Jim Kras, Edible Garden

Have you always been interested in agriculture? What got you into this field? 

Growing up in New England I always had an appreciation for the local farmer’s markets. The quality of the produce had a direct impact on the taste of every meal. As I built my career on Madison Ave, with major clients such as ConAgra, and later on as a brand marketer with Nature’s Bounty and Ajinomoto, I developed a greater appreciation for where our food comes from and how we use it. Working at Edible Garden allows me to embrace leading technologies that produce higher quality goods with less, while adding sustainability, food safety and traceability to every product. 

An Edible Garden display at the grocery store

Sustainable agriculture and community gardening are hot topics at the moment. How do you see Edible Garden leading in this new market? 

Edible Garden continues to drive the sustainable agriculture market with cutting-edge technology, great retailer relationships and most importantly – top quality customer service.

We are introducing a new community to AgTech and sustainable produce, which is very cool.

Preparing a meal with Edible Garden ingredients

How do you handle risk and competition?

There’s inherent risk in farming, even in advanced greenhouses. Our team works hard to mitigate risk by being solutions focused. For example, Edible Garden recently launched GreenThumb AgTech Solutions software – a comprehensive app based solution to managing advanced greenhouses. Additionally, we offer patented micro-perf bags and self-watering displays which extend the shelf life of our plants for high quality products that sells!

What’s been the #1 (or two) top challenges you’ve faced while launching your company?

Growth capital & scaling transportation.

We have to ask...what’s in your home garden? 

My garden at home is complete with a variety of living herbs. I am teaching myself how to grow lettuce and will be tackling the art of growing vegetables soon. Each year, I transplant Edible Garden’s 4-inch living herbs into my own garden to keep it lush and complete.

Jim's home garden

Edible Garden is zero-waste inspired. Can you share more about this journey? 

Zero-Waste inspired touches everything we do. It's a company mandate to reduce our carbon footprint, renew resources and recycle. We put a critical eye on getting this done. We are a key contributor to Walmart’s Project Gigaton which is their commitment to zero-waste and carbon reduction. 

Edible Garden is driven by zero waste, especially with their packaging

What’s your team culture like? 

Our team is diverse, inclusive and motivated.

What is your superpower?

I am driven to quality. Also, my care for customers and team members.

The Edible Garden teamWhat’s your kryptonite?

It seems in this business, the thing that always gets in the way is transportation issues. Trucking is a necessary evil; definitely my kryptonite.

Do you have any unusual routines or habits? 

A daily stop at Dunkin Donuts for a cup of coffee. I also enjoy cooking and gardening in my spare time.

If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago, what would it be?

Automate the greenhouses faster.  

Edible Garden products are grown in greenhouses using hydroponic technology 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Do or do not. There is no try...