Category: Who We Are

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.

 

 

 

 

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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.

Why Are We Wasting So Much Food?

We need to move the farms and not the food. It’s better for our environment, and growing near the end-user means the food arrives in refrigerators and on plates much quicker.

Let’s get right to the point: large-scale food waste in this day and age is completely unacceptable.

Around one-third of all food produced worldwide is lost or wasted, which is equivalent to around 1.3 billion tons of food each year. Why? With our complex logistics systems, tracking abilities and near-infinite means of communicating, how is this issue still so widespread?

Food waste happens everywhere, whether it be at the consumer level, in transit or during production. And this comes at a time when we need more food than ever to support Earth’s rapidly growing population. Many have heard that, according to the United Nations, the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, which means that food production will need to increase by about 50 percent to meet demand. But this estimation is based on the assumption that people will continue to consume a similar diet to what they do today.

So, what can we do to resolve these long-standing issues?

Dietary changes could drastically impact food demand. As incomes rise, people often consume more meat and dairy products, which require more resources to produce than plant-based foods. If the world’s population continues to shift toward a more Western-style diet, food production will need to increase even more.

Second, grow plant-based foods NEAR THE CONSUMER! We need to move the farms and not the food. It’s better for our environment, and growing near the end-user means the food arrives in refrigerators and on plates much quicker. In short, the more time people have to eat their veggies, the less of it will be thrown away.

Third, we should be working with food recovery agencies — almost every major city has one — to make sure the food that has been produced reaches someone who can eat it.

Last year, the Feeding America network and its partners rescued 3.6 billion pounds of groceries that otherwise would have been wasted. That food went directly to meals for people facing hunger. FarmBox Foods has worked with We Don’t Waste in Denver to repurpose what the company wasn’t able to sell.

There’s little doubt that we need sizable shifts in how we do things, but the roadmap for improvement is there. We just need to follow it.

Innovating and Advancing Through Diversity

The word “diversity” has taken on new meaning and greater significance in recent years, with businesses incorporating goals related to diversity and inclusion into their operations. But what does it really mean, and how is it influencing the trajectory of certain industries?

While some corporations pay lip-service to the idea and implement strategies simply to check a box, its role in CEA (controlled-environment agriculture) is outsized, and there’s widespread recognition that paying closer attention to ensuring diversity in all aspects can be an asset throughout the indoor ag community via job creation, food security, education and bridging long-standing equity gaps.

A diverse workforce, for example, brings together individuals with different backgrounds and experiences, bringing fresh and unique ideas and solutions to the table. This results in increased adaptability, and a broader range of perspectives, which can undoubtedly drive business growth and success while making a positive impact.

Varied backgrounds can help identify potential risks and opportunities that may have otherwise been overlooked. Diverse teams are also more likely to engage in constructive debates and discussions, leading to more well-rounded decisions. To take it a step further, employees today seek inclusive work environments where they feel valued and respected, and such environments are more likely to result in higher levels of employee engagement and retention. In turn, those employees are also more likely to be motivated, loyal, and committed to the success of the business.

When FarmBox Foods was in its infancy, it recognized the value of bringing different perspectives to its board room, and hired Derrick Holmes, who serves as the company’s chief diversity officer. His role, in part, is to help guide our strategies and establish closer ties with communities that have traditionally been underserved and underrepresented. Providing those communities with access to nutritious food has been at the forefront of FarmBox’s business plan; the company recognizes that providing something as fundamental as food security allows a community to thrive in other ways. This is something the company wants to be a part of.

As a privately-owned company, FarmBox has flexibility to pursue projects that it feels will have generational impacts, even if they’re not as lucrative as other projects. Each individual project is meaningful in its own way, and it would be foolish to conduct operations with a one-size-fits-all approach. The technology that FarmBox Foods has developed has a unique ability to transform communities and bridge the wealth gaps that persist in the U.S. and elsewhere. Deploying container farms where they’re needed most is, in FarmBox’s estimation, not only good for business, but good for the world.