Key Takeaways:
- TerraFerm, founded by Mat Halter, explores repurposing brewery CO2 emissions for vertical farming.
- The patented system captures CO2 from fermentation, contributing to increased crop yields.
- The technology allows continuous CO2 enrichment, supporting plant growth.
- TerraFerm is engaging with breweries to develop pilot projects.
- Mat Halter discusses the challenges of scaling a business in the AgTech sector.
Mat Halter Explores CO2 Enrichment for Indoor Agriculture
In a recent episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, host Harry Duran spoke with Mat Halter, founder of TerraFerm, about a method to repurpose brewery CO2 emissions for agricultural applications. TerraFerm has developed a system that captures CO2 from beer fermentation and directs it into vertical farms, contributing to plant growth efficiency.
Mat Halter’s background in plant science and biofuels provided the foundation for his work in CO2 enrichment. While studying sustainable energy solutions, he identified an opportunity to utilize emissions from breweries as a reliable CO2 source for controlled environment agriculture.
CO2 Recycling and Its Impact on Crop Yields
Carbon dioxide plays a role in plant growth, particularly in indoor farms where natural airflow is controlled. Many vertical farms use commercial CO2 supplementation, and TerraFerm’s approach seeks to provide an alternative. Mat Halter’s spinach trials using brewery-sourced CO2 showed a yield increase, suggesting potential benefits of this method.
“The advantage we have is, in theory, a never-ending supply. So we can use carbon dioxide enrichment at whatever set point we want—high, low, medium, whatever. We can take it as high as metabolically the plants will allow,” said Halter during the conversation.
Challenges and Considerations in Scaling the Technology
As a first-time founder, Mat Halter acknowledges the complexities of launching and scaling a business. From securing patents to developing prototypes and forming partnerships, navigating the process involves a learning curve.
“What am I missing? Again, I am a first-time founder. This is the first business I’ve started. What don’t I know? I don’t know what I don’t know. It’s a constant battle to learn more about strategies for starting a business, for seeking funding,” Halter shared.
TerraFerm is working to establish brewery partnerships that align with its vision.
Potential for Partnerships in the Brewing Industry
San Diego, known for its craft beer industry, presents opportunities for collaboration. Mat Halter is exploring partnerships with breweries to pilot TerraFerm’s system in a real-world setting.
“San Diego is a great place to be for beer. There’s a lot of small to medium range breweries out here. Very high density. I’m hoping to make contact with a couple of them and eventually find one that sees the vision I have for this and wants to come along,” he stated.
TerraFerm’s concept aligns with broader sustainability goals, offering breweries a potential pathway to reduce carbon emissions while providing vertical farms with a CO2 source.
