This article details Microgreens Consulting, a company based in Canada. The interview is with Jonah Krochmalnek, owner and founder of Microgreens Consulting.
Microgreens Consulting began as a response to growing interest in replicating the success of Living Earth Farm. It was an unplanned venture, emerging from a passion for farming and a growing demand for expertise in microgreens.
This shift to consultancy was driven by the pandemic, which led to a reevaluation of my role in the industry. Recognizing a gap in quality information, especially for scalable and automated microgreens farming, Microgreens Consulting was founded. Our goal is to leverage a decade's worth of experience to educate and assist new and existing farms, focusing on the nuances of microgreens cultivation.
Living Earth Farm, started in 2013, marked the beginning of my journey into vertical farming. Beginning in a basement and expanding into a commercial space, the farm was a pioneer in a then-emerging field. Our focus on microgreens, selected for their profitability and nutritional benefits, set us apart in the industry. The farm's success was underpinned by innovative automation techniques and a commitment to product quality, demonstrated by higher nutrient levels compared to competitors. Our products, primarily microgreens, were distributed through a network of health food stores, independent grocers, and wholesalers to restaurants, underlining our farm's impact and reach in the local food industry.
Living Earth Farm utilized a 5000 square foot facility, optimally designed for microgreens production. We chose soil as our growing medium, aligning with our organic certification and commitment to quality. This decision, favoring soil over hydroponic methods, was based on the superior quality of soil-grown microgreens. The choice of soil, although more resource-intensive, was a strategic decision to maintain the highest product standards, reflecting our ethos of quality over quantity in the competitive market of urban farming.
The sale of Living Earth Farm was a strategic move, necessitated by the need to focus on broader industry impact through Microgreens Consulting. The farm's profitability, with margins between 35-45%, made it an attractive prospect for buyers. Navigating the sale involved a careful selection of a buyer who could sustain and grow the business, reflecting our commitment to the industry's future. This process, though lengthy, underscored the importance of strategic planning in business transitions, particularly in niche markets like microgreens farming.
The successful sale of Living Earth Farm was a significant milestone, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and a shift in focus towards educational endeavors. This transition was not just financially rewarding but also fulfilling on a personal level, as it enabled me to dedicate time to nurturing the next generation of farmers through educational content and consultancy. The decision to sell the farm and focus on Microgreens Consulting marked a new chapter, allowing me to leverage my experience to make a broader impact in the sustainable agriculture sector.
The economics of microgreens farming are highly favorable, combining efficient production and high profitability. This efficiency is exemplified by the ability to harvest crops up to 52 times a year, significantly more than traditional crops like lettuce. In terms of revenue, a conservative estimate suggests around $300 per square foot annually, based on $7.5 per square foot per week. This profitability, unique to microgreens, is a result of both the product's market value and the efficiency of the production process, making it a standout choice for urban farmers and entrepreneurs.
In terms of production specifics, microgreens vary widely in yield, with differences in weight depending on the variety. For instance, pea shoots can yield up to 1.75 pounds per tray, while basil may yield around 120 grams. The pricing structure also varies, with wholesale prices like $15 per tray being common. This dynamic market, with its expanding presence in major grocery chains across North America and growing interest globally, underscores the potential of microgreens as a profitable and sustainable crop in the modern agricultural landscape.
Those interested in learning more about Microgreens Consulting can visit our website.
This interview details Tychon Packaging, a Packaging and Containers Manufacturing company based in Canada. The interview is with Kevin Kantati, President & CEO of Tychon Packaging. To learn more about Tychon Packaging and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full InterviewThis interview details AGronomic IQ, a company based in Canada. The interview is with Jeffrey Baylis, Business Development and Sales Manager, Indoor Produce at AGronomic IQ. To learn more about AGronomic IQ and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full InterviewThis interview details Desert Aire, a provider for humidity and climate control systems based in the United States. The interview is with Chip Seidel, CEA Market Manager at Desert Aire. To learn more about Desert Aire and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full InterviewThis interview details Hortipower, a company based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Marco van Trigt, Sales Manager at Hortipower. To learn more about Hortipower and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full InterviewThis interview details Indoor Ag-Con, a company based in the United States. The interview is with Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. To learn more about Indoor Ag-Con and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full InterviewThis interview details RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, a research team at Rabobank based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Cindy van Rijswick, Global Strategist Fresh Produce and Farm Inputs. To learn more about RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full InterviewThis interview details Hyperfarms, a turnkey hydroponics solutions provider based in India. The interview is with Chinmay Rajwade, head of projects at Hyperfarms. To learn more about Hyperfarms and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full InterviewThis interview details Mi Oh My Hydroponic Farms, a worker-owned cooperative based in the United States. The interview is with Katy Mejia, Co-Founder of Mi Oh My Hydroponic Farms. To learn more about Mi Oh My Hydroponic Farms and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full InterviewThis interview details HAWE Cultivation Systems, an indoor farming technology company based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Jelmer Huizing, Commercial Manager at HAWE Cultivation Systems. To learn more about HAWE Cultivation Systems and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full InterviewThis interview details PerfoTec BV, a company based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Bas Groeneweg, Director at PerfoTec BV. To learn more about PerfoTec BV and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!
View Full Interview