Building a distributed network of farms and farmers

Added on 22 April 2022

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Building a distributed network of farms and farmers

A distributed network of farms and farmers means that our technology is able to effect change on a greater scale. In our goal to move farms, not food, we strive to create resiliency in food supply chains and greater food access across the world.

Tell us about yourself and what Freight Farms is.

I'm Erich - I've been working in tech for 12 years but arrived in the agriculture technology space only four years ago. I've been with Freight Farms for almost a year and a half, and am enjoying learning from our farmers about what they do and how our farm automation software plays a part in their world, as well as learning about our hardware & controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and how our software can play more broadly in those worlds.

Freight Farms is the global leader in modular hydroponic farming. Our mission is to create a more decentralized food system by building infrastructure and technology that allow anyone to grow food anywhere in the world.

What does the Freight Farms distributed network of farmers look like and mean?

Freight Farms has been innovating, refining, and selling shipping containers redesigned as farms for many years; at this point, we've got an "install base" all around the world. The operators of these container farms make up the Freight Farms network, which includes entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and educational institutions spanning 46 U.S. states and territories and 35 countries.

Although the Freight Farmer network is global, it is connected and distributed worldwide. In this way, our network can support one another while making a widespread impact. Each Freight Farm grows 2-6 tons of produce, which then goes to feed the farmer's local community and create a more resilient food supply chain. In using our efficient hydroponic systems, they are also using 99% less water than traditional farming, meaning that our network is collectively making a positive impact on our environment, as well.

The network is also able to gather and share key learnings with one another through our monthly roundtable events and our farmhandŽ Community platform. This digital forum, a part of our all-encompassing app for container farming operations and support, is also a place for our farmers to converse with Freight Farms staff on the Customer Support, Plant Science, Software, Hardware, and Marketing Teams for ongoing support.

What is the benefit of a distributed network of farms and farmers?

A distributed network of farms and farmers means that our technology is able to affect change on a greater scale. In our goal to move farms, not food, we strive to create resiliency in food supply chains and greater food access across the world. Our network of farmers helps us to achieve these goals. Our network means they are connected, but the distribution means they are all able to make great change wherever they are in the world.

Because we have a large global network of farmers, we understand how our farms perform in different climates, what crops grow well in our farms, and what prices our farmers are able to command for certain crops (including seasonal fluctuations in pricing). With this information, we're able to help prepare new farmers to succeed and provide a secure source of food to their community.