food security Archives - Hydroponic Container Farms and Mushroom Farms

Tech Advancements Reshaping What Farming Looks Like

Technological advancements in farming have dramatically transformed the way we grow and manage crops. Precision agriculture, which uses GPS, sensors, and data analytics, allows traditional farmers to monitor soil conditions, water usage, and crop health in real-time. This technology helps optimize resource use, reduce waste, and increase yields. When applying inputs like water and fertilizers more precisely, farmers can achieve better results with less environmental impact.

Automation is another significant breakthrough in modern farming. Robotics and AI-driven machinery are increasingly used for tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. These technologies reduce labor costs and improve efficiency, especially in large-scale operations. Drones are also becoming more common, helping farmers survey their fields from above, monitor crop growth, and even apply treatments like pesticides more accurately.

Vertical farming, a method of growing crops in stacked layers, has gained popularity as a space-efficient and environmentally friendly solution. This approach uses less water, eliminates the need for soil, and allows for year-round production regardless of weather conditions. By controlling the environment, vertical farms can produce consistent and high-quality yields with fewer resources compared to traditional farming.

Container-based farms, a specific type of vertical farming, are an exciting innovation and have been developed in part by FarmBox Foods. These farms repurpose shipping containers into self-contained, climate-controlled growing environments. Equipped with advanced hydroponic or aeroponic systems, they enable food production in urban areas or places with limited agricultural space. Container farms are highly efficient, using up to 90% less water than traditional methods and often running on renewable energy.

Tech advancements like precision agriculture, automation, vertical farming and container-based farms are revolutionizing the farming industry. They make it possible to grow more food with fewer resources, reduce environmental impact, and bring fresh produce closer to consumers, even in urban settings. These innovations are not just enhancing productivity but also paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

How Growing Veggies Near the Consumer Benefits Everyone

Growing vegetables near the consumer is an excellent idea for several compelling reasons, starting with freshness and nutritional value.

Vegetables that are grown locally and consumed shortly after harvesting retain more of their nutritional content compared to those that are transported over long distances (A head of lettuce travels an average of 2,000 miles before it arrives on plates in the U.S.). Hyperlocal growing means consumers receive fresher produce with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. The reduction in time between harvest and consumption helps to preserve the taste and texture of the vegetables, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Another significant benefit is the environmental impact. Growing vegetables near the consumer reduces the need for long-distance transportation, which in turn decreases greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint associated with food distribution. This localized approach minimizes the use of fossil fuels and reduces the pollution associated with refrigeration and packaging necessary for long-haul transport. Additionally, local farming practices, especially those conducted in low-water-usage, small-footprint hydroponic container farms, often employ more sustainable and eco-friendly methods, which can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the health of local ecosystems.

Economic advantages also play a crucial role in the argument for local vegetable production. Supporting local farmers boosts the local economy by keeping money within the community and creating jobs. This can lead to more resilient and self-sufficient local economies, where consumers have a direct relationship with the producers. This relationship can foster a sense of community and trust, as consumers can learn more about where their food comes from and how it is grown, often leading to higher standards and more ethical farming practices.

AND growing vegetables near the consumer promotes food security and resilience. Local food systems are less vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, such as those caused by natural disasters, political instability, or pandemics. By decentralizing food production, communities can ensure a more reliable supply of fresh vegetables. This local focus also encourages urban and peri-urban agriculture, which can utilize otherwise underused spaces like rooftops, vacant lots, and community gardens, further contributing to food availability and community engagement in sustainable practices.

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.

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.

What Types of Plants Grow in a Vertical Hydroponic Farm?

We dedicated more than two years to research and development, figuring out what will and will not grow in our containerized Vertical Hydroponic Farm.

The following list is not meant to be all-encompassing, but rather provide a snapshot of the types of crops that we and our customers have focused on, like yellow onions, collard greens, kale, a range of different micro greens, bok choy, red leaf beet and watercress. Of course, we’re always experimenting and adding to the list.

Peppers

- Jalapeno- Jefe, Jalafuego
- Habanero- Helios, Paper Lantern
- Serrano- Altiplano
- Sweet Pepper- Lunch Box
- Cayenne- Red Flame
- Ghost peppers

Tomatoes

- Slicer- Mountain Fresh
- Grape- Verona
- Cherry- Sakura

Lettuces

- Romaine
- Muir
- Rex
- Magenta
- Rouxai
- Red Butterhead
- Green Butterhead
- Green Star
- Ezflor
- Grazion
- Red Oak
- Tropicana
- Frisee

Herbs

- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Chives
- Oregano
- Prospera Basil
- Genovese Basil
- Purple Basil
- Spicy Bush Basil
- Dill
- Lavender
- Purslane
- Mint

Greens

- Rainbow Chard
- Collard Greens
- Red Vein Sorrel
- Arugula
- Dandelion
- Golden Frills
- Kale
- Tatsoi
- Red Kingdom
- Spinach- Lizard, Space

Flowers

- Viola
- Marigold
- Nasturtium

Cucumbers

- Pickler- Excelsior

Beans

- Bush Beans

Starters

- Pumpkin- Jack O’Lantern
- Sunflower- Giant, Skyscraper, Mixed Colors
- Marigold- Crackerjack, French Double Dwarf

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.

Evolving Labor Trends Turn Mushroom Farming into Viable and Profitable Option

Evolving Labor Trends Turn Mushroom Farming into Viable & Profitable Option

Nearly everyone has heard about recent workplace trends said to have arisen from the pandemic, like “quiet quitting,” when in fact people have been re-assessing their priorities and career choices for years in an effort to strike a more equitable work-life balance.

There’s generally more awareness about workers leaving their jobs in pursuit of something more fulfilling. Finding a passion and turning it into a lucrative source of income is the goal, and turnkey solutions like container-based mushroom farming are receiving more recognition and acceptance as a low-overhead avenue to success.

Starting a career in farming might sound daunting, but a Denver-area company called FarmBox Foods makes it accessible, even for those with no prior experience in agriculture. FarmBox Foods manufactures high-yield Gourmet Mushroom Farms inside insulated shipping containers, allowing people to grow popular varieties of mushrooms year-round and create multiple revenue streams in the process. The privately owned company also trains you how to do it.

It’s a viable solution for those who don’t have millions of dollars to invest in a new business venture. There’s no need to buy farmland (the containers have a footprint of 320 square-feet) and all of the necessary equipment for start-to-finish mushroom cultivation is included. And customers can even finance the container farms, which generate more than $1.2 million in profits over their projected 10-year lifespan.

The farms open up opportunities for sustainable food production in places that currently lack access to fresh food, including islands. More than 90 percent of food consumed on islands is imported, which increases costs, reduces quality and results in food miles that impact the environment.

“It’s something that people can really pour their heart and soul into,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods. “It’s not just a new career. It allows you to live and work where you want to and get a good return on your investment while doing something that gives back to the community.”

The controlled-climate mushroom farms use a digital control panel and a network of sensors to monitor and automatically adjust conditions inside the farm for optimal growing. The farms can grow nearly 20 varieties of mushrooms, including lion’s mane, oysters, king trumpets and reishi, and yield around 400 pounds of mushrooms per week.

To learn more about purchasing or leasing a Gourmet Mushroom Farm, or to schedule an in-person or virtual tour, visit farmboxfoods.com/gourmet-mushroom-farm/.

FarmBox Foods launches indoor farm that grows livestock feed

FarmBox Foods LLC is excited to announce the official launch of its Hydroponic Fodder Farm.

The company hosted a public open house on Sept. 27 at our home base in Sedalia, CO. Guided tours of the new indoor farm — the third product line offered by FarmBox Foods — were provided. Attendees also received a tour of the company’s other tech-assisted, containerized farms: the Vertical Hydroponic Farm and Gourmet Mushroom Farm.

What exactly is fodder? It’s a nutrient-dense hay that’s used as a dietary supplement for horses, cows, pigs, goats, chickens, sheep, rabbits and alpacas.

(Want to learn more about FarmBox Foods? Watch our July appearance on ABC News here)

By growing fodder on site year-round, farmers and ranchers can avoid supply chain disruptions, sourcing issues and spikes in hay prices. The controlled-climate farms provide a reliable, hyperlocal source of fresh food while shielding the barley fodder from weather and climate impacts, including drought, heat waves, freezes and floods. The farms are housed inside upcycled, insulated shipping containers outfitted with plumbing, electrical and sensors to control conditions inside. The 320 square-foot farms also capture, filter and recycle water for maximum water efficiency.

Protein-rich fodder improves the overall health of livestock, supplements hydration and adds weight to beef cattle. It also promotes the production of better-quality milk for dairy cows and goats, improves fertility rates, reduces the likelihood of illness, and decreases methane output because of its superior digestibility compared to traditional alfalfa hay.

Because barley fodder requires only a 7-day growth cycle, a staggered schedule allows farmers and ranchers to harvest around 880 pounds of fodder per day.

What makes FarmBox Foods a green-oriented company?

We use only upcycled shipping containers.

We give used, insulated shipping containers a new life: growing food at scale in areas that struggle with reliable cultivation and/or access. By outfitting them with the components to grow produce, the repurposed containers are kept out of landfills and scrap heaps.

The farms we build are designed to promote efficient water usage.

We capture, filter and reuse water in both our Hydroponic Fodder Farm and our Vertical Hydroponic Farm, which requires only about 5 gallons of water per day. Water is often lost to evaporation and transpiration in traditional farm settings. By recycling the water, our farms get the most out of every drop. In times of severe drought and diminishing water supplies, this efficiency is critically important.

The farms were built to reduce energy usage associated with agricultural production.

Our Vertical Hydroponic Farm uses around 190 kwh per day, the energy equivalent of two loads of laundry. The Gourmet Mushroom Farm uses even less, drawing an average of only 80 kilowatt-hours of electricity each day. High-efficiency, low-energy LED lights are used in FarmBox containers to reduce energy consumption.

Reduced need for fossil fuels.

Every kilogram/pound of food waste has a corresponding waste factor for energy, labor, water, carbon emissions, etc. It takes a lot to get produce from point A to point B, including diesel fuel to power trucks and trains. Transporting goods across long distances could be a thing of the past, as our portable container farms enable people to grow food near the consumer, thereby reducing emissions and expenses. Hyper-local growing almost entirely removes the supply chain — and its ongoing issues — from the equation.

Indoor farms don’t require the use of pesticides.

Because our farms are enclosed, they’re protected from many of the variables that keep traditional farmers up at night, like drought, flooding, heat waves and hail. But it also prevents impacts from pests, and therefore, pesticides are not required in our farms. As a result, the water discharged from the Vertical Hydroponic Farms and Hydroponic Fodder Farms we build does not contribute to groundwater contamination.

Fodder consumption by livestock reduces methane output.

Barley fodder is easier to digest than traditional alfalfa hay and other nutritional supplements, and because of this, less methane is emitted into the atmosphere. We’re in the process of gathering more specific data to quantify the reduction of methane from different types of animals, and how that reduction corresponds with their respective intake of protein-rich fodder.

Growing near the consumer reduces the likelihood of food waste.

After being harvested, produce grown in traditional outdoor settings often spends a few days on trucks and in distribution centers before it arrives at the store. Hyperlocal growing helps fresh veggies arrive on consumers’ plates and in their refrigerators much sooner — often within 24 hours of being harvested. The produce maintains its shelf life, which provides a longer period of time to eat the food. This results in less food waste at the consumer level.

Our farms can run off solar power.

Anyone who wants to grow nutrient-dense food off-grid can do so by hooking their farm up to a small solar grid.

Compost from our Gourmet Mushroom Farms helps promote soil health.

The spent substrate from FarmBox Foods’ GMF showroom model is donated to the local community to be used as nutrient-rich compost. The seedling pods and spent mushroom substrate can be used for further plant-growing compost once they are removed from the farms. The spent mushroom substrate, in particular, is quite sought after for this purpose. These eco-friendly by-products can also be incorporated into the soil, and the substrate will continue to grow mushrooms if properly managed.

Soil rejuvenation and less need for agricultural acreage.

Millions of acres of America’s traditionally fertile soil have been stripped of vital nutrients, and farmers are compelled to implement crop rotation and remediation steps like composting to regenerate agricultural land. A FarmBox occupies only 320 square-feet of space (they can also be stacked), does not need soil, and allows farmers to revitalize oft-used ag soil.

Furthermore, clear-cutting forests to make room for agriculture is not necessary for some crops. Farmers can utilize available vertical space to grow more food on a smaller footprint.