We are growers that seek to use any and all available technology to cost effectively optimize our grow operations.
MISSION
To deliver fresh, local, and organic vegetables at lower than grocery store and wholesale prices with higher nutrients and flavor.
VISION
A sustainable local-focused food supply network in the U.S. and around the world with indoor weatherproof facilities that do not rely on GMOs and pesticides or create pollution from long-distance produce transportation.
Communications:
Learn more about production of microgreens by our founder, Charlie Szoradi, on his
Learn From Looking YouTube Channel
Goal: Sustainable Food Machines
LED grow lights are typically one of the most expensive and mission critical technologies for indoor farming, and we have strategic relationships to reduce the cost of LED lighting. Solar and wind power installations are certainly another expensive aspect of this system. We can affordably include renewable systems, when appropriate, via power purchase agreements and renewable energy credits.
The highlight information below corresponds to the numbers our Sustainable Food Machine diagram.
1: Grow Lights – The rack of light emitting diode (LED) lights are the engines of photosynthesis. We have a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) meter to customize the wavelengths and optimize growth. Across the red, green, and blue (RGB) light spectrums, plants typically use less green for photosynthesis, and they bounce back the “G” which is why so many pants look green to humans like us. Our optimized LED grow lights typically have more red and blue than green to save energy and maximize growth.
2: Plants – The reason we are doing all of this!
3: Hydroponics – The method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent.
4: Aquaponics – The method that combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment.
5: Fish Food – Our system incorporates herbivore fish, such as tilapia, that eat algae and duck weed, which we can grow in addition to the vegetables under the LED grow lights. Beyond the vegetable production, this system also cultivates fresh fish for human consumption, given the ongoing breeding cycle of life. A Pescatarian Diet (plant-based + seafood) is one of the healthiest ways to get protein, fiber, and the key minerals and vitamins that sustain human life.
6: HVAC – The correct balance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is key for successful indoor agriculture.
7: Solar – Photovoltaic (PV) panels are incorporated when appropriate, with solar tracking to maximize power generation. We also include wind turbines and roof top vertical axis wind turbines to provide renewable power to the system, where appropriate.
8: Water – Collection and filtration is an added sustainability factor. Indoor farming with hydroponic or aquaponic systems typically use 90% less water than outdoor agriculture, but collecting water is one more way to reduce the impact of corporate industrial agriculture on the environment.
9: Batteries – Back up batteries for power storage are part of the system for energy resilience.
10: Smart Controls – The Internet of Things (IoT) creates excellent opportunities for wireless and remote oversight and performance monitoring of single and/or multiple facilities in different geographical areas across the U.S. and around the world.
These systems are tied together with a Direct Current (DC) Microgrid via power hub drivers for added efficiency.