Imagine Farms

This interview details Imagine Farms, an indoor farming company based in the US state of Florida. The interview is with Cheryl Arnold, Co-Founder of Imagine Farms.

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What is the origin story of Imagine Farms?

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Imagine Farms is an indoor vertical hydroponic farm located in Little Haiti, Miami utilizing technology and vertical space to grow a wide variety of lettuces, herbs, microgreens, and gourmet mushrooms on a compact footprint. Delicate flavors are made possible by the precise growing environment that we create for the plants at our farm. The location, central to Greater Miami and Miami Beach means local lettuce lovers enjoy Imagine Farms produce within hours of harvest. Fresh from the Farm to your favorite restaurant or Supermarket.

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To what extent does climate in south Florida affect the farm despite the fact that it is an indoor farm?

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Our systems continuously monitor the temperature and humidity in each of our grow rooms and well as the outside conditions. If any of the conditions begin to fluctuate out of range, our systems automatically adjust the environmental control system immediately. So, essentially, we maintain a consistent growing environment 24/7, regardless of the outside conditions. Example: Crispy greens? California sunshine, 68 degrees and 70% humidity. No drought, no flood, just perfection all the time. 

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What are some of the biggest challenges facing Imagine Farms in the future?

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Technology is expensive. Expansion is capital intensive. Upon the execution of our next growth phase, we will generate enough revenue to cover our expenses and be profitable, but it is not the same as a traditional technology investment. When you are dealing with a live product you need to grow into it. For example, when a new customer contractually commits to a large recurring order for a specific variety, our production team begins planning far in advance due to the 4-6 week grow cycles of our crops. I can say that we are currently sold out and have a waiting list of demand once we complete our next expansion.

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What is unique about Imagine Farms compared to competitors?

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There are really no competitors in our region. As far as the industry as a whole, the difference is simple: we grow for nutrition and flavor naturally follows. Other CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) companies tend to focus more on technology, rather than growing the product. We are happy with those guys having that spotlight because someone needs to advance the technology forward so that the industry can advance. We want to take those advancements, incorporate them into our system, and continue growing the most delicious product you have ever tasted more efficiently.

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How do you measure the impact of your company so far? (Revenue, Employees, Customer Quantity, Production Volume) etc?

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We measure in volume and quality. Since we have started, we have been able to increase our volume (and, in turn, our revenue) by almost 100%. It is apparent that the quality has improved as well because our farm is sold out and we have a waiting list of Michelin Star Rated, Bon Appetit Bests, and Eater 38 Restaurants lined up for more produce.

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What have you learned that you wish you knew when you started the company?

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Plumbing!

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How can people connect with you or learn more about Imagine Farms?

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Please connect with us on Instagram @imagine_farms or visit our website at imaginefarms.com

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