In this episode, I speak with Matt Lohr, Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for agriculture. Matt shares his journey as a fifth-generation farmer from the Shenandoah Valley and how his early experiences on the farm with his grandfather shaped his love for the land and conservation. We dive into his varied career, from local public service roles to leading the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the USDA, and how these experiences have fueled his commitment to supporting the agricultural industry. Matt's stories about preserving his family's farming legacy and the importance of connecting people to the source of their food are truly heartwarming.

We also explore Virginia's ambitious goals in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) space, driven by Governor Youngkin's vision to make the state a leader in indoor farming. Matt discusses the strategic advantages Virginia offers, from its geographical location to state investments and educational initiatives. He highlights the exciting developments in CEA, including innovative technologies and partnerships that are transforming the industry. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an urban dweller curious about where your food comes from, or someone interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Join us for a conversation that celebrates the past, present, and future of farming in Virginia.

AgTech Weekly Review

00:05:51: Importance of Local Food and Indoor Farming

00:09:39: Becoming Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

00:13:35: Virginia's Commitment to Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

00:21:34: Diverse CEA Companies in Virginia

00:27:08: Tough Questions and Economic Challenges

00:29:37: Energy Demands in CEA

00:29:55: Message to CEA Leaders and Innovator

In this episode, I speak with Shlomy Raziel, the visionary behind Grow-Tec, joining us all the way from Israel. Shlomy shares his deeply rooted connection to agriculture, tracing back to his childhood in a Kibbutz and his family’s pioneering spirit in farming. His journey from managing large-scale agricultural projects to founding Grow-Tec is not just a career path but a continuation of a legacy. We dive into how his company is innovating in the vertical farming space, particularly focusing on fruiting vegetables, a challenging yet rewarding venture that sets them apart in the industry.

Shlomy’s insights into the evolution of vertical farming are grounded in practicality and a clear vision for the future. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the industry to overcome common challenges like energy costs, climate control, and labor. His approach is refreshingly open, advocating for shared progress over competition. This conversation isn’t just about the technicalities of indoor farming; it’s a testament to how a passion rooted in tradition can foster innovation that might just change the world of agriculture. Join us to hear how Shlomy Raziel is not only navigating but also shaping the future of farming with thoughtful technology and a community-focused mindset.

AgTech Weekly Review

00:03:38 - The Idea and Vision Behind Growth Tech

00:07:11 - Experiences in Kibbutz and Early Innovations

00:13:44 - Changes and Adaptations in Business Model Over Time

00:18:36 - Lessons Learned and Growth as a Leader

00:23:08 - Perspective on the Vertical Farming Industry

00:36:04 - Message to Peers in the Indoor Farming Space

Wesbite - https://grow-tec.com/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@grow-tec8331

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-tec

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growtecc

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/grow.tec.verticalfarming/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/GrowtecRP

VFP - LinkedIn -

In this episode, I speak with Kaylee South, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) at Virginia Tech. Kaylee shares her journey from a rural upbringing, where her passion for horticulture was nurtured by family and educators, to her current role where she combines research with teaching the next generation of horticulturists. We dive into how her work not only involves growing plants but also exploring innovative agricultural methods and improving plant resilience through scientific research. Kaylee’s story is a testament to the impact of early exposure to agriculture and the profound influence of mentors.

Our conversation also explores the broader implications of CEA in revitalizing urban spaces and enhancing educational programs. Kaylee highlights the potential of vertical farming to transform underutilized buildings into productive agricultural sites, offering fresh perspectives on sustainable urban development. She emphasizes the importance of industry-academia collaboration in advancing CEA technologies and practices. This episode is packed with insights not just about plant science but also about the evolving role of agriculture in addressing contemporary challenges. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the future of farming, Kaylee’s experiences and insights underscore the dynamic nature of agricultural science and its critical role in shaping sustainable futures.

AgTech Weekly Review

00:06:27 - Application of Research in Real-world Settings

00:13:34 - Involvement in CEA Summit and Indoor Ag-Con

00:14:08 - Differences Between CEA Summit East and Other Conferences

00:29:10 - Interest and Opportunities in Vertical Farming

00:35:23 - Future Research Directions and Challenges

00:39:15 - Increasing Interest in CEA Among Students

Twitter - https://twitter.com/south_kaylee

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylee-south/

VFP - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast

VFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPod

VFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/

VFP Facebook -...