Ditto

This interview details Ditto, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Derek Drake, CEO of Ditto.

Source: Ditto

What is the origin story of Ditto?

Ditto started after Derek lost his job at Northwestern during the pandemic. The name itself comes from the idea of reciprocity. Ditto is an agreement. 

Source: Ditto

What are some of the biggest challenges facing Ditto in the future?

Our biggest challenge is, quite frankly, time. We both have full-time day jobs, 4 kids, 22 chickens, and a big life. Finding the time to tend to the business is critical. We have the customers, thankfully. Running a small business is a beast. 

What is unique about Ditto compared to competitors?

The difference is, in my opinion, intent. We want to bring access to communities that people are not investing in. Communities like the one I grew up in of Ford Heights. Also, we are focused on building out a food system where it is most needed. 

Source: Ditto

What is the current size of your growing area?

In 320 sqft, we grow 3 acres of leafy greens, lettuce, herbs, and root veggies. 

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?

We do. We use a 20lb canister that lasts about 2-3 weeks. I don't think it's necessary but it is helpful. When I spend a lot of time on the farm I reduce the amount of CO2 being pumped into the farm. 

Source: Ditto

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?

That is probably one of the biggest areas of opportunity for us. Fortunately, our farm has 3 modes that we can choose from. We have an eco mode, standard, and high-performance mode. Of course, Eco keeps the costs low. We use that mode when we are either in full bloom or right at the beginning of germinating. Performance is when we are trying to make a quick turnaround. Typically we operate in Standard. Our cost is around 14-16 cents per kWh.

How can people connect with you or learn more about Ditto?

Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or visit our website. We also love old-fashioned phone calls.

Source: Ditto

Asia Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

Download the Free Sample Report

Mark-Horler

"For a target audience that is trying to understand the basics of vertical farming, this is a quality newsletter to subscribe to"

- James Pateras, CEO, Modular Farms Australia

North America Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

Download The Free Sample Report

Mark-Horler

"The North America Vertical Farming Companies Report 2023 aggregates many sources of public information on many different companies so that you don't have to do the research yourself, it's worth the money and saves a lot of time"

- John Ireland, CEO, NTP Technologies

Europe Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

Download the Free Sample Report

Helen Andrew Spare Harvest

"As a business development manager supporting the indoor agriculture, CEA, and food tech industries, I can say Urban Vine guides and their insider newsletter provide detailed information often difficult to find online."

- Irena Lundberg, CleanTech Invest Stockholm

Middle East Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

Download the Free Sample Report

Mark-Horler

"As a marketing professional in the indoor agriculture industry, Urban Vine's newsletters, reports and guides are an excellent resource for keeping up-to-date with news and developments in vertical farming."

- Steven Mitchell, Product Manager, Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) UK

All Indoor Farming Company Interviews

Garden Stack UK

June 8, 2023

This interview details Garden Stack, an indoor farming company based in the UK. The interview is with Daniel Matthews-Ferrero, CEO of Garden Stack. To learn more about Garden Stack and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Eden Grow Systems USA

June 7, 2023

This interview details Eden Grow Systems, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Bart Womack, CEO of Eden Grow Systems. To learn more about Eden Grow Systems and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Space Farms Georgia

June 27, 2023

This interview details Space Farms, an indoor farming project based in Georgia. The interview is with Tusya Garibashvili, Head of Space Farms. To learn more about Space Farms and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

PermaFungi Belgium

December 24, 2023

This interview details PermaFungi, an indoor farming company based in Belgium. The interview is with Stijn Roovers, COO and Co-Founder of PermaFungi. To learn more about PermaFungi and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Terreplenish

July 24, 2023

This interview details Feed Earth Now (FEN) Terreplenish, an indoor farming (accelerated food scrap technology) company based in the United States. The interview is with Cathy Scratch, Founder & CEO of Feed Earth Now Terreplenish. To learn more about Terreplenish and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Victory Farm Malaysia

December 24, 2023

This interview details Victory Farm, an indoor farming company based in Malaysia. The interview is with Gary Law,Founder & CEO of Victory Farm. To learn more about Victory Farm and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Farm8

June 3, 2023

This interview details Farm8, an indoor farming company based in Korea. The interview is with Yong Park, Chief Marketing Officer of Farm8. To learn more about Farm8 and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Milan Kluko Indoor Farming

June 4, 2023

This interview details Artesian Farm, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Milan Kluko, consultant and vertical system designer of Artesian Farm. To learn more about Milan Kluko Indoor Farming and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

GreenForges Canada

June 2, 2023

This interview details GreenForges, an underground farming company based in Canada. The interview is with Nicola Maglio, Chief Marketing Officer of GreenForges. To learn more about GreenForges and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Trayplant Netherlands

June 9, 2023

This interview details Trayplant Netherlands, a technology company working in the indoor farming industry based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Peter van Hulten, Head of Sales of Trayplant Netherlands. To learn more about Trayplant Netherlands and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview