Key Takeaways
- Karla Garcia combines roles as CEO of Microgreens FLN and technical service specialist at Hort Americas Mexico.
- Her work focuses on bridging the gap between scientific research and commercial agricultural practices.
- Garcia emphasizes structured planning, small-scale startups, and community education in vertical farming.
- She highlights increasing investor interest in vertical farming across Latin America.
- Through courses, videos, and consulting, she supports growers with fertilizer management, lighting, and business strategy.
Karla Garcia on Bringing Science to Practical Agriculture
In a conversation on the Vertical Farming Podcast, Karla Garcia, CEO of Microgreens FLN and technical service specialist at Hort Americas Mexico, reflected on her journey from academic biology to entrepreneurship. Originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, Garcia shared how her background in plant physiology led her to explore ways to apply scientific knowledge to real-world agricultural challenges.
“I wanted to do something useful for my hometown, and eventually the country,” Garcia explained, describing her motivation to return to Mexico after completing graduate studies in the U.S.
Early Career Shifts and Founding Microgreens FLN
From Biology to Business
Although Garcia began her studies aiming for a university research career, she eventually pivoted toward industry. She found that many research initiatives lacked practical applications, particularly in regions like Mexico where funding depends on community impact.
That realization led her to start Microgreens FLN, a company that allows her to apply scientific concepts in a real-world setting while also educating others. Starting small due to budget constraints, Garcia chose microgreens for their low capital requirements and potential for health-focused marketing. “The idea wasn’t just to make money—it was to teach people how to produce food differently,” she said.
Karla Garcia’s Technical Services and Growth at Hort Americas
Combining Education and Product Support
Garcia’s role at Hort Americas Mexico began through a research connection and evolved into a multifaceted position where she now provides technical guidance, creates educational content, and supports growers across Latin America. She was instrumental in expanding the company’s services from simple customer support to training programs, consulting, and video tutorials.
“We don’t just sell products—we want growers to understand how to use them effectively,” she said, emphasizing the company’s focus on lighting systems, fertilizers, substrates, and hydroponic tools for controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
Community Building and Vertical Farming in Latin America
Expanding Interest and Industry Networks
Garcia highlighted a growing interest in vertical farming throughout Latin America, especially over the past 18 months. “At first, it was mostly small-scale growers. Now we’re seeing investors come in with larger projects,” she noted.
To support this momentum, she created a WhatsApp group to connect vertical farming professionals across Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, including Costa Rica, Chile, and Puerto Rico. “We’re not competition—we need to build this together,” she explained, describing her efforts to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Challenges and Strategic Advice for New Entrants
Encouraging Small Starts and Structured Growth
Garcia advocates for beginning with small or medium-sized vertical farming projects to reduce risk and build operational understanding. “Start with a realistic structure—know how much you can produce and where you’ll sell it,” she advised. She also emphasized the importance of investing in the right tools upfront to help reduce long-term operational costs.
As part of her consulting work, Garcia helps aspiring growers develop feasibility models tailored to their locations and market conditions. “Each city is different. You need to study it before making large investments,” she added.
Karla Garcia’s Commitment to Teaching and Impact
Teaching remains central to Karla Garcia’s professional identity. She runs short courses, mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, and manages an educational YouTube channel. Her goal, she says, is not just to inform but to give people tools to succeed. “I want to help others overcome challenges and build something meaningful,” she explained.
From structuring business models to advising on nutrient management and lighting configurations, Garcia’s combined experience in research, entrepreneurship, and education positions her as a key voice in the evolving vertical farming landscape in Latin America.
