This interview details Ditto, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Derek Drake, CEO 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.
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.
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.
In 320 sqft, we grow 3 acres of leafy greens, lettuce, herbs, and root veggies.
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.
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.
Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or visit our website. We also love old-fashioned phone calls.
This interview details Urban Farm Center, a company based in the United States. The interview is with Eliza Fournier, Director at Urban Farm Center. To learn more about Urban Farm Center and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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This interview details Growing Peace, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Steven Hoffen, Founder of Growing Peace. To learn more about Growing Peace and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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This interview details Harvest London, an indoor farming company based in the UK. The interview is with the Founder & Chief Agronomist at Harvest London. To learn more about Harvest London and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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This interview details FoodLab, a company based in the United States. The interview is with Judiann Carmack-Fayyaz, Director of FoodLab. To learn more about FoodLab and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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This interview details the Center for Food Safety, a company based in the United States. The interview is with Kristen E. Gibson, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Food Safety. To learn more about the Center for Food Safety and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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This interview details Grønt Fra Laks, an indoor farming company based in Norway. The interview is with Marius Johansen, General Manager at Grønt Fra Laks. To learn more about Grønt Fra Laks and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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This interview details Maui Trout Co., a company based in the United States. The interview is with John Dobovan, CEO of Maui Trout Co. To learn more about Maui Trout Co. and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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This interview details Plantaform, an indoor farming company based in Canada. The interview is with Alberto Aguilar, CEO of Plantaform. To learn more about Plantaform and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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This interview details Arugga, an indoor farming technology company based in Israel. The interview is with Eytan Heller, Co-Founder of Arugga. To learn more about Arugga and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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This interview details AdventHealth, a company based in the United States. The interview is with Christy Miller, Director at AdventHealth. To learn more about AdventHealth and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
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