Indoor farming is a relatively new trend powered by a number of factors.
We have been growing food under the sun and the wind for thousands of years. However, in the last century we saw an increasing desire for more control over the production environment. This has lead to modern techniques including pesticides, selective breeding, GMO, and artificial fertilizers in their modern form. Indoor farming is a logical extension of this trend.
If you missed the event, here is a recap:
Timestamps:
07:28 – Indoor farming is a relatively new trend
13:50 – Indoor Crop Production; Feeding the Future
16:40 – Growing food in the field requires large investments
19:12 – What crops are appropriate for indoor farming?
21:55 – We are watching as a new industry takes shape
27:00 – Will indoor farming ever be competitive for cereal grains?
32:58 – What type of LEDs does Nate recommend?
38:12 – What is the best path to starting a commercial indoor farm?
More event recap details
What is “field parity” and what does it mean for indoor growers?
Review of the white paper: Indoor Crop Production; Feeding the Future. One of the more astonishing statements in the white paper is that we are approaching field parity for certain crops. It is as economical to grow the crops indoors as it is outside in the field. (More details at 13:50)
The business case for indoor farming
Business perspective: growing food in the field requires large investments, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment, without accounting for the cost of land. Indoor farming technologies are allowing farmers to get involved locally, often at a smaller cost to enter the market. This is allowing urban producers to grow the food and create jobs that pay decent wages. (More details at 16:40)
Crops for indoor farming
What crops are appropriate for indoor farming? (More details at 19:12)
A new industry emerges
We are watching as a new industry takes shape. (More details at 21:55)
Audience questions – Join the conversation by using #farmingindoors on Twitter!
- Will indoor farming ever be competitive for cereal grains? (27:00)
- What type of LEDs does Nate recommend? (32:58)
- What is the best path to starting a commercial indoor farm? (38:12)
