February 2022 - 12

DUETS
BOOTH #0106
The rapid
expansion of
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hydroponic production
is being driven by a
couple of different
segments of the
market.
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Finally, where we are currently
seeing the most growth is in largescale
projects. The CEA industry
is maturing relatively fast at this
point and with that we see many
multi-acre leafy greens and vine
crop facilities being constructed.
In regards to outdoor edible
crop growers, the industry just
saw Taylor Farms purchase Pure
Greens in Indiana; they are not
the first outdoor grower to get in,
but they signal a big change in
perception of our space.
Grow Your Business
& Transform Your
Community
Peter: You're describing the
landscape exactly as greenhouse
growers are experiencing it, Paul,
regardless of crop focus. Change
happens much faster today than
decades ago and growers who
procrastinate about getting into
or out of certain crop categories
can find themselves behind the
curve. Even more reason for them
to find trustworthy sources to
help them understand ROI and
the crop culture demands of
new crops.
So, concluding on this important
Learn how America in Bloom
connects consumers to your
products and services.
Participation in America in Bloom creates
opportunities for horticultural businesses
to showcase the value of plants and
landscapes in communities.
Learn how at AmericaInBloom.org
note, CropKing has been offering
grower schools for some time.
I assume one goal is to serve
growers as a trustworthy source
of expertise and guidance. How
did you get started in this area of
outreach which, to me and how I
too operate, fits the descriptor of
private sector extension work?
Paul: The grower schools have
really been a driving force in
our goals from the beginning,
especially when CropKing was
founded in the 1980s by my
father. A bit of history is in order.
CropKing was started in response
to a lack of education that he
was looking for as a commercial
hydroponic farmer back then.
So when he started CropKing
educating the customer was a
founding principal and, in my
opinion, a huge key to our success.
The growers schools have
evolved over the last four
decades as we gain experience
across a diverse range of growing
conditions and crops. We really
like to look at ourselves as
facilitators in the CEA space more
than a sales team. Our goal is to
disseminate the information in
such a way that the customer can
make the most informed decision.
This is not a cheap way to farm
but it is still farming so we want
people to be prepared and aware
of what they are embarking
on before spending significant
capital on a project.
Peter: As a former field farmer,
ornamental crop grower, and
current hydroponic researcher
I enjoyed learning about your
philosophy and focus, Paul. I
also enjoy highlighting family
businesses embedded in our
supply chain that are committed
to helping smaller growers
advance their efforts. Thank you
for sharing your expertise with
us.
http://www.ipmlabs.com http://www.AmericaInBloom.org
February 2022

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