then be transferred to hoop houses to allow the root systems to grow out before being planted.

 

“We’re really excited to see the positive impacts that will come from this unique partnership,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods. “CORE recognizes its role in helping to maintain healthy forests and I think this is going to be a model for other electric cooperatives going forward.”

 

The partnership allows CORE to “play its part in keeping its service territory beautiful for generations of future members,” the cooperative said in a statement.  To keep powerline corridors safe and free of potential hazards, CORE responsibly removes vegetation.  It’s putting a renewed focus on rehabilitating areas that have been damaged by wildfires.

 

“This first-of-its-kind program exemplifies how CORE is leading the way to a more sustainable future and our mission of innovation,” said Amber King, communications manager for CORE.

 

CORE Electric, which supplies the energy that powers FarmBox Foods’ operating farms that grow nutritious produce in Sedalia, will work with local partners to identify areas in need of reforestation.