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.
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag
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
"I was born and raised in a Kibbutz, just ten minutes from my office. From childhood, I was deeply involved in agriculture, starting with open field orchards and later moving on to greenhouses and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) projects after university."
"Big companies do great work with technology for the mainstream, but there's a lack of solutions for tailor-made projects. I found a niche in creating specific, precise solutions not just for mainstream agriculture but for unique, smaller-scale projects that big companies overlook."
"The future of vertical farming should involve more collaboration. We need to establish forums and associations to share knowledge and technology openly. Improving key aspects like lighting, HVAC systems, and reducing manpower through automation benefits everyone in the industry, not just individual companies."
Wesbite - https://grow-tec.com/
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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-tec
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Mentioned in this episode:
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com