Category: Who We Are

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.

Ops Support Manager Named One of Colorado’s Leaders in Ag

Nick Brooks, operations support manager for FarmBox Foods, was named by the Denver Business Journal as one of the 20 leaders in agriculture for the whole state of Colorado. He was honored at a ceremony on March 20 at CSU-Spur.

Nick joined us as an intern in mid-2022 while he was still studying agricultural business at Colorado State University. He’s become a valuable part of our team, running farms on our campus in Sedalia, Colo., and training customers on how to grow successfully in our FarmBoxes. Congratulations, Nick! This is a well-deserved recognition!

We also want to mention that another member of FarmBox Foods’ extended family, Don Richards, was announced as one of the honorees this year, too. Don is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and, as an active member of the local farm bureau, he advocates for farms and farmers of all types. We’re immensely grateful to have his unwavering support. Congratulations, Don!

Moving the Needle on Hunger, One Container at a Time

Food production is undergoing a radical transformation, with controlled-climate farming in shipping containers emerging as an innovative solution for age-old challenges.

This method involves growing crops inside repurposed shipping containers equipped with advanced climate control, hydroponic systems and LED lighting. By creating a fully controllable environment, farmers can optimize conditions for year-round cultivation, regardless of weather patterns or geographical location. As traditional farming faces mounting challenges such as climate change, soil degradation and unpredictable weather events, container farming presents a promising alternative that can boost food security and enhance agricultural resilience for communities around the world. And FarmBox Foods is here for it.

“We really do have a unique opportunity to move the needle in a positive direction, and tackle these struggles that people have faced for generations,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods, a Colorado-based manufacturer that also supports customers in their growing. “Putting ag technology into the hands of people who want to make a difference in their community has an exponential benefit that lifts people up in ways that we couldn’t have imagined when this company was starting out.”

One of the key advantages of controlled-climate farming is its efficient use of resources. Unlike traditional agriculture, which requires vast amounts of land and water, container farms can operate in urban spaces or areas typically unsuitable for farming. These systems use up to 95% less water than conventional methods and do not rely on harmful pesticides or fertilizers, making them more environmentally sustainable. The vertical stacking of crops within containers maximizes space efficiency, allowing farmers to produce large yields in small areas. This efficiency is particularly valuable as urban populations continue to grow, increasing the demand for fresh, locally sourced food.

Another transformative aspect of container farming is its ability to decentralize food production. Bringing farms closer to consumers reduces the need for long-distance transportation, thereby minimizing carbon emissions and food spoilage. Communities in food deserts — areas with limited access to fresh produce — can benefit immensely from the presence of container farms, which offer a reliable and consistent supply of nutritious food. This localized approach not only supports regional food systems but also strengthens community resilience during supply chain disruptions.

Looking ahead, the wide-scale integration of smart technologies will further enhance the impact of container farming. Innovations in data analytics, artificial intelligence and automation will allow farmers to monitor and adjust growing conditions in real-time, optimizing yields and reducing operational costs. As more companies, municipalities and nonprofits invest in and adopt these advanced systems, container farming has the potential to become a cornerstone of sustainable food production, reshaping how we think about agriculture and our connection to the food we consume. Through adaptability, efficiency and innovation, this food production model offers a scalable solution to feeding a growing global population while at the same time protecting the planet’s precious resources.

 

 

 

 

—    —   —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greenhouse alternatives, functional mushroom growing, mushroom tincture, vegetable farming unit, mushroom growing system, mushroom grow box, organic food production, stranded oil and gas asset usage, uses for flare gas, Conex growing container, zoo food production, grow your own feed, barley for grassfed beef, Wagyu cattle feed, how to spend esser funds, grow your own feed, cattle feed production, barley grass chicken feed, growing livestock fodder, barley grass production, off-grid farming, tree propagation, how to grow tree seedlings, DIY mushrooms, starting a farm, how to start hydroponic growing, how to start growing mushrooms, container startup business, solutions to food deserts, island agriculture practices, sustainable food production on islands, small-scale farming in island communities, resilient food systems for islands, island permaculture initiatives, hydroponics in island farming, local food sourcing on islands, sustainable urban agriculture, vertical farming techniques, small space farming ideas, urban homesteading practices, indoor farming innovations, container gardening in a city, hydroponic systems for urban farms, sustainable agriculture, water-efficient farming, eco-friendly farm, sustainable food production, organic farming for sustainability, and climate-smart agricultural practices

FarmBox Foods Now A Colorado Proud Member

We’re now officially a Colorado Proud member!! The Colorado Department of Agriculture developed Colorado Proud in 1999 to help consumers, restaurants and retailers identify and purchase Colorado food and agricultural products. More than 90% of Coloradans would buy more Colorado grown and produced products if they were available and identified as being from Colorado. The distinctive Colorado Proud logo helps residents of our state, other states and other countries easily identify Colorado food and agricultural products.

Consumers should keep an eye out for the Colorado Proud logo at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, garden centers and restaurants. By buying locally grown, raised and processed food and agricultural products, you’re receiving high-quality fresh products and helping Colorado’s economy, local farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and processors in your area!

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

Sustainable Food Production Isn’t Just Possible, It’s Inevitable

The idea of adopting sustainable practices in food production to address critical environmental, social and economic challenges has until recently been seen as a pipe dream, an impenetrable barrier to progress.

There’s concern about costs and whether implementation would be widespread enough to result in noticeable change. But as tech has advanced and prices have slowly come down, this is something that’s within our grasp and something we should expect to see in our lifetimes.

Sustainable food production minimizes environmental degradation by promoting practices that conserve soil fertility, reduce water usage, and mitigate the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Prioritizing ecological balance helps safeguard biodiversity, maintain ecosystems and combat climate change. This is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of our planet and securing the availability of natural resources for future generations. We don’t want to be remembered as the generation that had the opportunity to do something, but squandered it.

Sustainable food production has significant social implications. It fosters equitable distribution of resources, promotes fair labor practices and supports local communities. Sustainable agriculture often involves small-scale, community-based farming that empowers local producers and reduces dependence on large-scale, industrialized farming systems. This not only strengthens local economies but also enhances food security by diversifying sources and reducing vulnerability to external shocks, such as the supply chain disruptions that crippled our food systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adopting sustainable practices in food production is essential for addressing global food security challenges. As the world’s population continues to grow, ensuring a stable and sufficient food supply is going to become more difficult. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes efficiency and resilience, optimizing yields while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. By embracing methods such as agroecology, organic farming, and precision agriculture, we can create a more robust and resilient food system capable of meeting the nutritional needs of a growing population without compromising the health of the planet. Again, this is achievable with a little bit of political will and a whole lot of education.

Sustainable food production is also economically prudent. While initial investments may be required to transition to sustainable practices, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Sustainable agriculture, like farming in controlled-climate shipping containers, reduces reliance on expensive inputs, maintains soil health for traditional growing, and promotes resource efficiency, leading to increased productivity and decreased production costs over time.

It opens up new market opportunities as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainably produced goods, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages businesses to adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices. It’s already happening in the U.S. People have shown a willingness to incorporate changes into their own lives, and they’re more cognizant about where their food comes from. Taking a holistic approach isn’t some esoteric, “hippie-dippie” idea anymore. Creating an equitable future for both people and the planet, while expanding access to nutritionally dense foods, isn’t just achievable, it’s imperative.

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.