Vertical farming: How to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry
Explore how vertical farming leaders can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry by aligning innovation with smart commercial strategy. This conference examines the market forces, operational models, and technology shifts shaping the next phase of controlled-environment agriculture. Attendees will gain practical insights into improving margins, managing energy and labor costs, diversifying revenue streams, and building resilient supply chains. The discussion will also cover investment priorities, competitive positioning, and scalable growth strategies that support long-term profitability. Designed for growers, investors, and agribusiness decision-makers, this session offers a forward-looking view of how to turn industry disruption into strategic advantage and sustainable financial performance.
Speakers
Hitoshi Kawashima is Senior Vice President of Engineering at Oishii, the indoor vertical smart farming company known for growing pesticide-free, non-GMO, Japanese varietal strawberries. A Yale grad, he joined Oishii as aStrategy & Analytics Manager after a consulting career at ZS. At Oishii, Hitoshi rose through strategy, R&D, and product roles before taking the helm of engineering in 2024. He now leads the standardization of Oishii's production systems globally, including at Amatelas Farm, the company's large vertical strawberry facility in New Jersey.
Ryan Douglas advises owners, executives, and capital partners across CEA on what separates high-performing operations from expensive ones.
He brings 30 years of commercial horticulture experience, including 15 years in ornamentals, 10 years in cannabis, and most recently as general manager of one of the largest vegetable greenhouses in the northeastern US. That operating experience shapes the practical advice he delivers today.
Ryan is the author of From Seed to Success, The First Five Decisions, and Presence Is a Strategy. He has published more than 100 articles and hosts Under Glass, a weekly video series exploring the operational realities most greenhouse businesses never talk about.
Ryan has presented at major industry conferences and the United Nations on greenhouse production, operational excellence, and sustainable food systems.
A co-founder of 80 Acres Farms and the CEO of Infinite Acres, the company’s technology-focused subsidiary, Tisha has initiated and led partnerships with global technology companies including Siemens, Philips Signify, and GreenV. Her work in strategic partnerships and acquisitions has allowed 80 Acres Farms to expand its reach and established it as a pioneer in the controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) sector.
In addition to her work at 80 Acres Farms and Infinite Acres, Tisha serves as vice-chair of the Farm Tech Society, a Brussels-based nonprofit uniting global leaders in CEA. In that role, she champions innovation in the sector and supports the development of advanced farming technologies worldwide, encouraging collaboration across continents to address critical food supply challenges.