Indoor agriculture is blossoming, as hobbyists transform their passion into an industry and the challenges of conventional farming increase. Growing in this evolving environment is challenging. As a result, the task of upscaling operations, common obstacles often hamper growth, or prevent it from happening altogether. VividGro has developed strategic products and services that help businesses catapult operations to the next level and beyond.
A key mistake that many agriculturists make is only planning for the immediate future, rather than the long-term. But how does that work? Let’s look at vital considerations when planning your next move.
An Opportunity to Upgrade
Setting up your new facility is the ideal time to make some strategic equipment upgrades that will set you up for success in the long run. First, leave those hot, inefficient fluorescent bulbs behind and choose LED instead. With a third less power draw than fluorescents and a cool temperature that won’t burn leaves, VividGro GroBarsTM help you make the most of your space.
Setting up automation infrastructure in a fresh new facility is also ideal. Imagine the ability to monitor air and soil humidity, CO2 levels, temperature, light exposure, even nutrient levels and the presence of pathogens remotely. VividGro’s GroNet hardware and integrated software platform can be customized to not only monitors defined factors, but can also intervene proactively to maintain optimal growing conditions. The intuitive user interface allows you to control settings remotely, so that you are not tied to your physical grow!
Growing through Data-Driven Decision-Making
Considering a facility is a nuanced process and there will rarely be the perfect property which meets all requirements. Prevent overload and create a strategy you can follow systematically. First, write out your plan, beginning with a realistic forecast for your growth. Next, reverse engineer it – what do you want your volume to be in five years? Ten years? Let those numbers drive your decisions. Create a spreadsheet on which you can record your notes and the answers to the questions in this article on all properties you view. The experts at VividGro GroAdvisorTM have navigated this process extensively – schedule a consultation to tap their deep knowledge base.
Facility Location
So, you’re outgrowing your current space, you have plants and lights in every nook and cranny and then some. You are ready to level up and have begun seeking out new options. Too often, time and money are wasted when grow operations forget to consider legal compliance issues. Before visiting any property, save yourself stress and hassle by first doing a little research.
Location considerations:
- Does the city/town/county have regulations regarding indoor agriculture?
- Are there limitations to utility draws?
- Are there zoning limitations?
- Are there limitations to output?
- Are there limits to the hours of operation and will that impact my process?
Facility Planning
Now you’re ready to begin looking at specific locations. As you do, have a clear idea of how your configuration will fit in the space. Keep your ideal set up as your guiding principle, knowing that you will probably have to make concessions here and there.
Based on business growth projections, will this building:
- Fit our needs three years from now? Five?
- Support our power draw needs?
- Support our water needs?
- Require heavy electrical or plumbing work to meet our needs?
- Require any other costly retrofitting?
Call in a Pro
These are major decisions that can be overwhelming. Sometimes wisdom is knowing when to call in a pro. VividGro GroAdvisorTM is there for you, ready to help you answer all of the questions listed above and then some. Our deeply experienced team of architects and engineers will take the reins and optimize all aspects of your facility. You will sleep better, knowing that you are avoiding obstacles and setting up your business for long-term success.
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Gina Kegel is a freelance copywriter in Southern California. Like a heat-seeking missile for human interest angles, underlying driving factors and the hidden gem that connects, Gina engages readers across a wide variety of businesses and industries, from startups through multinational corporations. Find her at LinkedIn.com/in/ginaiswrite.