An experiential learning journal by Alex Brandon

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Since the beginning of the semester, my team Lauren Armstrong, Christian Seeney, Anarra Williams, and I have been working to expand Agria™ beyond its current limits to reach its full potential. Last week, we had the opportunity to officially meet with William Layton, the founder of Agria, as he visited campus to introduce his revolutionary ideas to students and faculty.

Agria is a patent-protected, indoor, organic growing system designed to provide a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to the already struggling hydroponics market. Instead of synthetic fertilizers, Agria replicates natural ecosystems to maximize yields while minimizing input costs.

The goal is to create a more efficient and resilient farming system that could transform food production. Mr. Layton has made it clear that our team is the backbone of Agria’s presence at Virginia Tech, with plans to test various crops using his system in the near future. 

William Layton talks with Agri-Food Finance Fellows and faculty about Agria on January 31, 2025. Photo courtesy of Mario Ortez.
William Layton talks with Agri-Food Finance Fellows and faculty about Agria on January 31, 2025. Photo courtesy of Mario Ortez.

As an Agri-Food Finance Fellow with the Kohl Centre at Virginia Tech, I coordinate and advise my team as we assess Agria’s market potential and strategize its expansion. Our work includes developing a comprehensive business plan that outlines the addressable market, investment requirements, and projected cash flows for the next five years. A key focus of our analysis is comparing Agria to hydroponic systems and traditional agriculture, identifying its unique advantages, and positioning it for long-term success.

Mr. Layton’s visit assured us of how important our work is in shaping the future of this technology, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward. With Mr. Layton’s guidance and the support of Virginia Tech, we believe Agria has the potential to make a real impact on sustainable agriculture around the world.