Ever wondered how automation is shaping the future of indoor farming? In this episode, I speak with Renko Schuil, Sales Manager of Indoor Farming at TTA ISO, a leading company in horticultural automation. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Renko offers invaluable insights into the evolving world of vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture.
We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing the indoor farming sector, discussing everything from market dynamics to technological advancements. Renko shares his perspective on the importance of knowing your market, the potential of hybrid growing systems, and the critical role of automation in scaling up operations.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the global landscape of indoor farming, touching on regional differences, emerging crop varieties, and the delicate balance between innovation and practicality. Renko also offers candid advice for newcomers to the industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking.
If you're curious about the future of food production and want to hear from an industry veteran, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could shape your understanding of indoor farming and its potential to revolutionize agriculture.
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Key Takeaways
5:14 Renko's extensive experience in horticulture industry
10:47 Shift in sentiment towards vertical farming
15:50 Origins and growth of TTA company
20:13 Renko's role and responsibilities at TTA-ISO
25:59 Common mistakes in vertical farming projects
31:45 Regional differences in vertical farming needs
36:53 TTA's approach to new crop automation requests
41:46 Balancing advice and business opportunities
Tweetable Quotes
"I think there's a market for vertical farming for sure, because otherwise I wouldn't be so enthusiastic about it."
"Make a choice. Are you a tech company or a grower? Know your market."
"Think ahead. Even if you're not ready for automation or high capacity equipment yet, get into talks with automation companies. It can save you a lot of time and money when you have to change certain things in your company in the future."
Resources Mentioned
Website - www.tta.eu
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renkoschuil/
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
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