Vertical farming is an exciting, new, and innovative industry. Everyone involved, from the engineers to the marketers, are all searching for ways to provide solutions to real-life problems faced on a global scale.
Being passionate about the industry, what everyone involved is trying to achieve, and having a desire to continue to innovate and change, while hunting out the next step in the evolution of vertical farming must be high on the agenda. For example, Innovation Agri-Tech Group have developed an optimised vertical farming method to launch this year, but the team will continue to drive development in order to find the next level of optimisation.
Those working in vertical farming know there is a need to continue to invest in teams and hire people who are passionate about finding even better solutions to future-proof sustainable farming.
For any person looking to either change or start their career, whatever the industry, having a passion to succeed will drive both you and your business forward.
Explore your options
The vertical farming industry calls for varied skills – there is no one size fits all. Due to the nature of the business, people might just think there is a demand for engineers, plant-scientists, or growers. But when you delve a little deeper, there are so many different people who make the industry run – from those with the technical know-how, to the researchers, the business team, the financial people, and so much more. Each person helps the business grow and be successful.
Many are fooled as well by the misconception that to start a successful vertical farming business you need to have a background in farming and agriculture. In fact, very few of the successful vertical farming companies were started by farmers – they were entrepreneurs and innovators.
Keep an open mind
Like any relatively young industry – or any industry actually – with the highs and success come the challenges. However, keeping an open mind is important and understanding these are all part of the process of growing and developing an industry.
One of the biggest challenges faced is the consumer and potential client perception of vertical farming. For many, it is seen as futuristic, or worse – fake. This is absolutely not the case, and everything grown comes from the same plants seen in fields across the country. The only difference is the growing conditions, and how they are optimised.
The vertical farming industry needs to work on being open and transparent, and honest when it comes to positioning. At Innovation Agri-Tech Group, for example, the team is facing the challenges head on, and not hiding behind smoke and mirrors. By having an open mind, and taking this approach, it is easier to position the benefits of vertical farming in the best possible way and anyone entering the industry should take a similar approach.
Own your own accomplishments
This is applicable across all industries, but in a new and young industry especially, everyone needs to ensure they are shouting about achievements, both past and present, and owning successes. The world of work is competitive, in vertical farming especially it is a small industry and those who shout (via social media) the loudest are often the ones remembered.
Striking a balance between being proud of achievements and bragging is key. What is vital to progression is for individuals to ensure teams, bosses and the wider community are aware of the differences you make.
Test your limits
Don’t put in place imaginary limitations – people need to push themselves as there really are no barriers for career progression in the vertical farming industry. As with most industries, a goal would be too see more women in the higher roles, taking risks and leading the field. For example, at Innovation Agri-Tech Group brilliant women lead at the forefront of innovation – from Communications Director Lovely Mandair, to Lead Plant Scientist and soon-to-be PhD Deepa Manikkath Haridas.
When looking to apply for more senior roles, a top tip is: Don’t be afraid to demonstrate why you deserve the role.
