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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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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.

Remediate Soil with Mycelium-Rich Substrate

Soil remediation is a critical environmental practice aimed at restoring or improving the quality of soil that has been contaminated or degraded by various pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum products and industrial chemicals. The importance of soil remediation cannot be overstated due to its numerous ecological, agricultural, and human health benefits. Mycelium substrates, specifically mycoremediation, have emerged as a promising and sustainable approach to assist in soil remediation.

Here are some key points on the importance of soil remediation and how mycelium substrates can help:

Environmental Protection: Contaminated soil can have severe adverse effects on the environment. It can lead to soil erosion, groundwater pollution, and harm to local ecosystems. Soil remediation helps mitigate these negative impacts, contributing to overall environmental protection and conservation efforts.
Agricultural Productivity: Healthy soil is essential for agriculture, as it provides the necessary nutrients and support for plant growth. Soil contamination can lead to reduced crop yields and food safety concerns. Remediated soil can restore fertile ground for farming, ensuring food security and quality.
Human Health: Contaminated soil can pose serious health risks to humans, especially if the contaminants leach into the water supply or are taken up by plants in the food chain. Soil remediation helps safeguard public health by reducing exposure to harmful substances.
Biodiversity: Many soil-dwelling organisms, including microorganisms, insects, and plants, depend on a healthy soil environment. Soil remediation efforts aim to protect and restore these ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance.
Land Reclamation: Remediated soil can be repurposed for various land uses, including residential, commercial, and recreational purposes. This repurposing of land can revitalize urban areas and promote sustainable development.

Now, let’s explore how mycelium substrates plays a role in soil remediation, which FarmBox Foods customer BLH Farm has been doing since acquiring a Gourmet Mushroom Farm:

Mycoremediation: Mycoremediation is a bioremediation technique that employs fungal mycelium, the thread-like vegetative part of fungi, to break down or absorb contaminants in the soil. Mycelium has several properties that make it effective in soil remediation:

Biodegradation: Mycelium can secrete enzymes that break down complex organic molecules, making them more easily metabolized by other microorganisms and reducing the toxicity of contaminants.
Metal Accumulation: Some species of fungi have the ability to accumulate heavy metals in their mycelium. This can help to immobilize or concentrate metals, preventing them from leaching into groundwater or affecting plant growth.
Soil Structure Improvement: Mycelium can also improve soil structure by binding soil particles together, increasing soil porosity, and enhancing water retention.
Carbon Sequestration: As fungi grow and decompose organic matter, they contribute to carbon sequestration, which can help mitigate climate change.
Low Environmental Impact: Mycoremediation is often considered an environmentally friendly approach because it typically requires minimal external inputs and doesn’t produce harmful byproducts.

While mycelium substrates offer promising solutions for soil remediation, it’s essential to note that their effectiveness depends on various factors, including the type and extent of contamination, the specific fungi species used, and environmental conditions. That being said, mycoremediation is often used in combination with other remediation techniques to achieve optimal results. Additionally, research and development in this field continue to expand our understanding of how fungi can be harnessed for sustainable soil remediation practices.

Exploring the wonderful world of mushrooms

Edible mushrooms have been consumed by humans for thousands of years and are a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world, but there’s still much to be learned about their nutritional benefits and potential for reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.

Luckily, the science community is putting a greater focus on fungi, which has become a more ubiquitous element of dishes across many cultures in recent years.

Mushrooms belong to a separate kingdom of organisms from plants and animals. They have unique nutritional profiles and are a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin D), and minerals, such as selenium, copper, and potassium.

Some commonly consumed edible mushroom varieties include shiitake, oysters, portobello, cremini, enoki, trumpets, button, lion’s mane and more. Edible mushrooms are used in a wide range of culinary preparations, including soups, stir-fries, sauces, stews, salads, and even as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Mushrooms are typically low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for those watching their weight or following a low-fat diet.

Edible mushrooms are known for their umami flavor, which is a savory taste sensation often described as “meaty” or “earthy.” The unique flavor profile makes them a versatile ingredient in many dishes.

Mushrooms are the only non-animal food source of vitamin D. When exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light, they can naturally synthesize vitamin D, which can be beneficial for individuals with limited sun exposure.

Some edible mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake mushrooms, have been studied for their potential health benefits, including immune system support and anti-inflammatory properties. Likewise, lion’s mane has been identified as a booster for cognitive function.

FarmBox Foods has designed and manufactured a high-output, all-in-one mushroom cultivation container, which comes with a ribbon mixer to create your own substrate, a steam cabinet to pasteurize the substrate, a clean lab, incubation room, and a fruiting room. It’s a centerpiece of the Colorado company’s suite of containerized farms. It allows for commercial scale growing of oysters, lion’s mane, enoki, chestnut, trumpet, reishi and more.

It’s worth noting that while many mushrooms are edible and safe to consume, there are also poisonous varieties. It is crucial to have proper knowledge and identification skills or to rely on trained experts when foraging wild mushrooms.

Exploring the Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in various cultures around the world, and ongoing research shows we’re only scratching the surface when it comes to fully understanding the benefits of fungi.

Immune support is one of the advantages of regularly consuming certain mushrooms. Reishi, turkey tail and maitake have been shown to enhance immune function.

Some mushrooms, including lion’s mane, chaga, and cordyceps, may possess anti-inflammatory properties, and many types of mushrooms (shiitake, oysters and porcinis) are rich in antioxidants, which help combat stress and protect cells from damage. Likewise, adaptogens are composed of substances that help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being.

But perhaps of the driving forces behind the recent surge of interest in mushrooms is cognitive health. Lion’s mane, in particular, has been studied for its potential to support brain health, and is believed to promote nerve growth. It may also have neuroprotective effects, potentially benefiting memory and focus.

Cordyceps have long been used in traditional Eastern medicine to enhance energy levels, endurance, and athletic performance. They are also thought to improve oxygen utilization and support the respiratory system. According to Healthline.com, they also have the potential to slow the growth of tumors.

Some types of fungi, such as shiitake, contain dietary fiber and compounds that may promote digestive health. Shiitake mushrooms also contain a compound called lentinan, which has been studied for its potential anti-tumor properties, although nothing conclusive has been declared by health experts.

Further scientific research is needed to validate the effectiveness of ingesting mushrooms. But professional and amateur chefs alike continue to come up with creative ways to incorporate mushrooms into the diets of consumers by crafting delicious sides and fanciful vegan dishes. And one of the biggest plusses is that mushrooms aren’t seasonal; most commercially available fungi grows all year long in warehouses or containerized, controlled-climate environments.

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/.