Vertical Farming Podcast - Conversations with CEOs, Founders & Leaders in AgTech & CEA

Ever wonder if vertical farming is more about mastering plant care than chasing the latest tech trend? I do—and in this episode, you'll find out why that's the reality.
Join me as I sit down with Andrew Volpetti, Business Development Director for North America at Red Horticulture, whose deep background in horticulture, hydroponics, and business development has positioned him at the forefront of controlled environment agriculture innovation. With an impressive career spanning over 15 years—including leadership in lighting solutions and a passion for solving agricultural challenges—Andrew brings rich expertise and refreshing honesty to the booming vertical farming industry.
This episode gets real about what’s driving the next wave in vertical farming: prioritizing plant health and farm success over flashy tech. Together, Harry Duran and Andrew Volpetti unpack why the “hype bubble” around vertical farming technology has popped, and why that’s a good thing for growers, investors, and anyone passionate about sustainable food systems. You’ll get an insider look at how Red Horticulture’s dynamic LED lighting is helping make farming smarter, not just more high-tech.
Beyond tech talk, we explore personal journeys—from backyard gardening roots to global industry leadership—plus crucial topics like sustainability, the impact of legacy practices on soil and water, and the evolving rebate landscape for LED upgrades. Andrew Volpetti also shares candid stories of wins, challenges, and the importance of relationship-building in agri-business.
Ready to discover the real future of vertical farming and how you can be part of a movement that’s grounded in reality—not just hype? Click play and listen to the full episode now!
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Indoor Ag Con Recap & Industry Reality
00:06 Early Connections: Family, Food, and Farming
00:13 Hydrofarm Career Journey & Sales Philosophy
00:22 Transition to RED Horticulture & Dynamic Lighting
00:29 LED Technology Advances & Client Success Stories
00:36 Work Ethic, Motivation, and Future Visions
Tweetable Quotes
"I think a lot of the hype bubble, which did pop, and everyone using that trough of disillusionment graph ad nauseam, I think it was good to see. And I think everyone is appreciating it more.""Dynamic lighting was something that I was vaguely familiar with. I knew there were a lot of changes in LEDs, and the one thing I knew I didn't want to do is just be a box pusher. I wanted to believe in the product, I wanted to understand the product, and I wanted to find solutions for people growing crops that hadn't been presented to them. That's where I think the value lies.""I wanted to take Latin. I wound up taking 8 years of Latin. Now, I'm not going to say I was an A student. I wasn't a B student. I was like a C-. But you know what? Dogged determination. I think that pays. And I think it also helped me just realize, look, if you work hard, you put the time in, you learn, you really can achieve, you know, and I think my parents' work ethic, but you know, being told you can't do something is usually the greatest motivator for most people."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://www.horticulture.red/en/
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/andrew-volpetti-mba
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VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Subscribe to our newsletters!
AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com
The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/
Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/
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Ever feel like droughts, rising costs, or feed shortages are always threatening your ranch’s future? I get it—and so does this week’s guest, who’s engineering innovative solutions for resilient, sustainable animal agriculture.
In this episode, Harry Duran sits down with Joaquin Gonzalez, Chief Expansion Officer at Eleusis Feed, an expert in agricultural engineering with deep roots (literally) in ranching and hydroponic fodder systems. Raised on a ranch near Santiago and backed by a career spanning Chile, Colorado, and now Texas, Joaquin Gonzalez brings a wealth of hands-on experience and entrepreneurial spirit to revolutionize how livestock are fed.
This conversation dives into the power of hydroponic fodder systems as a game-changer for ranchers and farmers battling water scarcity, price hikes, and traditional feed limitations. Joaquin Gonzalez unpacks why modular container farms aren’t always the answer at scale, and shares how Eleusis Feed’s industrial solutions offer flexibility for both small and massive operations, empowering producers in drought-prone regions to ensure feed—and food—security all year long.
Beyond the nuts and bolts of fodder systems, you’ll hear stories from Joaquin Gonzalez's lifelong obsession with horses, lessons learned from engineering trial and error, and the realities of transitioning from South America to the U.S. Discover what it really takes to convince traditional ranchers to embrace innovation, and get inspired by the impact of sustainable practices on animal health, water conservation, and rural livelihoods.
If you’re ready to learn how vertical farming can safeguard your operation and secure the future of animal agriculture, tune in to this episode now—this one’s packed with practical insights and the passion to match. Listen and get equipped to grow smarter today!
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
00:06:42 Tackling Chile’s Drought and the Quest for Sustainable Fodder
00:13:01 Engineering Solutions: Container Farms and Overcoming Mold
00:19:22 Barley Fodder for All: From Horses to Giraffes
00:25:29 Scaling Up: Industrial Hydroponic Fodder Systems
00:32:09 Educating Ranchers and Challenging Traditions
00:38:18 Entrepreneurship, Moving to Austin, and Staying Motivated
Tweetable Quotes
"At the end, you have to have horses, you have to have a trainer and all this stuff, and it was something that from there I transitioned to another sport because it was too expensive. Being one of seven, it wasn't something that I was the only one obsessed with horses and stuff, so I pushed that dream aside and focused on other sports. But then after college, I picked it up again, started riding again, won another championship, and it was everything about having a horse and having a train with feed and all this stuff that gets complicated over time. That is something I have in my heart—at some point, I will do it for sure.""The containerized solution that we could put together was able to produce 850 pounds a day, which, if you look at the industry, you can feed 30 cows, 35 horses, and stuff like that. I was talking to many ranchers that had 200 head of cattle, so for that you need eight containers. Putting one container next to another at some point doesn't make sense—maybe two is okay, three you start to think about, no, because every container has its own system, its own way of farming. At the end, we were looking for something more industrial.""With a fodder system, you use about 95% less water than traditional farm. We’re here to help those places, especially in the western states, where drought makes water a critical issue. There are even incentives from the government like retiring wells—they’ll pay you to retire a well because water is so scarce. Those are the people who benefit the most from this technology."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://eleusisfeed.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxbGX9JbBJ89H51sVEN1Bog
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquingonzalezv/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576560510377
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eleusis_feed/
Connect With Us
VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast
VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod
VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/
VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod
Subscribe to our newsletters!
AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com
The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/
Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/
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Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Ever wondered how to scale your vertical farm without breaking the bank—or your nerves?
In this episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, I sit down with Tristan Fischer, CEO of Fisher Farms, one of the pioneers in modular farming technology. Tristan brings over 25 years of experience in clean energy and large-scale renewables, translating that expertise into creating more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective vertical farming solutions. Having navigated the challenges of building some of the largest vertical farms in the UK, Tristan is passionate about making vertical farming both accessible and sustainable—and he’s got the battle-tested insights to prove it.
We dive deep into Fisher Farms’ journey from traditional R&D setups to their cutting-edge modular approach, using shipping containers like building blocks for truly scalable farms. Tristan shares candid stories about the risks and surprises of massive farm construction, and how clever modular design is transforming the economics and flexibility of indoor agriculture, enabling global expansion—even in places like Abu Dhabi, where energy costs are astonishingly low.
Beyond technology, we explore Fisher Farms’ culture of innovation, their relentless focus on driving down costs, and why Tristan believes vertical farming should move from premium niche to practical staple for feeding the world. You’ll hear how the team’s values—kindness, respect, factfulness, and robustness—help foster big ideas and quick pivots, and how these principles drive Fisher Farms to be the lowest-cost vertical farm in the world.
If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible with vertical farming and discover how modularity might be the answer to your growth headaches, don’t miss this episode! Click play and join us as we explore the future of feeding the world—without wrecking the planet.
Ready to stop dreaming and start building a profitable, impactful vertical farm that transcends tired food system models? Click to listen and get inspired by Mary’s story, strategy, and actionable insights!
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Fisher Farms Expansion and Modular Approach
06:01 Overcoming Scaling Challenges at Farm Two
12:01 Fisher Farms Ethos and Focus on Cost Reduction
18:31 Advancements in Lighting and Efficiency
23:40 Competing with Glasshouses and New Market Opportunities
29:54 Modular Growth in the UAE and Global Impact
35:03 Plug and Play Modular Flexibility
40:02 Fisher Farms Technology Certification and Branding
46:08 Building an Innovative, Kind, and Robust Company Culture
52:42 Closing Reflections and Future Outlook
Tweetable Quotes
"If you have a thousand things which need to get right, I think we probably planned for about 900 of them and got them right, and then once Farm 2 got running, 50 of them were relatively quick to fix, but there were a few items which actually ended up being very, very difficult. Sometimes you had a problem hiding behind another problem.""Our view is that if we focus on really driving down cost, cost, cost, cost, then we don’t have to worry about becoming a premium brand—but it gets us in the direction where we want to be, which is: how do you actually feed the world without trashing the planet at the same time?""What we want is my terrible idea and a genuinely bad idea, and your crazy, insane idea and somebody else’s drug-addled idea or sleep-addled idea—whatever it is—and they’re all actually genuinely bad ideas independently, but by putting those ideas together, layering those ideas on top, we come up with a beautiful, brilliant insight which none of us independently had thought about."Resources Mentioned
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanfischer/?originalSubdomain=uk
Website - https://fischerfarms.co.uk/
Connect With Us
VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast
VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod
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VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod
Subscribe to our newsletters!
AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com
The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/
Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/
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I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched passionate urban farmers burn out because their business model wasn’t sustainable—what if there were a better way?
This week on Vertical Farming, I sit down with Mary Wetherill, founding president and CEO of Green Food Solutions, for a candid conversation about building a truly sustainable urban farming business. Mary’s unique journey—from the service industry and massage therapy to pioneering food access solutions in city environments—gives her an unmatched perspective on both the struggles and opportunities vertical farmers face today.
In this episode, Mary demystifies how Green Food Solutions is reimagining the food system with a “farming as a service” franchise model that prioritizes support, profitability, and genuine community impact. We dig into what makes a good franchise partner, why most farms face recurring challenges, and how Mary’s mission-driven approach is shaking up the industry’s status quo. If you’ve ever wondered how to make real money in urban farming—without sacrificing your values—this conversation is your playbook.
Beyond the business model, you’ll hear stories about navigating Silicon Valley hype cycles, lessons learned from early accelerator programs, the importance of resourcefulness, and the surprising ways personal experience shapes entrepreneurial journeys. Plus, discover how Green Food Solutions fosters partnerships that work, advice for new farmers, and eye-opening discussions on market realities and PR.
Ready to stop dreaming and start building a profitable, impactful vertical farm that transcends tired food system models? Click to listen and get inspired by Mary’s story, strategy, and actionable insights!
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Jersey City Roots and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
06:10 Entering Urban Farming & The Square Roots Experience
12:35 Green Food Solutions Business Model Explained
18:26 Franchising, Farmers, and Fit for New Owners
24:57 Green Food Solutions Origin Story & Mission
30:22 Monetization, Resourcefulness, and Revenue Streams
36:48 Team Management & Leadership Values
41:02 Industry Reflections & Farmers’ Challenges
46:16 Closing Thoughts & Contact Information
Tweetable Quotes
"Honestly, when I worked for Merrill Lynch, I quit. I was in with my boss and I was getting a promotion. She brought me in her office and I was just going to give my two weeks. I'd rather stick a pencil in my eyes than take your promotion. I just really didn't like the corporate environment.""We were disgusted by how consultants and all these people were charging tens, twenties of thousands of dollars for things we were giving for free, and honestly, manufacturers usually give those for free—so I didn’t like what I saw happening when I was so originally excited about it.""There was a day that my mom had a box of food that was brought into the house by a priest. I think that was the first day I had an experience of feeling poor, regardless of what level it was. I started selling my toys and shining shoes—I think I got my knowledge about monetization and being resourceful because of having grown up poor."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://www.greenfoodsolutions.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18566881
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenfoodsolutions/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/greenfoodsolutions/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreenFoodSolutions
Connect With Us
VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast
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Subscribe to our newsletters!
AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com
The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/
Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/
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Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Are you worried about potential pathogens lurking in your indoor farm's water system or substrate? I've got you covered with insights from an expert in agricultural analytics.
I sat down with Taylor Robinson, Chief Scientist and founder of Rimrock Analytical, to discuss the critical role of proactive monitoring in controlled environment agriculture. Taylor's unique background in molecular sciences and agriculture has positioned him as a leader in providing cutting-edge analytical services to indoor farms.
Taylor shed light on the common challenges indoor farmers face, from biofouling in water systems to unexpected pathogen outbreaks. He stressed the importance of having a solid biosecurity plan and regular monitoring to catch issues early. We delved into real-world case studies, including a Pythium outbreak that nearly devastated a farm's operations, and how data-driven solutions helped turn the situation around.
We also explored the evolving landscape of indoor farming, discussing the industry's consolidation and the lessons learned from early adopters. Taylor shared valuable insights on how farms of all sizes can benefit from analytical services, emphasizing the return on investment in preventing crop losses. If you're involved in indoor farming or curious about the science behind growing food in controlled environments, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you won't want to miss.
Ready to unlock the secrets of maintaining a healthy indoor farm environment? Listen now to gain valuable insights that could save your crops and optimize your growing operations.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CEA Summit East - https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2025/
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag/
Key Takeaways
5:03 Water treatment challenges in indoor farming
10:31 Proactive monitoring vs. reactive troubleshooting
16:23 Education and support for growers
22:25 Risks of pathogen spread in grow systems
26:50 State of the indoor farming industry
31:32 Rimrock team size and recent hires
34:36 Importance of preventative maintenance for farms
Tweetable Quotes
"We take the mantra of 'data to decisions' at Rimrock. We see ourselves as a vehicle to streamline what can be barriers for growers and operators to get the necessary data.""Microbes have the capacity to multiply and spread very rapidly. So keeping a close eye on things, establishing routine monitoring surveys we've found is key.""We're rolling out a microbial heat map to help you better visualize your microbial results mapped to your process flow in your facility. With that you can see potential hotspots for pathogens and how they might integrate to downstream systems."Resources Mentioned
Website - https://rimrockanalytical.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/65487487/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rimrock_analytical/
Connect With Us
VFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast
VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod
VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/
VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPod
Subscribe to our newsletters!
AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.com
The Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/
Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/
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