This Week in CEA…

Growers no longer afraid of bugs, now just finding the best balance

Grant Funding Available To Drive Agricultural Innovation In The UK

Is insect farming better the Beta way?

Bosman Van Zaal’s Roadmap for Food Grade Vertical Farming

VertiFarm 2023: A Global Forum for Innovative Urban Food Systems and Next-Level Farming

European Commission Adopts New Measures, Enables NGT

June 2023: A Month of Growth & Challenges in the Indoor Vertical Farming Sector

Freight Farms Partners with Local Line to Empower New Farmers

Wageningen University Scientists Secures Vidi Grant for Research

Season 8 latest episode

We’re super grateful to be partnering again with the Cultivatd team on Season 8.

Can you imagine the metropolis of New York City as a thriving urban farm? Qiana Mickie, a passionate advocate for urban agriculture and food justice, joins us to share her experience of growing up in the vibrant city and how it has shaped her commitment to feeding New York's communities. We journey through the city's pulsating neighborhoods, reminiscing about the birth of hip hop, our shared experiences of Catholic schools, and the explorative thrills of the 80s.

As we stroll down memory lane, we pivot to a more poignant topic; Qiana’s journey as a single mother amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Her experiences spur a deep conversation about the power of empathy, stepping out of comfort zones, and utilizing privilege to create meaningful impact. We delve into Qiana’s work with the Urban Ag Innovation Program and its efforts to connect urban ag growers, bringing fresh perspectives to complex problems like food scarcity, community support, and policy- making.

In our final lap, we examine the intersection of food justice and urban agriculture. We delve into the crucial role of hyper-local production and distribution of healthy food, with Qiana shedding light on innovative initiatives like the Harvest Project. As we round up the conversation, Qiana imparts the importance of harnessing the power of social media to expand the reach of her work and the overall urban agriculture movement. Tune in, and let’s unravel the tapestry of a city-turned-farm and the people that make it possible.

Get ready for an enlightening conversation on vertical farming and food justice as we chat with Nona Yehia, CEO and co-founder of Vertical Harvest. Discover the growing importance of indoor ag tech and understand the significance of intersectional discussions within this evolving industry. Learn how fresh food access and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) are playing a crucial role in fostering positive change, and how technology is championing this transformation.

Join us as we discuss Vertical Harvest's expansion and their people-first approach. Nona shares how their commitment to diversity and inclusion has helped the company stay agile and adapt to the ever-changing industry. Hear about the development of the Grow Well Employment model and how understanding community employment needs has shaped their success. We also delve into the critical role of transparency in this maturing industry.

Lastly, we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the CEA industry. Uncover how technology and innovation can empower people, augment teams, and create smarter and better ways of working. Nona reveals Vertical Harvest's approach to prioritizing yields and production alongside people while optimizing costs. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the importance of having a strong vision, mission, and transparency in creating a sustainable business within the vertical farming industry.

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Building Community

With all the messages we receive from those already established in vertical farming as well as those just beginning to explore this amazing industry, it felt like the right time to create a group on LinkedIn. No surprise, it’s called the Vertical Farming Community! Join us and spread the word.

Platinum Sponsor

If you are starting a vertical farm and don’t know where to begin, or which technology would suit your needs, Cultivatd can help. As indoor farm brokers, they help connect you to the right technology and ensure your project is successful. Best of all, their service is free. They work on behalf of their partners.

Support Our Sponsors!

VertiFarm

IndoorAgTech NYC
(use ‘VFP’ for a 10% discount)

Vertical Farming Jobs

We’ve been hearing from fans of the show that there was a need to connect employers and job seekers alike. If you’re looking for candidates or a career in CEA VerticalFarmingJobs.com is the place to find them.

CEA Events

Our newest addition to the Vertical Farming family! Feel free to share and add any CEA-related event if you don’t see it listed. https://cea.eventsw