The High-Tech Vertical Farmer

Summary

This video explores the future of farming through the story of Katie Morich, a vertical farmer at Bowery, a high-tech indoor farm in New Jersey. Katie's journey highlights how technology, such as automated machines and data-driven systems, is reshaping agriculture, allowing for faster, more sustainable crop production. Despite automation, Katie believes there's still a vital role for humans in farming, combining technology with personal expertise. As the world faces growing food demands, the video illustrates how innovations like vertical farming could help feed a rapidly expanding population, all while creating new, high-tech job opportunities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Katie Morich works as a vertical farmer for Bowery, a high-tech farming startup in New Jersey.
• 😀 The Bowery farm uses automation and advanced technology to optimize growing conditions for crops.
• 😀 Vertical farming allows for high-density crop production, using less water and no pesticides, while maintaining flavor quality.
• 😀 Katie’s role in the farm involves working alongside machines, following software-driven instructions for tasks.
• 😀 Katie initially doubted her ability to succeed in the tech-driven farming world, but she was encouraged by her husband and eventually excelled.
• 😀 Bowery is a startup backed by top Silicon Valley investors, with nearly $30 million in funding to expand its operations.
• 😀 The farm produces premium vegetables, supplying grocery stores and restaurants in Manhattan, demonstrating the success of urban, tech-assisted farming.
• 😀 Despite the growing reliance on machines, Katie believes there will always be a need for human involvement in farming.
• 😀 Katie's personal story highlights how new technology can create career opportunities, even in fields that were once more traditional, like farming.
• 😀 The global population is projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, requiring new agricultural technologies to sustainably feed everyone.
• 😀 Katie’s vision is to make pure, high-quality produce available to everyone, not just those who can afford premium vegetables.

Q & A

What type of farming does Katie Morich practice?

Katie is a vertical farmer, which involves growing crops in vertically stacked trays inside a controlled environment, often powered by automation and technology.

What is Bowery, and where is it located?

Bowery is a startup focused on indoor vertical farming. It is located in an industrial park in New Jersey, USA.

How does Bowery's technology help in farming?

Bowery uses sensors and automated systems to control growing conditions such as light, water, temperature, and nutrients. This results in faster growth, higher efficiency, and the ability to grow crops without pesticides.

What is unique about the crops grown at Bowery?

The crops grown at Bowery are of superior taste and quality, such as sorrel that tastes like candy apple. The controlled environment ensures that the crops grow more efficiently and with enhanced flavor.

How do humans fit into Bowery's highly automated farming process?

Humans at Bowery, like Katie, oversee the automated systems and perform tasks that machines can't do, such as quality control and experimentation. The software also guides their tasks, optimizing efficiency.

What role does Katie play at Bowery, and what was her career progression?

Katie started as employee number nine at Bowery and was initially unsure of her ability to succeed due to her lack of a formal background in farming. Over time, she grew into a leadership role and was promoted to lead a team of farmers.

How does Katie’s personal background influence her work?

Katie grew up in New Jersey with two working parents and developed a passion for environmental science in college. Her initial doubts about her career choices were supported by her husband, Jase, who encouraged her to pursue the opportunity at Bowery despite her uncertainties.

What are Katie's goals for the future of farming?

Katie hopes to make the purest produce available to everyone, not just those who can afford premium vegetables. She is focused on sustainable farming practices to meet the growing global demand for food as the world’s population continues to rise.

How does Bowery’s farming model help address global food security?

With the world population expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, Bowery’s model of vertical farming helps produce more food in less space, using fewer resources like water. This approach can contribute to feeding a growing urban population sustainably.

Why does Katie believe there will still be a place for humans in farming despite the rise of automation?

Katie believes that while automation can handle many tasks, the human mind brings a unique ability to think critically and creatively, something that robots can't replicate. She feels humans will still play an important role in the future of farming.