S9E109: Lotte Van Rijn / Certhon - From Greenhouse Child to Vertical Farming Leader: A Nautical Journey

Have you ever wondered about the unseen intricacies of greenhouse farming and the immense potential of vertical farms? Join us on a fascinating journey with our guest, Lotte Van Rijn, General Manager of Certhon, as she peels back the layers of her expansive knowledge and experiences in the industry. From the lush greenhouses of the Netherlands to the dream of circumnavigating the globe, Lotte’s life is as vibrant and varied as the crops she helps foster.

Lotte takes us through his formative years in the industry, highlighting the significance of talent strategies and the exciting marriage of technology and plant science. This intriguing intersection, she explains, has been key in the development of innovative solutions in greenhouses and vertical farms. As she walks us through her journey, she also discusses the critical role of mentors and visionaries who have moulded her career, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking to tread a similar path.

Lastly, Lotte shares her perspectives on the profound impacts of Covid on the greenhouse industry and the promising rise of vertical farms. She delves into the exciting prospects these changes present, such as the potential of functional foods and the promise of sustainable solutions to major global concerns. So, whether you're an expert in the field or just interested in the future of food, this episode is packed with valuable insights straight from the heart of the industry. Don't forget, Lotte encourages listeners to reach out with any questions, extending the spirit of collaboration beyond the confines of their greenhouses!

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Key Takeaways

0:00:03 - From Greenhouses to Open Waters

0:05:24 - Greenhouse Industry and Robotics Collaboration

0:20:17 - Greenhouse and Vertical Farming Innovations

0:30:53 - Collaboration and Innovation in Vertical Farming

Tweetable Quotes

"The difference between cultures, that there is so much more possible than your own vision or your own way to live. There are much more ways to live and you have a choice and there is a choice." - Lotte van Rijn

"Growing is a job. It's difficult to grow, it's a real job. Plant science is difficult. So that's what I told you before the combination between AgTech. It's not that easy that you combine technology and nature and plants." - Lotte van Rijn

"For me there is no big difference. And so what I find interesting is I've just now started going to the indoor farming conferences, so I've been to indoor ICON and I'll be at the indoor tech summit in New York City at the end of June." - Lotte van Rijn