Balance Farms on CBS News: How Indoor Microgreens Are Powering the Future of Farm-to-Table
When CBS News shared the story of Balance Farms, it wasn’t just another feature- it was a national spotlight on what we’ve always believed: the future of food is fresh, local, and grown with purpose.
At Balance Farms, we made that future a reality – growing microgreens just feet from the tables they’re served on. Through hydroponics, regenerative farming, and ethical practices, we’re redefining what farm-to-table looks like in a modern world.
From City Blocks to Sustainable Farms
When CBS came to film, they featured our Downtown Toledo facility – a fully indoor, regenerative farm built to deliver hyper-local produce straight to the table. No sprawling fields. No long-haul trucking. Just ultra-fresh microgreens grown within blocks of where they’re served – cutting food miles and shrinking our carbon footprint.
Inside, rows of vibrant microgreens thrive under precision LED lighting in a system that uses 90% less water than conventional agriculture. It’s all part of a closed-loop design meant to regenerate, not deplete.
Hyper-local farming at scale isn’t just a trend – it’s the future. And we’re proving that sustainability and convenience can absolutely coexist.
Evolving the Vision: Now Partnering with Planted Detroit
Since the CBS feature, our farm operations have grown too. Balance Farms has expanded beyond Toledo – now based in Detroit through a partnership with Planted Detroit, a fellow innovator in indoor farming.
This collaboration lets us scale our impact, bring more fresh microgreens to more communities, and double down on our mission of fresh, intentional, farm-to-table produce – grown right where it’s needed most.
Regenerative by Design – Our Commitment to Better Food
What sets us apart is our closed-loop, regenerative approach. While traditional agriculture strains soil and resources, our method restores and replenishes.
Founded by first-generation entrepreneurs Chef HoChan Jang and Prakash Karamchandani – with no outside investors – Balance Farms was built on a simple mission: serve fresh, bold, better food that’s made right.
How we’re making it happen:
- Water Recapture: Over 90% of water reused across all growing stages
- Nutrient Cycling: Organic nutrients, zero waste
- Minimal Inputs, Maximum Output: No pesticides, no runoff – just clean, flavorful greens
Microgreens grown this way aren’t just better for the planet – they’re packed with nutrients and flavor, boasting up to 40x more nutrients than mature greens.
Why Microgreens Matter
CBS captured what we already knew – microgreens aren’t just garnish. They’re a powerful part of the food revolution.
Why we grow them:
- Nutrient Density: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients
- Flavor Versatility: Add brightness and depth without overpowering
- Fast Harvest: Ready in 7–14 days, reducing food waste and supply chain risks
Microgreens deliver more than nutrition – they bring a whole new layer of freshness to every dish.
A Farm-to-Table Model Built for Tomorrow
CBS captured the heart of our story – a mission built on bold ideas and a passion for better food. Farm-to-table isn’t just for boutique restaurants or rural farms. It can (and should) thrive in urban centers where people want transparency, quality, and sustainability.
Today, with our Detroit partnership and our expanding reach, we’re closer than ever to the vision of an indoor farm in every neighborhood – feeding local families with zero compromise on flavor or values.
At Balance Farms, we’re not just growing greens. We’re cultivating change.