Key Takeaways
- Transition to AgTech With Good Drop – Simon Wardle shifted from interior design to vertical farming after engaging in large-scale farming projects.
- Sustainable Cotton Production – Good Drop uses vertical farming to address environmental and labor challenges in the cotton supply chain.
- Streamlined Processing – By eliminating traditional steps like ginning and baling, Good Drop aims to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
- Overcoming Resistance – Wardle acknowledges industry resistance to change but focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of vertically farmed cotton.
- Future Scaling Plans – Good Drop plans to expand cotton production through larger vertical farms near retail hubs to reduce supply chain emissions.
In a recent episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, Simon Wardle, CEO of Good Drop, discussed his transition from design and architecture to vertical farming, along with Good Drop’s efforts to grow cotton within a controlled environment. The conversation with host Harry Duran covered sustainability, design industry changes, and the complexities of introducing new agricultural methods.
How Did Simon Wardle Transition from Design to Vertical Farming?
Wardle’s career originated in interior design and architecture, where his firm collaborated with global brands like Harley Davidson, Arcteryx, and Lululemon. Over time, the firm expanded its scope to include architectural services. Wardle’s involvement in vertical farming began through a project in the Middle East.
“We were brought into a project to design a large-scale vertical farm,” Wardle shared. “What started as an architectural assignment became an interest in vertical farming.” This exposure led to the creation of Good Drop, a company focused on growing cotton through vertical farming methods.
Why Is Good Drop Growing Cotton Through Vertical Farming?
Good Drop’s cotton initiative was driven by Wardle’s observations of inefficiencies in the fashion supply chain. “Cotton faces challenges related to labor and environmental impact,” Wardle said. “Vertical farming provides an opportunity to manage these factors by controlling conditions, reducing water usage, and avoiding pesticides.”
Good Drop’s model aims to streamline cotton processing. “Cotton moves directly from the farm to an adjacent spinning mill,” Wardle explained. “Eliminating steps like ginning and baling can lower the environmental impact and enhance product quality.”
What Challenges Has Good Drop Faced in the Cotton Industry?
Wardle noted that parts of the cotton supply chain can be resistant to change. “Certain stakeholders may hesitate to adopt new methods,” he stated. “However, we are focused on demonstrating the viability of vertically farmed cotton, even if it means developing the supply chain ourselves.”
The company plans to produce garments as part of a proof of concept, partnering with retailers to introduce vertically farmed cotton products. “We are building an integrated process from farm to finished garment,” Wardle added. “The goal is to align with sustainability objectives.”
Why Hasn’t Vertical Farming for Cotton Been Widely Adopted?
When addressing the limited adoption of vertical farming for cotton, Wardle suggested that prior attempts may not have received full support. “Some companies experimented with it but didn’t continue,” he said. “Good Drop is committed to exploring its potential.”
Wardle emphasized the importance of innovation. “We are collaborating with universities and using LED technology to refine growth conditions,” he mentioned.
What Are Good Drop’s Future Plans for Scaling Cotton Production?
Good Drop aims to expand by developing larger vertical farms capable of producing cotton at scale. “We envision farms located near retail hubs to reduce supply chain distances and emissions,” Wardle said.
Good Drop’s work represents the convergence of AgTech and fashion, showcasing how vertical farming can apply to industries beyond food production. “Vertical farming opens new possibilities across various sectors,” Wardle concluded.
