Startup Profile: Edible Walls Inspire New Wave of Urban Agriculture

April 25, 2011 | Jeremy Ogul

(updated 04/11/12) As the push to “go green” in urban architecture has intensified over the past decade, so-called green roofs and green walls have gained in popularity. These vegetation-covered walls and roofs can reduce cooling costs, mitigate air pollution and add beauty to the neighborhood.

But the promise of green walls goes beyond just looking cool and staying cool. Green Living Technologies International, LLC (GLTi) is exploring how these architectural innovations might actually meet our growing need for food and inspire a new wave of urban sustainable agriculture. Read More

Startup Profile: Vive Nano: Bringing Nanotechnology to the Farm

March 31, 2011 | Robert Puro

If I said the word ‘agriculture’ to you, would you think of cows grazing, endless fields of corn, grain silos, and red barns?  Or, would you think about modern farm technology in agriculture like GPS, remote sensors, aeroponic systems, on-farm renewable energy systems, et al?

Whatever you envisioned, chances are the word nanotechnology did not immediately come to mind. So, how does nanotechnology play a role in supporting sustainable agriculture? Read More

Startup Profile: AeroFarms: Urban Agriculture Aeroponic Systems

March 29, 2011 | Robert Puro

People are moving in ever increasing numbers from rural areas into urban city centers.  Global population is expected to increase by nearly 40% to 9 billion people in the next 40 years.  Threats to agriculture from climate change, loss of arable land, pesticide resistance, and water shortages continue to grow more acute.  As noted in our previous article “Urban and Agriculture Can Coexist,” cities and their attendant entrepreneurs will need to embrace urban agriculture in order to meet this future demand for food and ensure food security. Read More

Startup Profile: Biogas & Electric – Supporting Sustainable Ag through NOx Emission Reduction

March 16, 2011 | Robert Puro

Seedstock is always interested in learning more about who’s out there starting companies in the sustainable agriculture space.   Today we were fortunate enough to speak with Seth Burns, CEO of San Diego, CA based Biogas & Electric LLC.

Burns is a fourth generation cattle rancher with an MBA who hails from Big Timber, Montana and possesses firsthand knowledge of the potential for biogas, (the gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter such as livestock waste in the absence of oxygen), to promote sustainable agriculture.   Read More

Startup Profile: Harvest Power Turns Trash Into Soil Amendment

March 8, 2011 | Robert Puro

Imagine transforming everyday organic waste into sustainably grown food.  Well imagine no further, because that’s exactly what Harvest Power is enabling farmers and producers to do by developing, building, and operating state-of-the-art facilities that produce soil enhancement and renewable energy products from discarded organic materials. By harvesting these materials, the company enables communities and businesses to increase their energy independence, reduce their environmental impact and reliably manage their organic waste.

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