Vertical Farming Archives - Hydroponic Container Farms and Mushroom Farms

Food Autonomy Taking on Greater Importance

The concept of food autonomy is nothing new, but it’s going to take on greater meaning and importance as we chart our way into the future.

Food autonomy is essentially the ability of a community, region or nation to reliably produce a meaningful portion of its own food locally rather than depending heavily on imports and long supply chains. In remote regions and islands, food autonomy is becoming increasingly important because these areas are often highly vulnerable to disruptions caused by supply chain disruptions, extreme weather and short growing seasons, geopolitical instability, fuel price spikes and limited arable land.

For islands and isolated communities, food autonomy is not necessarily about producing 100 percent of all food locally. Instead, it’s about increasing resilience by ensuring access to essential fresh foods, proteins and staple crops even when outside supply chains fail.

Why Remote Regions and Islands Struggle With Food Security

Many islands and remote communities import upwards of 95 percent of their food. That dependence creates several challenges, like high transportation costs, food spoilage during transit, limited shelf life, and price volatility tied to fuel and shipping, just to name a few.

A moose walking past a container farm owned by Fresh365 in Soldotna, Alaska. — A moose walks past a container farm owned by Fresh365 in Soldotna, Alaska.

Places like the Caribbean islands, Iceland, remote communities in Alaska and many Pacific islands have all invested in alternative food production systems because traditional farming alone cannot reliably meet local demand.

The Best Solutions for Building Food Autonomy

No single technology solves food autonomy by itself. The strongest systems combine multiple approaches tailored to climate, geography, energy availability, and cultural preferences.

Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA)

Controlled-environment agriculture is one of the most effective tools for remote food production because it allows crops to grow consistently, regardless of outside weather conditions.

This includes hydroponics and mushroom cultivation in containers, vertical farming in permanent structures, greenhouses and aquaponics operations.

Benefits of course include year-round production, reduced water usage, minimal pesticide requirements, protection from storms and drought, predictable yields and production near the consumer.

Container farms are particularly effective in remote regions because they can be shipped nearly anywhere and begin producing quickly without requiring extensive infrastructure. Arctic communities can grow leafy greens year-round, far-flung military installations can reduce imported produce dependence, island resorts can produce herbs and greens onsite, and disaster-prone regions are able to maintain food production after storms.

Renewable Energy Integration

Food autonomy and energy autonomy are closely linked. Remote regions often face extremely high electricity costs because power is generated with imported diesel fuel. Pairing food systems with renewable energy improves long-term viability.

The technologies that help make this a reality include solar microgrids, high-capacity battery storage, wind power, waste-to-energy systems and heat-recovery systems. For example, solar-powered desalination combined with hydroponics can enable crop production in regions with little freshwater availability.

Water Independence Systems

Water scarcity is one of the largest barriers to local agriculture on islands.

The most successful autonomous food systems often combine initiatives like rainwater harvesting, atmospheric water generation, water recycling, the aforementioned desalination and closed-loop hydroponic systems.

Hydroponics can use up to 90–95 percent less water than traditional soil farming depending on the crop and system design.

Diversified Local Production

True food autonomy requires diversity. Communities that rely on only one growing system remain vulnerable. The strongest autonomous food models combine indoor farms, outdoor regenerative agriculture, community gardens, aquaculture, hydroponic fodder systems, agroforestry and local fisheries. Diversification reduces the risk of catastrophic failure from disease, storms or infrastructure outages.

Local Workforce Development

Technology alone does not create food autonomy.

Communities may require agricultural education, technical training, youth engagement, entrepreneurial support and local maintenance capabilities. Some of the most successful remote farming initiatives train residents to operate and maintain advanced systems locally instead of relying on outside experts.

Seed Sovereignty and Crop Selection

Crop selection matters enormously. Leaders in remote regions know to prioritize crops that are nutrient dense, that grow fast, generate high yields, are climate adaptable and are easy to store or preserve.

Leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, microgreens, root vegetables and fodder crops are often strong candidates for controlled-environment production. Communities also benefit from maintaining local seed banks and preserving regionally adapted crop genetics.

Food Storage and Processing Infrastructure

Autonomy is not just about growing food. It also involves preserving it.

Critical systems include cold storage (see The SideKick), freeze drying, canning, fermentation, local food processing and grain storage. Harnessing old and new practices to reduce the likelihood of post-harvest losses dramatically improves resilience.

Real-World Models Emerging Today

Several regions are becoming models for autonomous food systems:

Singapore has aggressively invested in vertical farming to improve domestic food production.
United Arab Emirates has expanded controlled-environment farming to address desert agriculture challenges.
Iceland uses geothermal-powered greenhouses for year-round food production.
Remote northern communities in Canada and Alaska increasingly use modular hydroponic systems to reduce dependence on flown-in produce.

The Most Effective Overall Strategy

The strongest path to food autonomy is usually a hybrid model that combines:

Controlled-environment agriculture for reliable fresh produce
Renewable energy systems
Water independence infrastructure
Traditional agriculture where feasible
Local training and workforce development
Food preservation and storage
Strong community participation

Food autonomy is ultimately about resilience, predictability and local empowerment. For remote regions and islands, the goal is not isolation from global trade at all. The goal is reducing vulnerability while ensuring communities can continue feeding themselves during disruptions and economic instability.

The Rise of Predictable Agriculture in an Unpredictable World

For as long as we can remember, agriculture has depended on one thing above all else: a measure of predictability.

The Farmers’ Almanac was a crucial ally in the fight. Growers would rely on seasonal weather patterns, dependable water access, stable transportation networks and consistent labor availability to bring crops from seed to harvest. But today, a lot of those key elements are becoming increasingly uncertain.

Extreme weather events are intensifying across the globe. Drought conditions continue to impact major agricultural regions in the American West, especially California. Flooding, heat waves, cold snaps and severe storms are disrupting planting and harvesting schedules with greater frequency. At the same time, supply chain disruptions, rising fuel costs, labor shortages and fluctuating fertilizer prices are placing additional pressure on growers and food distributors alike.

A hydroponic FarmBox on a school campus. — More reliable and predictable farming is being studied at educational institutions, including South Carolina’s GSSM.

In an unpredictable world, predictable production matters more than ever.

That reality is one of the driving forces behind the growing interest in controlled-climate agriculture. Unlike traditional outdoor farming, controlled-climate systems allow growers to create stable growing environments that are insulated from many of the challenges affecting conventional agriculture today. Whether housed inside greenhouses, vertical farms or shipping container farms, these systems give operators greater control over temperature, humidity, lighting, irrigation and nutrient delivery.

The result is consistency.

Predictable agriculture means knowing that crops can be produced year-round regardless of weather conditions outside. It means having the ability to forecast production schedules with greater confidence and reduce the risk associated with crop loss due to environmental factors. In industries where margins are often thin and food demand never stops, consistency can make an enormous difference.

Consumers are beginning to feel the effects of agricultural unpredictability firsthand. Produce shortages, price increases and inconsistent quality have become more common in grocery stores across the country. A drought in one region or a transportation disruption thousands of miles away can suddenly impact the availability and cost of fresh food in local communities. Controlled-climate farming helps reduce some of those vulnerabilities by decentralizing production and bringing food cultivation closer to the point of consumption.

Instead of relying exclusively on produce transported across multiple states or international borders, communities can supplement portions of their food supply through localized growing systems. This approach not only shortens supply chains but also helps reduce the sizable carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and refrigeration.

Water conservation is another major reason predictable agriculture is gaining attention. Traditional farming remains heavily dependent on rainfall and large-scale irrigation, both of which are becoming more challenging in drought-prone regions. Controlled-climate systems, particularly hydroponic operations, can dramatically reduce water consumption by recirculating water directly to plant roots rather than losing large amounts to evaporation or runoff. In areas where water access is becoming increasingly limited, that targeted efficiency could become essential for long-term agricultural sustainability.

Predictability also creates opportunities for a new generation of growers.

The average age of farmers in the United States continues to rise, creating concerns about the future agricultural workforce. Controlled-climate agriculture introduces technology-driven farming methods that may appeal to younger generations interested in sustainability, engineering, automation and food innovation. Because container farms and indoor growing systems can operate on smaller footprints and in nontraditional locations, they may also lower barriers to entry for aspiring farmers who do not have access to large amounts of farmland or equipment.

At the same time, controlled-climate agriculture is not intended to replace traditional farming altogether. Conventional agriculture will always remain essential for large-scale commodity crops (think corn and wheat) and global food production. Instead, controlled-climate farming serves as a complementary solution that strengthens overall food system resilience. It provides a way to grow certain crops more predictably, closer to consumers, and with fewer environmental variables influencing production outcomes.

As uncertainty continues to shape global agriculture, resilience is becoming just as important as productivity. Communities, businesses, institutions and governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of localized food production systems that can continue operating during disruptions. From military installations and schools to remote communities and urban centers, controlled-climate agriculture offers an opportunity to improve food access while reducing dependence on fragile supply chains.

The future of farming may not depend solely on producing more food. It may depend on producing food more reliably and more efficiently.

In a world where weather patterns, transportation systems and resource availability are becoming harder to predict, agriculture that delivers consistency, efficiency and adaptability will continue to grow in importance. Predictable agriculture is no longer simply a technological advancement. It is rapidly becoming a necessity.

FarmBox Foods Grateful for ‘Coolest Thing’ Recognition

A high-tech farm housed in an upcycled shipping container was the top winner at this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Colorado contest by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.

The top 10 nominees were joined by 300 attendees at the annual awards ceremony Oct. 23 at the Seawell Ballroom in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, including state dignitaries, business leaders, chamber staff, students and supporters.

The controlled-climate container farm — manufactured in Colorado by FarmBox Foods — has been deployed worldwide to enable people and organizations to sustainably grow food in places where farming is typically not possible, whether due to short growing seasons, poor climate conditions, limited space or infertile soils.

“A recognition like this is a true honor and shows that we’re on the right track,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods. “Since the beginning, we have led with our mission and values and followed our instincts, and it’s brought us to this point.”

Walker said having a spotlight like the one that comes with the ‘Coolest Thing’ award could be a catalyst to inspire others to adopt the ag technology and feed people. He promised the company would be “good stewards” of the award and what it stands for.

Jason Brown, vice president of operations for FarmBox Foods and the original designer and builder of the company’s prototypes, said he’s grateful for the excitement generated by something that started with a simple idea: using tech and science to grow food using fewer resources.

“Our role has been designing, building and delivering the technology. It’s our customers who are doing great things with it, and having the privilege of watching them impact their community in a positive way will never get old,” Brown said.

The Vertical Hydroponic Farm is a 320-square-foot container farm that reduces water usage and energy consumption associated with food production. It allows users to grow healthy food year-round, no matter the climate, and eliminates the variables that often come with traditional farming, including impacts from weather and pests. Growing near the consumer also reduces food miles and preserves shelf life. The company delivers the farms anywhere in the world they’re needed.

The Colorado Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado contest to highlight Colorado’s booming manufacturing industry.

Vertical Hydroponic Farm in the Top 10 for Coolest Thing Made in Colorado

FarmBox Foods’ Vertical Hydroponic Farm was named among the top 10 finalists for this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition put on by the Colorado Chamber. See the press release below!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7, 2025

Contact: CynthiaE@cochamber.com

Top Ten Finalists for 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Colorado Contest Announced

DENVER – The Colorado Chamber of Commerce today announced the top ten finalists for its fourth annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition sponsored by FirstBank.

“This year’s top ten finalists represent Colorado innovation in so many ways,” said Loren Furman, President and CEO of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. “From breakthroughs in space technology to products that support our farmers, protect our environment, and celebrate our love for the outdoors, these finalists reflect what makes Colorado such a unique place to live and work. We’re proud to highlight these amazing companies and look forward to celebrating them in October.”

The finalists were chosen by an independent selection committee who reviewed and assessed each nomination. The finalists will be honored at the Colorado Chamber’s Coolest Thing Awards Banquet on October 23, where the 2025 winner will be announced and presented with the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado trophy. The Chamber will also announce special categories of winners, including a “People’s Choice” award based on an online voting tool that will launch in the coming weeks.

The Coolest Thing Made in Colorado top ten finalists are as follows:

AE.1 Cosmos by Lightship

The AE.1 Cosmos is the first all-electric aero-electric travel trailer with a 77 kilowatt-hour battery and rooftop solar panels that create a fully self-contained power system. Made in Broomfield, its aerodynamic design and TrekDrive assist system improve towing efficiency and provide up to a week of off-grid living, offering a quiet and low-maintenance option for travel.

AIEye by HapWare

AIEye is a wearable assistive technology that translates nonverbal communication cues such as facial expressions, gestures and body language into discreet haptic feedback for people who are blind, low vision or autistic. The device pairs smart glasses with an integrated camera and a wristband to detect over 25 visual social cues and translates them into distinct, intuitive vibration patterns on the wrist. Made in Golden, AIEye is built for real-world durability, speed and ease of use.

Austere Remediation Unit (ARU-10T) by Austere Environmental

The Austere Remediation Unit (ARU-10T) cleans 10 tons of diesel-contaminated soil per day, removing 99.99% of pollutants and recovering the diesel for reuse. Developed in Golden, Colorado, the system helps prevent water contamination, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps contaminated soil out of landfills, offering a cleaner and more sustainable solution for waste management.

Autonomous Nano Tractor (ANT) by Barn Owl Precision Agriculture

The Autonomous Nano Tractor (ANT) is a fully electric, self-driving mini tractor engineered in La Junta, Colorado, for small to midsize farms. It handles precision row-crop tasks like weeding, targeted spraying, and planting support, cutting manual labor by more than 50% and reducing input costs by about 30%. Its modular design and advanced computer vision make it a scalable, low-maintenance solution for both regenerative and conventional farms.

Clarity-1 by Albedo

Clarity-1, developed by Albedo in Broomfield, is the first commercial very-low-Earth-orbit (VELO) satellite to 10-centimeter visible imagery and 2-meter long-wave infrared data in a single pass. Launched in March 2025, it marks a breakthrough in multispectral imaging, providing unprecedented detail for applications from city planning to climate research.

Innovaflex Arrays by InnovaFlex Foundry

The InnovaFlex Arrays, manufactured in Colorado Springs, are complex electrical systems built on glass or flexible materials that enable the measurement or application of electrical signals. These arrays have multiple uses, including “Organ-on-a-Chip” applications that allow researchers to study how human tissue responds to pharmaceuticals or treatments, reducing the need for animal testing and supporting more personalized medical approaches.

Laser Maze Challenge by Funovation

The Laser Maze Challenge, manufactured in Longmont, is an interactive attraction where players navigate glowing laser beams, racing against time in three unique game modes that test agility, speed and strategy. With immersive lighting, video replays, and a live leaderboard, it delivers an action-packed experience for families, thrill-seekers and competitive gamers.

Spectra Optia Apheresis System by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies

The Spectra Optia Apheresis System, developed in Lakewood, is an industry-leading platform for therapeutic apheresis, cell processing, and cell collection, capable of separating and returning blood components while targeting specific cells for treatment or research. First introduced in 2007, it’s now used in over 125 countries to support procedures for hematologic disorders, rare diseases and emerging cell therapies.

The Narwhals by Apex Cool Labs

Manufactured in Boulder, the Narwhals are portable cooling devices designed to quickly reduce core body temperature by targeting specialized vasculature in the palms. Used by professional athletes, firefighters, construction workers, and others exposed to extreme heat, Narwhals help improve heart rate recovery, extend work capacity and provide lasting relief from heat stress in demanding environments.

Vertical Hydroponic Farm by FarmBox Foods

The Vertical Hydroponic Farm, manufactured in Aurora, uses patented vertical farming technology inside upcycled shipping containers to maximize growing space while minimizing water and energy use. These solar-capable, climate-controlled farms enable year-round cultivation of mushrooms, leafy greens and herbs almost anywhere in the world.

Learn more about the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado contest at www.CoolestThingColorado.com.

The Colorado Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, a healthy business environment and economic prosperity for all Coloradans. It is the only business association that works to improve the business climate for all sizes of business from a statewide, multi-industry perspective. What the Colorado Chamber accomplishes is good for all businesses, and that’s good for the state’s economy. It was created in 1965 based on the merger with the Colorado Manufacturers’ Association.

Consumer Health Trends Fuel Produce Innovation in Food Service

Recent insights shared in this article by The Packer highlight a powerful and increasingly pronounced shift in food service strategies: consumers’ growing demand for health-conscious eating is driving major innovation in fresh produce sales. Industry experts say this shift is reshaping menus, sourcing and packaging, expanding access and opening doors for CEA technologies.

Article highlights:

Health-forward menu items: Food service decision-makers are featuring produce in creative ways to satisfy consumers seeking nutrient-dense, plant‑based options.
Produce innovation: From novel cuts to new varieties and packaging formats, freshness and convenience are key themes.
Food service adapting: Chefs and operators are rethinking ingredient sourcing, menu flexibility and preparation efficiencies to meet evolving wellness expectations. Locally grown and locally purchased goods have gained more importance.
Harvested veggies

Linking Trends to Controlled‑Environment Agriculture (CEA)

CEA (the indoor growing of fruits, vegetables and herbs using technologies like container farms, greenhouses and hydroponics) fits nicely into many of these emerging food service trends.

Consistent Supply of High‑Quality, Nutrient‑Dense Produce

CEA enables year‑round production of crisp, nutrient‑retaining greens and microgreens, perfect for health‑centric operators who want predictable quality and availability.

Novel Varieties & Flavor Innovation

CEA allows experimentation with niche and specialty varieties (e.g. colorful lettuces, edible flowers, herb hybrids) that stand out on menus — exactly the kind of produce innovation operators are seeking.

Traceability & Transparency

Foodservice customers increasingly value knowing where their produce comes from and how it’s grown. CEA offers strong control over environmental parameters, traceable growing records, and often lower pesticide use—aligning with clean‑label preferences.

Local Proximity & Sustainability

Urban vertical farms and greenhouse operations close to metro centers reduce transportation times dramatically, delivering fresher product with a smaller carbon footprint. Operators can highlight “locally grown, indoor‑grown, and pesticide-free” produce as a differentiator.

Packaging & Shelf‑Life Benefits

Plants grown in optimized indoor settings often require less handling and damage, enabling minimal packaging solutions. Freshness and extended shelf life translate to less waste for food service operators.

Menu Innovation & Customization

With controlled environments, growers can produce micro‑batches of specialty herbs or leafy greens on demand. Chefs benefit from flexible supply and can experiment with new ingredients or shareable formats tailored to health‑oriented menus.

What This Means for Foodservice Operators

Food Service Challenge	CEA Advantage
Unpredictable seasonal supply	Consistent year‑round production
Desire for unique, fresh items	Grow custom varieties and formats
Need for transparency and cleanliness	Controlled inputs, reduced chemical use
Consumer preference for local	Urban CEA provides nearby sourcing
High perishability & waste	Longer shelf life, less bruising

By embracing CEA partnerships, food service brands can scale their innovation, deliver fresh, local, health‑optimized greens and produce, and respond nimbly to menu trends while enhancing supply chain reliability and sustainability.

Final Takeaway

The health-driven trends highlighted by The Packer signal a moment of transformation in produce strategy across foodservice. Operators eager to lead in the wellness and convenience space will find fertile ground in controlled-environment agriculture, leveraging its precision, consistency and foundations in sustainability to meet consumer demand for fresh, healthy and innovative produce.

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.

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.

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

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.