Key Takeaways
- Data-driven insights are transforming CEA management: Taylor Robinson emphasized Rimrock Analytical’s “data-to-decisions” approach, helping growers interpret microbial, nutrient, and pathogen data to make informed operational choices.
- Proactive monitoring reduces costly outbreaks: Regular microbial surveys and heat mapping help growers identify contamination risks early, minimizing losses from pathogens like Pythium or Fusarium.
- Education remains central to grower success: Robinson noted that empowering operators to understand their data builds confidence, reduces dependency, and fosters long-term biosecurity.
- CEA industry entering a more mature phase: After years of rapid investment and hype, Robinson sees the sector stabilizing around efficiency, realistic expectations, and knowledge-sharing among growers.
- Collaboration across industries is key: The Rimrock founder encouraged cross-sector partnerships to strengthen resilience and innovation in controlled environment agriculture.
Taylor Robinson: From Cancer Research to Controlled Environments
In a recent episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, Taylor Robinson, Chief Scientist and Founder of Rimrock Analytical, discussed how his background in molecular sciences and cancer research laid the foundation for his work in controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
Growing up in western Colorado surrounded by fruit farms and nurseries, Robinson said his early exposure to plants and farming combined naturally with his scientific training: “Starting Rimrock in 2019 was the perfect marriage between cutting-edge science and agriculture,” Robinson explained. “It became a passion project that grew into something bigger.”
Addressing Hidden Microbial Risks
Rimrock Analytical provides microbial, nutrient, and pathogen monitoring services for indoor farms and greenhouses. Robinson highlighted how seemingly clean systems can harbor unseen risks: “We’ve seen water systems with pathogens like E. coli or Listeria. They’re not just a threat to plants—they can also pose risks to workers and consumers.”
He emphasized that proactive monitoring is crucial. Farms that wait until visible crop issues appear often face “fire-drill” situations. Rimrock’s microbial surveys, nutrient benchmarking, and biosecurity assessments help growers prevent those crises.
Robinson On The Power of Proactive Monitoring
One case study Robinson shared involved a grower facing a severe Pythium outbreak that threatened an entire crop cycle. Through detailed sampling, Rimrock traced the contamination, designed a remediation plan, and helped the client return to normal operations within weeks. “They lost some plants,” Robinson said, “but once remediation began, we brought pathogen levels down to non-detectable levels and established a monitoring program to prevent recurrence.”
Educating Growers to Build Confidence
Beyond analytics, Robinson emphasized education as central to Rimrock’s mission: “It all starts with education. Once growers understand their data, they’re less stressed and more confident in their decision-making.”
Rimrock offers documentation, virtual training, and visual microbial heat maps that translate lab results into facility-wide insights—making complex data actionable.
Taylor Robinson's Realistic View of Vertical Farming’s Future
Reflecting on industry trends, Robinson noted that while early enthusiasm led to unrealistic expectations, the CEA space remains strong: “The players who are still active have learned hard lessons about efficiency and cost management,” he said. “We’re optimistic—controlled environment agriculture is here to stay.”
Encouraging Collaboration Across the Industry
Robinson closed with a call for greater collaboration between disciplines: “Everyone’s trying to solve similar challenges,” he said. “When you share knowledge across sectors—engineering, biology, operations—you make the industry stronger.”
