The future of Beer Production, Container farms, The unionization of Square Roots, and more! - 🌿Vertical Farming Weekly - June 3, 2022

Beer- Not only is it America’s alcoholic beverage of choice, but it’s also a $100 billion dollar industry. But let’s focus on 26% of that $100 billion. Out of all the beer sold in the United States, independent breweries bring in just over $26 billion dollars.

When it comes to carbon footprint, the US beer industry could do a lot worse. 42% of the world’s hops are grown in the United Sates, and only a mere $8.5 million in imports vs. over $56 million of hops exported from the US. But that’s where the “environment friendliness” ends. A staggering 98% of hops are grown in the Northwestern United States. Ninety-eight percent!

So, what does that all mean? Basically, if you’re an independent brewery on the east coast, for example, you have to ship your hops ~3,000 miles to your brewery, with the entire trip using fossil fuels. Not only is this expensive financially, but also environmentally.

But what is the answer to putting a dent in the 8 gigatons in carbon emissions the transportation industry creates a year? (Hint: it’s vertical farming)

According to Ekonoke, a company out of Spain specializing in vertical farming, using AI and hydroponics breweries can reduce their carbon footprint by growing their hops in house, all while improving the overall quality of their brews. This process can even lead to a net-neutral in carbon emissions as the CO₂ produced by the fermentation process can be pumped back into the greenhouse to be recycled.

We’re back! This week we finally have a new episode of Vertical Farming Podcast, featuring Viraj Puri, Co-founder and CEO of Gotham Greens. That episode, and more, just a few swipes down.

Until next week (hopefully),

-Noah 🍻

Co-founder and CEO of Gotham Greens, Viraj Puri is on a mission to transform the way we approach our food system by growing greener foods in better ways. Through his work atGotham Greens, Viraj and his team help to build and operate sustainable greenhouses in cities across America. Today, Viraj and Harry dive deep into the urban farming industry and why it is critical to educate a future workforce of engineers, scientists and farmers to ensure its continued success. They touch on Viraj’s inspiration for launching Gotham Greens, revitalizing communities and innovating for a sustainable future.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

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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 employees or a job in CEA VerticalFarmingJobs.com is the place to find them.

How can I ensure my electrical installation is done properly for my grow? How can I maximize the rebates I receive for lighting and beyond? 

On this episode of CropTalk #KyleTalksAgtech I speak with Christopher Hinshaw, Director of Horticulture at Facility Solutions Group (FSG) all about the questions above. Topics include the importance of finding the RIGHT contractor (and listening to them), DLC standards, and preparing for failure properly when it comes to your electrical and lighting needs. 

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Issue #17 of Vertical Farming Weekly was curated by Noah Konevitch.

Vertical Farming Weekly, VerticalFarmingJobs.com, and the Vertical Farming Podcast are FullCast productions; sponsored by Cultivatd.