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THE IMPACT OF FOUNDER IDENTITY AND INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS ON VERTICAL FARM PERFORMANCE

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2026 ASABE Annual International Meeting  2601055.(doi:10.13031/aim.202601055)
Authors:   Ronald J. Smith, Robert M. Stwalley, III
Keywords:   Controlled environment agriculture, vertical farms, success, social identity theory, agricultural systems, stakeholders, founder identity

Abstract. In recent years, significant population growth and demand for agricultural products and services have increased pressure on the global natural resource base to produce biomass to meet global needs. Indoor agriculture and vertical farming (VFing) have been explored to supplement this demand. VFs exist at the higher side of the technological spectrum of production agriculture presenting opportunities and challenges. They are capital and energy intensive, making success challenging. Studies are needed to characterize VF stakeholders and their impact on VF performance. This research examined internal level characteristics associated with successful VF ventures, specifically founder types. An exploratory study was conducted to examine the relationship between founder characteristics and VF outcomes in the US using Social Identity theory. A survey was administered to agricultural stakeholders across the US. Results showed that stakeholders differed in primary identity and agricultural experience, mostly divided into agricultural, engineering, business, and hobbyist types. A third of respondents primarily identified as businesspersons, while close to 80% of respondents had no educational background in agriculture. Founders differed based on how they evaluated success, and likelihood of working with others. It was concluded that founders‘ views of self and others would determine the choice of endeavor, how they organize, and how they view success or failure. The study highlights the importance of internal VF stakeholder types and characteristics and their impact on the likelihood of success or failure in these operations. This work provides the foundation for future studies of success in technologically intensive agriculture.

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