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Using Tech to Improve Food Access, Reduce Impacts of the Supply Chain

There are countless ways in which today’s tech can help mitigate long-standing challenges related to food access, food waste and environmental impacts associated with our food supply chain.

Long-distance food supply chains present significant environmental considerations. Transporting food over great distances, especially by air, results in high greenhouse gas emissions, with air freight producing up to ten times more CO₂ than sea or land transport. Additionally, the intensive farming practices needed to meet global demand often strain natural resources such as land, water and energy. While the concept of “food miles” sometimes oversimplifies the environmental impact by focusing only on transportation distance, it remains clear that long-haul shipping contributes substantially to climate change. But in this day and age, innovations in food production make it possible to farm within a few miles of the consumer.

Operational vulnerabilities are another major downside of extended food supply chains. These complex networks are susceptible to disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters or pandemics, which can sever supply links and lead to shortages. The reliance on lean inventory systems and limited refrigeration capacity further exacerbates these risks during crises. Moreover, the complexity of multi-tier supply chains makes traceability difficult, delaying responses to contamination or safety issues and increasing the risk to consumers.

Food quality and safety also suffer in long-distance supply chains. Extended transit times and inconsistent temperature control increase the likelihood of microbial contamination, such as Salmonella or E. coli outbreaks. Perishable goods, even when refrigerated, often experience a decline in freshness and nutritional value during prolonged transport, which can reduce consumer satisfaction and increase food waste.

Economic and social challenges arise from the dominance of large retailers in global supply chains. These powerful entities often prioritize cost reduction over sustainability, creating power imbalances that disadvantage smaller suppliers. These long supply chains also tend to obscure unethical practices, including forced labor or poor working conditions in upstream production stages. The pressure to standardize products for global markets also diminishes regional food diversity and undermines traditional artisanal food practices.

That being said, implementing sustainability measures within long-distance food supply chains presents some barriers. Smallholder farmers and lower-tier suppliers often lack the resources, knowledge or incentives to adopt eco-friendly practices such as crop rotation or composting. Infrastructure gaps and limited coordinated investment in sustainable technologies further hinder progress. These challenges highlight the difficulty of balancing the benefits of global food access with the need for resilient, ethical and environmentally responsible supply networks.

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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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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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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

The Long-Term Impacts of Indoor Agriculture

Container farming, a version of indoor farming also known as vertical farming, involves growing crops in controlled environments within shipping containers or other enclosed spaces. The advent of this technology, which relies on sensors to control the growing parameters, holds a lot of promise, especially as climate shifts continue to farmers and ranchers in traditional settings. While it’s difficult to predict the future with absolute certainty, it’s now possible identify several potential long-term impacts of container farming.

Sustainable agriculture: Container farming offers a more sustainable and efficient way to grow crops compared to traditional outdoor agriculture. By using less land, water, and pesticides, it can help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. This could lead to a decrease in deforestation, habitat destruction and the use of harmful chemicals that end up in our food and drinking supply.

Local Food Production: Container farming allows for year-round production of fresh produce, regardless of the local climate. This can reduce the need for long-distance transportation of food and promote local food systems. It may also help address food security and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food distribution.

Improved Resource Efficiency: Container farms can make more efficient use of resources like water, energy, and space. They often use hydroponic or aeroponic systems, which consume less water than traditional soil-based farming. Advanced climate control and LED lighting systems can optimize energy use. Colorado-based FarmBox Foods uses pre-insulated to help energy draws.

Food Security: Container farming can play a crucial role in ensuring a stable food supply in areas with food scarcity or those affected by natural disasters. The ability to control growing conditions can help mitigate the effects of climate change and other environmental challenges.

Job Creation: The container farming industry is growing, creating jobs in areas such as plant science, engineering, data analysis, business planning, and farm management. This can contribute to local and regional economic development.

Technology Advancements: As container farming technologies continue to evolve, they may lead to breakthroughs in agriculture, such as improved crop genetics, pest and disease management, and data-driven decision-making. These advancements are expected to benefit traditional agriculture as well.

Reduced Food Waste: By enabling on-demand production and minimizing transportation distances, container farming can help reduce food waste — currently a significant global issue — because food arrives on the plates of consumers much sooner after being harvested.

Educational Opportunities: Container farming can serve as a valuable educational tool, teaching people about plant biology, technology, and sustainable farming practices. Schools, universities, and community organizations use container farms to engage students and the public, including the South Carolina Governor’s School of Science and Math, Delaware State University, the EPIC Campus in Littleton, Colo., and more to come.

Space Exploration: Container farming concepts have been explored for space missions, such as Mars colonization, where growing food in a controlled environment is essential due to harsh environmental conditions. Research in this area may have applications for future space exploration.

The long-term impact of container farming is likely to be positive, with the potential to transform agriculture, reduce its environmental footprint, and address food security issues. But it will depend on continued technological advancements, cost reductions and successful integration into existing food production systems for it to make a sizable impact as we head into an uncertain agricultural future.