agribusinessreview.comMARCH 202519 insightscXoMichael Towey, Senior Vice President of Production and Infrastructure at Good Day Farm, is an accomplished operation professional with a track record of leading various components of a commercial cannabis supply chain. Possessing expertise in optimizing over two million square feet of cultivation design and operations, he has successfully collaborated with entities such as Northwest Cannabis Solutions, Lowell Farms, and Ascend Wellness Holdings. Additionally, as the founder of a product development business, he played a pivotal role in launching brands such as US Houseplant and High Times. Leveraging his creative and organized approach derived from a background in music, Michael brings effective problem-solving, leadership, and operational skills to the forefront.How do advancements in technology contribute to increase efficiency and sustainability in indoor farming?In my perspective, technological advancements in indoor farming, particularly in cannabis cultivation, arise from the universal need for resource control and sustainable deployment. The primary focus has been on managing energy and water, addressing issues related to water control, irrigation, and water waste. This emphasis on resource control aligns with historical agricultural efforts, such as Monsanto's development of drought-resistant wheat seeds decades ago. Current research continues to explore drought-resistant strains for crops like corn, wheat, and soy, reflecting the necessity for resilience in arid environments and changing climates. Notably, in cannabis cultivation, innovative technologies revolve around water creation to fulfill the demand for clean, inert base water.What measures are taken to achieve a base inert starting level before reintroducing essential minerals, considering diverse sources like municipal supply, wells, or rivers?At Good Day Farms, our water supply relies entirely on reverse osmosis systems, introducing a range of variables, especially concerning pre-filtration based on the water source, be it municipal, well, or from a nearby river. I have dedicated the past few years to identifying and partnering with top-notch reverse osmosis companies, with a primary focus on minimizing waste, a critical factor in successful RO usage. Notably, advancements in technology, particularly in recycling capabilities, have become pivotal in addressing environmental concerns and energy efficiency.One standout collaboration is with Hans RO, an American company based in Detroit, initiated and owned by the Five Hour Energy Company. Their innovative reverse osmosis technology, designed as modular systems, offers predefined cabinets adaptable to specific pre-filtration needs and daily volume requirements. The most impressive aspect is its consistent 99 percent recapture rate, creating a mere 1 per cent wastewater for the gallons produced. This remarkable efficiency is crucial, especially in cannabis cultivation, where large-scale RO systems are rare outside of water facilities. As municipalities recognize the environmental impact of mineral-rich wastewater, some regions have even imposed outright bans on reverse osmosis systems. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology, exemplified by partnerships with companies like Hans RO, underscores our dedication to sustainable and efficient water management practices at Good Day Farms.How does your cannabis cultivation business address water waste and implement effective waste tracking procedures to prevent drainage into municipal waste supplies?Implementing sophisticated waste tracking procedures to prevent drainage into municipal water supplies is a crucial step in our water management strategy at Good Day Farms. The necessity of reverse osmosis (RO) for optimal plant performance emphasizes the importance of finding companies that can offer both reduced waste and high efficacy. This data is instrumental in convincing local municipalities of the feasibility and benefits of our water management approach.In addition to waste control, our irrigation strategy focuses on resource-conscious practices, recognizing the variance in water requirements across different plants. While traditional agricultural practices often involve water drop systems or large-scale greenhouse cultivation, cannabis, with its higher water demand, CULTIVATING INNOVATIONS IN CANNABIS AGRICULTUREMichael Towey, Senior Vice President of Production and Infrastructure, Good Day Farm
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