This interview details Balance Grille Indoor Farm, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Prakash Karamchandani, CEO / Co-Founder of Balance Grille Indoor Farm.
What is the origin story of the Balance Grille Indoor Farm?
As a restaurant group starting from a single location, we have always sought to source locally whenever possible. With one location it was possible to go to the farmers market, however, as we have grown in number of locations it was not possible to keep that method going. We tried CSA, purchase agreements, and other methods however ultimately we landed on opening our own indoor facility to produce some of our ingredient needs 365 days a year.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing Balance Grille Indoor Farm in the future?
Utility costs and scaling production to distributors have been the two largest challenges.
What is unique about Balance Grille Indoor Farm compared to competitors?
We are USDA Gap 3.0+ Harmonized certified, the highest certification level offered for our type of facility. We grow in downtown Toledo ohio, in a completely transparent facility so our community can see our operation and how our products are grown!
Do you plan to expand your growing area from the 12,000 square feet?
We are currently 8600 sq ft and do not plan to expand footprint, just density of grow equipment.
Do you use CO2 in your operation today -- if so, how much and what do you pay for it? What are your thoughts in CO2 usage in indoor farms?
No, this is not a current consideration.
Energy is a big topic in indoor farming right now. How much do you pay for electricity (kWh)? Is it mainly from the grid or renewables?
This is our #1 expense, all from the grid. Would like to look at renewables such as solar.
How can people connect with you or learn more about Balance Grille Indoor Farm?
By visiting balancegrille.com, sending us a DM on social media @balancefarms or email!
[UPDATED FOR 2023] In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about indoor growing, CEA, and related topics. Click to learn more!
View Full Interview[UPDATED FOR 2023] Interested to learn more about urban farming? Click now to get the exclusive top 11 books on Urban Farming!
View Full Interview[UPDATED FOR 2023] In this article you will learn why LED grow lights work for indoor growing. Click to learn more!
View Full Interview[UPDATED FOR 2023] What is aeroponic farming, and how does it work? What are the main differences with normal farming? Click to learn more!
View Full Interview[UPDATED FOR 2023] The definitive, complete, step-by-step breakdown of all aspects of urban farming in Detroit. Click to learn more!
View Full Interview[UPDATED FOR 2023] Are you a podcast type of person? Here is a quick & simple list of 11 urban farming podcasts you can learn from, click to learn more!
View Full Interview[UPDATED FOR 2023] In this article we will teach you the core fundamentals of how to use grow lights for indoor farming. Click to learn more!
View Full Interview[UPDATED FOR 2023] Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an indoor grower? In this article you will learn from the pros. Click to learn more!
View Full Interview[UPDATED FOR 2023] What are wall planters, and how do they work? Click here to learn the all the basic aspects of wall planters and how they work...
View Full Interview[UPDATED FOR 2023] What is SPIN farming, and how does it work? What are the main differences with traditional farming? Click to learn more!
View Full Interview