Alex Tyink Of Fork Farms On Farmers Who Are Embracing New Technologies
An Interview With Martita Mestey
Passion is fundamental for anyone looking to succeed in farming and agriculture. If you don’t have a genuine interest in feeding people and enhancing their nutrition, it can be challenging to stay motivated and bring value to the industry every day. The commitment to improving food systems and community health is what drives impactful work in this field.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Alex Tyink. Alex is the founder of Fork Farms and the inventor of its ground-breaking food access technologies and methods. He is a former opera singer with 10 years of leadership experience in the social service sector, who works to inspire vast food system change across communities.
He began his urban agriculture career in Brooklyn, New York where he first worked on rooftop gardens and then started building indoor growing systems of his own for educational and food security purposes. This eventually led to the development of Fork Farms intellectual property, the Flex Farm, the most efficient indoor, mobile hydroponic farm on the planet that can grow 25 pounds of leafy greens in less than a month and in just nine square feet of space. In 2023 and 2024, Fork Farms was included on the Inc. 5000 list, and the FoodTech 500 list. The company currently has five patents with a series of others pending. Fork Farms has been featured in Forbes Magazine, CBS Eye on America and more.
Alex currently lives in Appleton, Wisconsin with his wife, two sons, and their dog Maya, and is passionate about empowering communities through accessible food production.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I’m a native of Appleton, Wisconsin, and grew up in a family that encouraged creativity and exploration in nature. After studying voice and opera, and earning my degree at Northwestern in Chicago, I was living in New York City to pursue a career in vocal performance. During that time, I volunteered to help tend a rooftop garden in Brooklyn and quickly discovered both the physical, and mental health benefits of eating and growing fresh food. At the end of the day, I was sent home with a bag of fresh lettuce and my life was forever changed. This rooftop experience encouraged me to figure out how to help feed the world and change the way people think about and grow food. After much experimentation, engineering, and design, I built my first hydroponic farm in my New York apartment, grew fresh greens, and sold them to an upscale restaurant in my neighborhood.
Endless hours of trial and error on the farm system, daily consumption of fresh greens, a move back to my hometown in Wisconsin, and the building of a mission-driven company named Fork Farms ensued. Years of tweaking and perfecting the hydroponic farm led to the creation of the Flex Farm, the most efficient indoor, mobile hydroponic farm on the planet that can grow 25 pounds of leafy greens in less than a month and in just nine square feet of space.
Today, Fork Farms has installed more than 3,500 flex farms in 48 states and 14 countries in health care, school, food service, community service, hospitality, and home settings to name a few. Flex Farms are growing in more than 1,000 K-12 schools and Fork Farms has been named to Inc. Magazine’s 5,000 Fastest growing companies for the past two years.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
In navigating the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial journey, I encountered a pivotal moment early in my business. While back in my hometown, I was offered warehouse space in exchange for equity and a board seat. As a first-time business owner, I thought this would help save costs and propel my venture forward. However, I soon discovered the warehouse owner wanted more control than I anticipated. This led to conflict, and I had to protect my business legally and secure a new space.
As I moved to the new warehouse, I realized I had underpriced my hydroponic units, which jeopardized my financial stability. To stay afloat, I began growing fresh greens and selling them to local restaurants, which forced me to engage closely with the product. This hands-on experience allowed me to refine my product and ultimately accelerated innovation, resulting in a superior generation of the Flex Farm.
The key lessons I learned from this experience are the importance of using what others see as failure as opportunities for me. I also learned the importance of understanding customer needs, staying connected to the product, and fostering ongoing innovation to create a best-in-class offering.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
I believe in pushing out creative, new ideas, even if they’re not fully perfected. No idea is a bad idea, and we continually adjust, tweak, and perfect based on feedback from our customers and partners to build the best technology possible. Flexibility is key — I’ve always embraced a ‘crawl, walk, run’ approach, focusing on efficiency while keeping options open to pivot if needed. For me, the goal is to win passionate customers, not just business. Passion drives long-term success.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
Our original product, The Flex Farm, created in 2014, is a highly scalable, mobile vertical growing system that requires only 9 square feet of space and a standard electrical outlet for operation. It can grow greens, herbs, and a variety of other foods on-site, efficiently, sustainably, and affordably. A single Flex Farm can grow 25 pounds of lettuce every 28 days.
Learning that many of our partners had an interest in expanding and scaling up their growing operations, we created the Flex Connect. For larger operations, typically four to 12 Flex Farms, Flex Connect takes the simplicity of growing with the Flex Farm and scales the growing capacity. Its modular design allows for effortless and seamless expansion of the hydroponic system, while operating on a single water system. This unique design reduces energy consumption, lowers operational costs, and reduces maintenance time and labor requirements.
Consistently building on the industry-leading energy efficiency of the Flex Farm, we have recently introduced our new Flex Acre farm system to meet the growing demands of our partner customers and create an indoor vertical farm that can scale easily with both high deployability and modularity in mind.
The current challenge with building indoor farms is the need to hire consultants, architects, and contractors before determining feasibility or cost. Fork Farms has streamlined the process by integrating all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC components into a simple, deployable solution. This enables us to offer free quotes and get farms operational in months, not years. Additionally, the plug-and-play system only requires access to an electrical panel and water line, making it easy to start growing.
The Flex Acre system offers four times the output of a Flex Farm while maintaining high energy efficiency standards. It is a revolutionary commercial hydroponic system that leverages ground-breaking controlled agriculture technology to reduce barriers for anyone to grow food affordably and at scale. It brings high efficiency to the large-scale farm and feeds people onsite with minimal distribution significantly reducing operational costs and transportation. Each Flex Acre is a growing system 9 feet high,9 feet long, and 3 feet wide. It can produce more than 100 pounds of leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables every month, growing mass amounts of food efficiently and economically all year long. Overall, the Flex Acre represents a significant advancement in indoor farming technology, offering communities a sustainable and scalable solution for producing fresh produce year-round with minimal environmental impact.
Clock Tower Farms is the largest installation of Flex Acres for Fork Farms to date. More than 70 Flex Acres will be installed in a 7,300 square foot area inside of Rockwell Automation’s downtown Milwaukee, WI, headquarters. This first-of-its-kind farm will produce as much as 150,000 lbs or 1,200,000 servings of fresh produce — enough to feed roughly 5,000 Milwaukee households annually. Clock Tower Farms will excel in efficient and sustainable food production and will also operate as an educational farm, and serve as a catalyst for long-term community nourishment through impactful workforce training and education.
Ok super. Thank you for all that. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Why do you think it is so important for farmers to embrace new technologies?
As climate change, rising food costs, and increasing agricultural demands intensify global food insecurity, it’s crucial that we adopt innovative technologies for sustainable living. At Fork Farms, we’re committed to being a people- and planet-first business, leading the way in agricultural technology. Our approach has been shaped by our users and partners, allowing us to grow from our flagship Flex Farm to a suite of Food Access Technologies.
In the food space, the world is going to need to feed more people, so we need to proactively figure out how to grow food in new and innovative ways. The future of food lies in growing it fresher, closer to home, and more affordably. Flex Farms are designed to meet these needs, producing fresh, reliable food year-round. We must also consider how technology can strengthen community resilience, particularly when natural disasters disrupt traditional supply chains. The decentralization of food production is key, as is supporting farmers struggling with labor shortages and the decline of family farms. We, at Fork Farms, believe anyone can be a farmer and we believe in revitalizing local food production in new ways.
Can you share with our readers some examples of the most innovative technologies that you or other farmers have adopted? How have these technologies impacted your farming practices and overall results?
New technology is exciting for us at Fork Farms. With the introduction of our new Flex Acre product, we have also solved the complexity of controlling indoor environments at scale with the creation of the new Acre Connect industry-leading technology. The Acre Connect is a fully integrated HVAC, power, and plumbing solution that recaptures the room’s energy and water. This minimizes the number of facility updates required to install an indoor farm, lowers capital costs, and shortens installation timeframes — ultimately providing new opportunities to drive economic benefits while scaling up sustainably and responsibly. In addition, this unique, advanced system has the capacity to properly grow crops with different environmental needs in the same growing area, creating more flexibility to grow a variety of foods in the same area at the same time. We are proud to introduce this new farming technology that will have a long-lasting impact on how we grow food and preserve the planet.
What were some of the challenges you faced in adopting new technologies, and how did you overcome them? Are there any lessons you learned that you could share with other farmers who are considering adopting new technologies?
When asked about the challenges farmers face in adopting new technologies, I would say the biggest hurdle is often their strong attachment to traditional methods. Many farmers have been doing things a certain way for years, so there’s a mental barrier to trying something new. They are concerned about how it might change their operations, customer relationships, and economic model. Plus, there’s a fear of losing some control to the technology. To ease this transition, I would encourage farmers to start small — try the technology on a limited scale, and if it doesn’t work for them, they can simply return it. This approach can help farmers feel more comfortable and reduces the risk.
Have these new technologies helped you to improve the sustainability of your farming practices and contribute to environmental conservation efforts? How?
Sustainability has been at the core of our business from day one. Fork Farms works daily to innovate and support positive sustainable change, and ensure fresh food is accessible to all. All of our products were built to transform how the world grows and accesses fresh food. In fact, in 2023, our Flex Farms in the field saved 4.6 million food miles, 567 thousand pounds of food waste, 12 million kWh of CO2, and 32 million gallons of water in communities across the globe.
The environmental benefits of hydroponics abound, including reducing water usage and a lower overall carbon footprint. For instance, in general, indoor hydroponic farming uses between 80 to 90% less water than traditional farming practices; our Flex Farms use 98% less water than traditional farming. Our Flex Farms also boast industry-leading energy efficiency using 4.6kWh per pound of food grown whereas the industry standard uses 18kWh per pound. Our goal is to empower all people to grow fresh food and create a better, cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable food system for our communities, one farmer at a time.
Our new industry-leading Acre Command technology promotes sustainability by saving energy and water, boosting efficiency, and reducing capital costs. It works in both new constructions and can be retrofitted into existing buildings, providing a sustainable solution for unused spaces. The equipment is also portable, allowing for easy relocation as needed.
In your opinion, what are some of the most promising emerging technologies in the agriculture sector, and how do you think they will shape the industry in the coming years?
One of the most promising trends in agriculture is controlled environment agriculture (CEA), which includes technologies like indoor farms, greenhouses, and growth chambers. Vertical Farming is a relatively new technology, and provides a way for organizations, such as schools, to grow significant amounts of food in small spaces, breaking open the market and making farming accessible to groups that wouldn’t typically engage in agriculture.
For example, Fork Farms offers integrated systems that streamline technical needs and make farming more accessible to non-farmers. Our Flex Farm can grow a meaningful amount of food efficiently and sustainably. Our Acre Connect and Acre Command technology integrates various technical requirements, streamlining farming processes and lowering the barriers to entry for non-farming organizations to grow at commercial scale.
In addition, there’s a focus on improving food system transparency by directly connecting growers with buyers, and enhancing transaction processes. New crop genetics that improve resilience to climate change and disease are another important area, as is regenerative agriculture, which helps restore soil health. Finally, insect farming is emerging as a sustainable source of high-quality protein. Together, these innovations are transforming agriculture, making it more sustainable, efficient, and accessible.
How can governments and other stakeholders support the adoption of new technologies by farmers, particularly those with limited resources or access to information?
Local, state, and federal governments are creating unique programs to support the use of innovative technologies in agriculture. Whether that’s white box grants in local municipalities to turn abandoned commercial spaces into indoor farms, or the proposed Innovation in Agriculture Act that would provide tax incentives to those using new technologies to grow and process food. It is important that we engage with our elected officials to advocate for the support of new technologies that can increase access to fresh food in our country.
Can you share any examples of how technology has helped farmers adapt to the challenges posed by climate change or shifting market demands?
Climate change is reshaping the agricultural landscape in profound ways. This growing season, we’ve seen a mix of droughts, heatwaves, and heavy rains wreak havoc on crops. In the U.S., states like Iowa and Minnesota have been hit hard by intense rainfall, damaging corn and soybean crops. As a result, farmers are facing some tough decisions about how to adapt. Climate change has already slowed the productivity of key crops. As we continue to grapple with the effects of extreme weather on our food supply, it’s clear that adaptability and innovation will be key through new farming techniques and advanced technologies.
Hydroponic farming allows for the growth of fresh produce like leafy greens, peppers, and tomatoes regardless of external weather conditions. We no longer need expansive plots of healthy soil and ideal growing climates since hydroponics allows for nutrient-rich foods to be produced efficiently, reliably, and year-round regardless of climate uncertainty. In essence, hydroponic growing takes the uncertainty out of our fresh food supply not just today, but for the future.
This past Fall, via funding from the Sony Global Justice Fund, Fork Farms launched a climate-smart agriculture project aimed at tackling persistent climate issues, high food prices, and food insecurity in the Caribbean. We installed 12 Flex Farms in Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, and Barbados to empower these vulnerable communities in the Caribbean to produce fresh, nutritious food all year long. This program has already had such great success that 20 more Flex Farms are on order for the Cayman Islands, providing more fresh food and learning opportunities year-round. By integrating innovative technologies, such as the Flex Farm units, Caribbean countries can enhance agricultural yields, effectively adapt to climate change impacts, and achieve long-term and sustainable food security for the community. We are thrilled to be part of this impactful project in a place that significantly suffers from climate issues and instability.
What role do you think data analytics and artificial intelligence can play in the future of agriculture, and how can farmers best leverage these tools?
There is great work being accomplished in the AI space to more closely monitor climate change and watch how the earth is evolving and changing. Overall, I think AI is being leveraged to help us come up with novel solutions and help us problem-solve as a human race, which is a positive thing. For Fork Farms, AI is helping us identify like-minded people who want to use food and food systems as an instrument to help address climate change and to build a more climate-friendly food system. We are using AI to be more efficient in communication systems, and supply chain systems and help grow our business and scale more efficiently which overall, is good for the planet. AI is helping us make the planet better one hydroponic farm at a time.
What are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful Career In The Farming And Agriculture Industries” and why?
1. Passion is fundamental for anyone looking to succeed in farming and agriculture. If you don’t have a genuine interest in feeding people and enhancing their nutrition, it can be challenging to stay motivated and bring value to the industry every day. The commitment to improving food systems and community health is what drives impactful work in this field.
2. I believe having a curious and exploratory mindset is crucial in our rapidly evolving industry. With so many differing opinions, staying open-minded fosters personal and professional growth. My journey began when I accepted the opportunity to help with a rooftop garden in Brooklyn, which ignited my passion for food access. Today, I’m dedicated to developing a range of food access technology products that aim to ensure everyone has consistent access to fresh food. A can-do attitude not only drives innovation but also builds sustainable businesses.
3. I recommend surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for what you’re building. These people can energize you on challenging days and keep you motivated. It’s essential to have a team of smart, trustworthy individuals who not only share your enthusiasm but also challenge you to think differently. Every member of my team is dedicated to our mission, consistently working to enhance our products, making them better, more efficient, and more essential.
4. Adopt a growth mindset by investing in yourself and seeking opportunities with innovative organizations. Collaborate with those at the forefront of creativity, who are willing to take risks and explore new ideas.
5. In the farming and agriculture industries, a genuine commitment to environmental sustainability is crucial for success. My passion for the environment drives my approach to business, ensuring that sustainable practices are at the heart of what we do. We are dedicated to conserving land, water, electricity, and other resources, and will continue to make strides in this area for many years to come.
Are there other ideas or considerations that should encourage us to reimagine the future of farming?
Fork Farms is a mission-driven company focused on food access technology. We believe that everyone deserves access to fresh food. Our vision is to create a world where fresh food is accessible to everyone, no matter where they are, through the use of innovative technology. Imagine growing food locally — right where people live and work. We do this to ensure food is safe, sustainable, and grown by people you know and trust.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Our new Grovocate Program, also known as the Grovocate Gratitude Network, is an exclusive initiative designed to honor and empower a select group of Fork Farms partners who go the extra mile in promoting fresh food access. The program offers participants the chance to influence the future of food access within their communities, join a network of changemakers dedicated to social impact, and serve on Fork Farms’ Advisory Board. Members will also get early access to our latest innovations and collaborate with like-minded leaders to solve key community challenges. This program will help support access to fresh food for all and we are thrilled to introduce it this year.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
This was very inspiring and informative. Thank you so much for the time you spent with this interview!
