Greens Do Good

This interview details Greens Do Good, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Jennifer Faust, Operations Director of Greens Do Good.

Source: Greens Do Good

What is the origin story of Greens Do Good?

Greens Do Good is part of REED Autism Services, a family of 501c3 programs that serve individuals with autism throughout their lifetime. In 2019, we conceptualized an indoor vertical farm that could provide year-round training and employment to teens and young adults with autism, preparing them for careers in sustainable agriculture and related fields.

Taking into account the very high percentage of adults with autism who are unemployed – approaching 85% - the primary goal of this project is to prepare young people with autism to contribute to the economic development of their communities while earning a wage that helps them support themselves in an interesting field that promotes ecological sustainability.

In 2021, we launched an internship program for older teens with autism studying in transition programs in northern NJ. We grow nearly 30 varieties of microgreens, arugula, basil, butterhead lettuce, kale, and spring mix sold to regional grocers, small local markets, restaurants, country clubs, and directly to consumers.

Source: Greens Do Good

What are some of the biggest challenges facing Greens Do Good in the future? 

We have a relatively small footprint and are limited in the number of employees we can hire.  We are constantly looking for like-minded agricultural organizations to hire some of our highly trained and talented interns.

What is unique about Greens Do Good compared to competitors? 

Our mission is to promote neurodiversity in the workplace by providing meaningful job training and employment for teens and adults with autism. Greens Do Good addresses critical needs for work-based learning, readiness, and social communications through Controlled Environment Agriculture. GDG is an approved provider of work-based learning experiences as part of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. These services are designed to be an early start at job exploration for students with disabilities necessary for movement from school to post-school activities that will maximize their potential to enter competitive integrated employment.

At Greens Do Good we focus on produce, purpose, people, and play. Individuals from all across the spectrum are involved from high support needs to working independently, on the farm floor, everybody's equal. There's a job for everyone. 

But perhaps even more important, Greens Do Good provides produce to many area food banks- empowering autistic adults to work towards solving food insecurity.

Source: Greens Do Good

What is the current size of your growing area? 

3,300 square feet - plans for expansion in upcycled shipping containers

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 not use CO2 in our warehouse location but will be employing CO2 in our expansion in grow pods.

Source: Greens Do Good

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?

Our current farm’s utilities are relatively high but we have a more sustainable plan for our expansion project.

How can people connect with you or learn more about Greens Do Good?

Either www.greensdogood.com or jfaust@reedfoundationforautism.org

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

Plenty - Vertical Farming Company Summary

May 11, 2023

[UPDATED FOR 2023] What is Plenty Vertical Farming? In this article you will learn all about Plenty stock, revenue, location, investments, and more. Click to learn more!

View Full Interview

Spread - Vertical Farming Company Summary

May 11, 2023

[UPDATED FOR 2023] What is Spread Japan Vertical Farming? In this article you will learn all about Spread stock, revenue, location, investments, and more. Click to learn more!

View Full Interview

Jones Food Company - Vertical Farming Company Summary

May 11, 2023

[UPDATED FOR 2023] What is Jones Food Company Vertical Farming? In this article you will learn all about Jones Food Company stock, revenue, location, investments, and more. Click to learn more!

View Full Interview

Bowery Farming - Vertical Farming Company Summary

May 11, 2023

[UPDATED FOR 2023] What is Bowery Farming? In this article you will learn all about Bowery Farming stock, revenue, location, investments, and more. Click to learn more!

View Full Interview

AeroFarms - Vertical Farming Company Summary

May 11, 2023

[UPDATED FOR 2023] What is AeroFarms Vertical Farming? In this article you will learn all about AeroFarms stock, revenue, location, investments, and more. Click to learn more!

View Full Interview

What is Container Farming?

January 23, 2023

[UPDATED FOR 2023] What is Container Farming? How Does It Work? In this article you will learn all about Container Farming and how it is related to vertical farming. Click to learn more!

View Full Interview

How To Control Root Aphids

January 23, 2023

[UPDATED FOR 2023] How do you control root aphids? In this post we will discuss the best solutions to control root aphids in your garden, indoor farm, and more! Click to learn...

View Full Interview

What is Precision Agriculture?

January 23, 2023

[UPDATED FOR 2023] What is Precision Agriculture? What are the advantages, who are the most important precision agriculture companies? Click here to learn all of this and more...

View Full Interview

What is Regenerative Agriculture?

January 23, 2023

[UPDATED FOR 2023] In this post we will talk about what renegenerative agriculture is. What are the advantages, disadvantages, and more! Click to read more...

View Full Interview

What is Ag Tech?

January 23, 2023

[UPDATED for 2023] What is Ag-Tech? What technologies count as Ag-Tech? What are the benefits and goals of Ag-Tech? What does the future of Ag-Tech look like? Click to learn more!

View Full Interview