In this episode of Mamish Mavericks, Maynard and Tov Breslow welcome Zale Tabakman, President of Local Grown Salads. The conversation dives into the world of indoor vertical farming and how it is revolutionizing food production.Local Grown Salads uses cutting-edge technology to grow vegetables indoors, solving logistical and environmental challenges faced by traditional agriculture. This method allows for fresh produce to be grown in urban centers like Toronto or New York City, drastically reducing transportation costs and carbon footprints.
Key takeaways:
Indoor Vertical Farming: Zale explains that his company specializes in commercial-scale indoor farming using vertical towers illuminated by LEDs. These systems can operate anywhere with a power source, from Arctic climates to deserts.
Market Focus: While not suitable for all regions (like Israel due to its favorable climate), this technology shines in vast countries such as the U.S., where transporting perishable goods over long distances increases costs and spoilage rates.
Business Model: Unlike competitors who may price their products higher, Local Grown Salads aims to match conventional pricing while offering fresher, pesticide-free options. Their model includes selling directly to local distributors rather than retail chains.
Visionary Goals: Zale envisions establishing 200 farms globally within two years, targeting major clients like McDonald's for consistent, high-quality produce across locations worldwide.
Sustainability & Ethics: Emphasizing sustainable development goals, Zale highlights creating living-wage jobs and reducing pollution through innovative practices. He believes humanity progresses collectively when individuals contribute responsibly toward solving global issues like climate change.
Networking Strategy: Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Zale actively seeks strategic partnerships—real estate investors, tech collaborators, and off-take agreement partners—to scale operations efficiently.
Tune in to learn more about transforming agriculture sustainably! Visit localgrownsalads.com or connect with Zale on LinkedIn to explore opportunities in indoor farming.