Is Hydroponics the Future of Food? with Derek Drake

Derek Drake is the CEO and Head Farmer of Ditto Foods, a Chicago-based hydroponic company that provides produce and farming education. His mission is to provide food and resources to underprivileged communities. 

Did you know that a 320 square-foot shipping container of hydroponics can replace 3 ACRES' worth of traditional farming? Is it possible we can build more effective, sustainable food production? 

Today I welcome Derek Drake, the CEO and Head Farmer of Ditto Foods, to the podcast. In this episode, Derek shares how he pivoted from the hospitality industry to becoming the business owner of a thriving hydroponic business. We discuss the significance of eating healthy local food and making a positive impact on your community. Listen to this episode now to be inspired by Derek's story and business mission. 

 

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What Are Hydroponics and How Do They Work?
• How Hydroponics Are Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Farming
• Derek's Inspiring Entrepreneurial Story
   

Find More of Derek Drake Here:

• www.dittofoods.com
• https://www.instagram.com/ditto_foods/
   

Full Episode Timestamps:

• 0:00:41 How Derek Drake Got Into Hydroponics During the Pandemic
• 0:08:57 Why Grow Produce With Hydroponics?
• 0:10:16 How Much Does Derek's Hydroponics Grow?
• 0:15:29 What Are Hydroponics? How Does It Work?
• 0:19:19 What Does Derek Grow With Hydroponics?
• 0:20:48 Plant Growth Stages in Hydroponics
• 0:22:29 What Is Derek's Product Cycle And Who Does He Sell To?
• 0:24:07 Derek's Efforts In Teaching, Sharing, And Spreading Info on Hydroponics
• 0:26:43 What Are The Expenses With Doing Hydroponics?
• 0:30:30 What's The Best Way to Pick/Harvest Herbs?
• 0:33:05 Derek's Vision for His Business and Its Impact