Tyler Baras, Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder of Area 2 Farms, joined the latest episode of the renowned agricultural technology podcast, CropTalk #KyleTalksAgtech. Known for his influential role in the vertical farming industry, Baras brought his substantial expertise and insights to a riveting discussion on the current and future landscape of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
Area 2 Farms, a CSA vertical farm operating in the greater D.C. metro area, has made significant strides in the sector under Baras’s leadership. His vast experience and intricate knowledge of CEA have enabled the farm to stand out for its remarkable efficiency. During the podcast, Baras illuminated the behind-the-scenes strategies responsible for this success. He attributed much of it to the innovative practices employed at the farm, including strategic crop selection, the use of advanced agricultural technologies, meticulous energy, and resource management, and an unwavering focus on maximizing yield per square foot.
The conversation also veered into recent industry closures within vertical farming. Baras shared his insights on the matter, suggesting that such closures, while unfortunate, should serve as an impetus for industry introspection and evolution. He underlined the need for businesses to balance rapid growth and sustainability, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, proper capital allocation, and market understanding in the journey toward long-term viability.
Baras put forth a compelling vision in terms of future predictions for the CEA landscape. He forecasted increased adoption of CEA technologies, not just in traditional horticulture but also in sectors like pharmaceuticals and biofuels. Moreover, he anticipated an increased focus on sustainability, with more farms adopting renewable energy sources and resource-efficient technologies. He also predicted a rise in urban farming initiatives as cities strive to meet their food security goals and reduce their carbon footprint.
Full podcast available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify (below):
