HerbaFabrica

This interview details HerbaFabrica, an indoor farming company based in the Czech Republic. The interview is with Karolína Pumprová, Founder of HerbaFabrica.

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What is the origin story of HerbaFabrica?

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HerbaFabrica was originally a student project. The first idea of this project was to create an urban farm, for each city district in Prague. Where people could buy local and fresh vegetables the whole year. Over time, it turned out that this scenario is rather utopian from a financial point of view, and the farm became a production farm for microgreens and special crops for the b2b segment.

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What are some of the biggest challenges facingHerba Fabrica in the future? 

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We are currently building a new facility that will be a combination of indoor and greenhouse operations. This is probably the biggest challenge of the future years, we hope that soon we will include new products and be able to sell them as well, to a great range of customers.

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What is unique about HerbaFabrica compared to competitors? 

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We are a strictly family farm with an individual approach. We created the entire business from scratch without the help of investors or loans. Everything came about over time and matured nicely. Our production is stable, I dare to say that we maintain very good quality and keep our commitments.

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What is the current size of your growing area?

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In total, including gh facilities, it is around 200m2

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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? 

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No, we do not use CO2. Our farm is connected to the restaurant, so we use CO2 from there.But we do not conduct measurements. I know from experience that carbon dioxide enrichment has a big effect on yield, some say it is even 20% +. There is quite a potential for the future of indoor farming.

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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?

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Right now the rates of 1 kWh are around 6-8 Kč (0,35 USD) and the energy is from the grid in the Czech Republic.. We were thinking about renewable sources. Unfortunately, the investment is irreversible. So maybe someday :)

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

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People can find us on Instagram (herbafabrica) or Facebook (herbafabrica) or Website www.herbafabrica.com

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