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CEAs - Cultivating Excellence Awards

Indoor Ag-Con, Inside Grower Launch The CEAs — Cultivating Excellence Awards

Nominations Now Open; Winners Will Be Announced At Gala Luncheon During Indoor Ag-Con March 11-12, 2025 Edition

Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower magazine are proud to announce the inaugural CEAs — Cultivating Excellence Awards. This prestigious new awards program is designed to recognize and celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership within the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, spotlighting achievements across three categories: Operational Excellence, Good Stewardship, and Product Innovation.

Presented at a special gala luncheon on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the 12th annual edition of Indoor Ag-Con, held at the Westgate Las Vegas, The CEAs will honor trailblazing businesses and standout products that are shaping the future of CEA. Nomination submissions are now open, and all eligible businesses and products are encouraged to apply via www.indoor.ag/ceas-2025. Nominations are free and the deadline for submissions is December 16, 2024.

“This award program highlights the cutting-edge work our industry leaders and innovators are doing to advance controlled environment agriculture. It is a privilege to offer a platform for recognizing the incredible accomplishments of these businesses and individuals,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “With The CEAs, we aim to drive excitement, inspire further innovation, and reinforce the industry’s commitment to sustainable growth.”

“We are excited to partner with Indoor Ag-Con to present these awards,” adds Paul Black, Publisher, Inside Grower. “By celebrating the CEA sector’s best and brightest, The CEAs help showcase the innovation and responsibility at the core of our industry. We look forward to shining a spotlight on the pioneers and products that are making a meaningful difference.”

Winners in three award categories will be announced at The CEAs gala luncheon:

The CEAs Operational Excellence Award will recognize a single CEA business or one location of a multi-location business that consistently delivers quality products while distinguishing itself through innovation in production, technology, marketing, and overall strategy. Judges will evaluate candidates based on their achievements in growing market share, sustaining product quality, and developing practices that set them apart in a competitive landscape. Three finalists will receive an All-Access Pass to Indoor Ag-Con and be invited to attend the awards luncheon. The winner will be honored with a cover feature in Inside Grower magazine.

Good stewardship is foundational in today’s CEA industry, and this award recognizes businesses that are exemplary in their commitment to environmental and community responsibility. Three finalists who showcase initiatives in resource conservation, recycling, employee development, and community service will be chosen for The CEAs Good Stewardship Award.  Each will receive an All-Access Pass to Indoor Ag-Con and the gala luncheon, and the winner will be recognized in a feature story in a future issue of Inside Grower magazine.

The CEAs Product Innovation Award highlights the newest and most innovative products that solve critical industry challenges and drive customer value. Open to all 2025 Indoor Ag-Con exhibitors, this award will celebrate products that demonstrate the forward-thinking, problem-solving spirit of the CEA industry. Winning products will be highlighted through Indoor Ag-Con promotional channels, and in a special section in an upcoming issue of Inside Grower magazine.

For more information on the award categories, nomination guidelines, and to submit a free application, please visit www.indoor.ag/ceas-2025.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The event brings together industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the CEA sector. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag

ABOUT INSIDE GROWER

Part of the Ball Publishing family of media brands, Inside Grower magazine is a leading publication for the controlled environment agriculture industry, providing news, insights, quality crop-specific growing information and timely trend data that can help operations thrive in today’s market. More information, visit www.insidegrower.com

Indoor Ag-Con to Host Pre-Event CEA Food Safety Workshop Series with Ceres University Ahead of March 2025 Conference

LAS VEGAS (October 27, 2025) — Building on the success of the 2024 pre-event workshop, Indoor Ag-Con is excited to announce its continued partnership with Ceres University to host two comprehensive CEA Food Safety Workshops ahead of the 2025 Indoor Ag-Con trade show, scheduled for March 11-12 at the Westgate Las Vegas.  This workshop series, tailored for professionals in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming industries, will offer food safety managers, quality assurance personnel, and executives a valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge and revalidate HACCP Certification.

The CEA Food Safety Workshops, scheduled for March 10, 2025, will feature two sessions:

  • Workshop One: Internal Review Programs for Food Safety Managers & Quality Assurance Personnel
    8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Attendees will gain valuable insights into developing and auditing internal food safety programs, a requirement for GFSI-certified organizations. Attendees of this accredited class can earn a total of three Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

  • Workshop Two: Executive Level Food Safety
    1:30 PM – 5:30 PM 

This workshop offers an executive perspective on managing food safety programs effectively. Attendees will explore the essentials of quality assurance, critical aspects of food safety program management, methods for addressing customer inquiries and more.

Participants attending both workshops can earn a revalidation of their HACCP Certification for an additional four years. Each workshop is priced at $575, with a discounted rate of $995 for both.

“We’re pleased to offer the CEA Food Safety Workshop as part of our expanding educational line-up at Indoor Ag-Con,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “Food safety is a top priority for the CEA industry, and our partnership with Ceres University helps ensure attendees leave with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain high standards.”

“Partnering with Indoor Ag-Con to bring back the CEA Food Safety Workshop is a valuable opportunity,” said Karl Kolb, Ph.D., President of Ceres University. “Our goal is to help CEA professionals build effective food safety practices. This workshop will provide clear, practical approaches that attendees can apply to improve their food safety programs.”

In addition to workshop attendance, registration includes access to the Indoor Ag-Con Expo Hall on March 11-12, providing participants with entry to the trade show floor, presentations in the Expo Theater, and a Welcome Happy Hour.

For more details and registration for the CEA Food Safety Workshop, visit www.indoor.ag/ceafoodsafety.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The event brings together industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the CEA sector. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag

ABOUT CERES UNIVERSITY

Ceres University is a leading provider of ICET-accredited food safety training and certification. With a mission to enhance food safety and quality through education, Ceres University equips professionals in the food industry with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers and ensure the highest standards of safety and quality. More information – www.ceres.university

 

Malaias Microgreens

From Backyard Shed to Michelin Star Supplier: Malaia’s Microgreens’ Indoor Farming Journey

In just a few short years, Malaia’s Microgreens has transformed from a humble backyard operation to a thriving business supplying top-tier microgreens to some of California’s premier Michelin Star restaurants. Co-founders Malaia Martinez and Jaebin Yoo took a bold leap into the world of indoor farming with no prior experience, relying on passion, perseverance, and innovative problem-solving to scale their business. In this month’s CEA Q&A, Malaia shares their journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their vision for the future, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to succeed in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry.

Malaia's MicrogreensWhen did you open for business and how did you take the plunge into indoor farming or….What was your “I can do this!” moment?

In the winter of 2020, we purchased a small shed and built a ‘micro farm’ located in a neighbor’s backyard. We literally used our entire savings and even pawned off Jaebin’s camera equipment! Our decision to fully commit to indoor farming stemmed from the bold optimism only a pair of 20-year-olds could muster. During these nascent stages it was impossible for us to foresee all the impending challenges. Driven by our passion for plants, we charged ahead, undeterred by what we couldn’t yet see.

Neither of us had formal experience in agriculture or business, but we were quick learners, relying on the Internet, YouTube, and good old-fashioned trial and error. Reflecting on those early days, I’m amazed at how we embraced challenges which seemed insurmountable at the time. We learned to navigate uncertainty. After outgrowing the shed, we moved into my garage, only to be forced out when the landlord discovered our business!

That moment marked our biggest leap of faith. We could either shut down or double down. We didn’t hesitate—we doubled down. Securing a loan from the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) we landed our first commercial location in Irvine, California. Every step was a risk, with no guarantees, but our determined mindset laid the foundation for what our business has become today.

As a small-scale indoor grower, what have been some of the challenges you’ve overcome in an industry which seemingly has several large, well-funded players?

As a small-scale grower, we always face a challenge of resources compared to well-funded companies. Malaia’s Microgreens does not have the same level of capital to invest in staffing and equipment, which forces us to be scrappy and creative. Our farm runs a tight ship of 5 team members where our roles are constantly evolving to fit the task at hand. Although difficult at times, this allows us to have an intimate connection to almost every aspect of our business. We currently don’t have the resources to invest in highly expensive equipment so over the years, we’ve ended up developing our own proprietary farm technology to improve efficiencies at manageable costs. For example, we’ve developed our own automatic watering system, tray washer, tray potter, and more, at a fraction of the cost of the equivalent equipment for sale on the open market. These functions all play a part in our ability to scale, which in turn affects our opportunities to work with other companies and potential channel partners like produce distributors who require large volumes, which incentivizes our need to scale. But we do so in a way that does not hurt our business operations (see ‘death by growth’). We are always focused on incremental growth and creative decision-making.

Malaia's Microgreens Please share your customer make-up and what have you learned about their needs and requirements?

At Malaia’s Microgreens, our primary customers are fine dining establishments and chef-owned restaurant concepts. Every chef we partner with is an artist, a master of their craft and they incorporate our microgreens to add the final touches, accentuating their dishes before they reach the table. Our unwavering commitment to quality, food safety, and extended shelf life consistently wins over our clients.

We’ve learned that some microgreen providers have traditionally suffered from a reputation of poor quality and short shelf life. This makes it easy for us to stand out—chefs instantly recognize the superior quality of our product. Even more impressive is when they see our microgreens lasting three times longer in their fridge compared to the industry standard.

With strong values and a dedicated team focused on building close relationships with chefs to fully understand their unique needs, we’ve excelled in the fine dining scene. We’re proud to work with every Michelin Star restaurant in Orange County, California and within the next year, we plan to work with all the Michelin Star restaurants in Los Angeles as well!

Malaia's Migrogreens What has been the most satisfying aspect of operating Malaia’s Microgreens?

Our partnership. For both Jaebin and me, the most rewarding part of running this business has been the strength of our partnership. While we’ve enjoyed the complexity of building the business, learning about controlled environment agriculture, working with chefs, etc., we both know it’s only possible because we complement each other so well. One’s strengths naturally balance the other’s weaknesses, and vice versa. It’s incredibly fulfilling to have someone in your corner, especially through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

What truly makes our partnership so strong is neither of us is willing to give up! We are completely aligned in our belief that grit and perseverance will take us far, and every year, we see this belief bear fruit.

What words of wisdom would you tell those who seek to start their own small-scale indoor farm?

Farming is not for the faint of heart! At the end of the day, indoor farming must be treated as a business based on the many costs involved. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to get swept up in the magic of indoor farming without realizing the substantial expenses associated with construction, food safety (certifications and audits), equipment, labor, and more. Once you get a handle on these costs, you must work twice as hard to drive sales and find opportunities to make your investments provide a tangible return. Surprisingly, for us, the actual farming has been far less challenging than the business operations side.

However, if you’re committed to the cause, you must seek out and take all the help you can find. Reach out to local growers, speak to your local SBDC, and build a strong support system to help you along the way. Malaia’s Microgreens was not just built by 2 people, but rather through an entire team of supporters.

What’s on the horizon for Malaia’s Microgreens?

The future is bright for Malaia’s Microgreens! We recently secured a $250,000 grant from the CDFA (California Department of Food & Agriculture), which will enable us to expand our facilities to four times our current size. In this new location, we plan to collaborate with major produce distributors, invest in community outreach initiatives, and further develop our proprietary systems.

We’re also excited to grow our team by focusing on hiring from within our local community. Additionally, we aim to invest in educational opportunities, offering students, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists a chance to learn more about controlled environment agriculture.

Looking further ahead, our long-term goals will extend beyond microgreens. We’re passionate about indoor farming and exploring how systems like ours can be replicated to support farmers in regions where climate challenges make crop success nearly impossible.

 

malaia's microgreens

Learn more about Malaia’s Microgreens here.  And  hear more about their journey as Malaia joins the speaker roster for the upcoming Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, 2025 as a presenter in the conference session: Cultivating Success: The Grit Behind Building a CEA Business

Hippo Harvest Launches Organic Packaged Lettuce Line

Hippo Harvest Launches Organic Packaged Salad Produce Line

From The Produce Reporter:  Hippo Harvest, a grower, packer and shipper of packaged salads,  announced the launch of its newly USDA certified organic packaged salad product line.

The product line offers a full selection of leafy green products sourced exclusively from the company’s controlled environment agriculture (CEA) greenhouse, as well as a hybrid blend of greenhouse and field-grown leafy greens.

The company’s novel approach offers key benefits to grocery retailers including a wider assortment of products to meet consumer preferences as compared to other greenhouse growers; and higher quality, longer shelf life and more consistent supply as compared to traditional field growers alone.

“Traditional field-grown and greenhouse-grown produce have each had limitations,” said Hippo Harvest CEO Eitan Marder-Eppstein. “Our USDA organic-certified packaged salads provide the best of both worlds as it relates to cost, quality, surety of supply and scalability for both consumers and grocers.”

Read full story from Produce Blue Book…

Pure Flavor

Greenhouse Grower Pure Flavor Expands Locally Grown Network

From HortiDaily:

With a period of rapid expansion under its belt, Pure Flavor® is gearing up for continued accelerated growth in the coming year. The company, which most recently saw a 160 percent increase in its owned acreage within one year, is eyeing significant capital investments to support the growing demand for its produce.
“We have an aggressive growth plan that will allow us to deliver more, high-quality fresh produce, more quickly and efficiently to retailers and consumers across North America,” said Jamie Moracci, CEO of Pure Flavor. “Our strategic focus on expanding our locally-grown program continues to facilitate our ability to meet the growing demand for our produce, and drive growth for our business, alongside our grower partners.”

The company is just coming out of one of the highest growth periods in its history, a result of several acquisitions and expansions of its network. In 2023 alone, the company acquired over 120 acres of greenhouse assets, including DeTemporada Farms, a pepper greenhouse in Merlin, Ontario, a high-tech greenhouse adjacent to its flagship farm in Leamington, Ontario, and Illinois-based MightyVine®, a high-tech greenhouse and recognized brand in the Midwest. It also added a distribution center in McAllen, TX….

Read full story at HortiDaily…

SweGreen

Swegreen Starts Building Sweden’s Largest In-Store Farm

From iGrow News

Launch of Sweden’s Largest In-Store Farm With Swegreen

Construction has officially begun on Sweden’s largest in-store farm at ICA Maxi Ängelholm. Powered by Swegreen’s Freja platform, this innovative farm will allow the store to produce over 160,000 leafy greens and herbs annually. By growing crops directly inside the store, ICA Maxi aims to offer customers a steady, hyper-local supply of sustainable produce without the typical price fluctuations.

Freja Platform: A New Standard for Sustainable Farming

Swegreen’s Freja platform is the most advanced in-store farming solution available globally, using vertical farming and AI technology to grow crops with minimal environmental impact. In a space of just 45 to 60 square meters, the Freja platform can produce up to 450 crops per day, including lettuce, leafy greens, and herbs. With no transportation required, carbon emissions are significantly reduced.

Pierre Mohlin, CEO of Swegreen, commented, “The Freja platform at ICA Maxi Ängelholm will not only be the largest in-store farm in Sweden, but it also sets a new global standard for sustainable, hyper-local food production.”

 

Read full story from iGrow News…

GLASE Summit

2024 GLASE Summit Speaker and Agenda Announcement

Update from GLASE —

The greenhouse lighting landscape is changing as automation brings new capabilities to growers and is proven to save energy. Growers, researchers, manufacturers, educators, policymakers, and other industry leaders from across North America and beyond will gather to explore dynamic lighting via thought-provoking researcher and grower panels, presentations on new technologies, and an exciting keynote from Tessa Pocock, a lighting expert with over 40 years of horticulture experience.  Learn more and register today — 

 

The 2024 GLASE Summit Agenda:

9:30 – 10:00 am
Welcome and Presentation from Anchor Partner Sollum Technologies

10:00am
Keynote Speaker
Tessa Pocock, Independent Light Consultant
“Light: Nature versus Nurture in Plants”

11:00am
U.S. and Canadian Grower Panel
“Dynamic Lighting in Our Farms”
Bob Jones, Co-owner and CEO of The Chef’s Garden
Holly Counter Beaver, President and Managing Member of Finn & Roots
Robert Thérien, CEO and agronomist at Les Serres Point du Jour
Denis Lavoie, Co-owner and Head Grower at Serres Brillo

Explore the full schedule  and learn more here.

 

 

UF/IFAS Conducts Survey to Find Damage of Hurricane Milton

From HortidailyUniversity of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) is surveying losses and damages associated with Hurricane Milton.

Agricultural producers can complete the survey at the link here or report information to their local UF/IFAS Extension office by calling or by visiting in person (if open).

The survey is part of ongoing UF/IFAS research tracking the effects of severe weather and other hazards on the state’s agricultural industry. Participants are asked to assess their production losses and asset damages due to Hurricane Milton. If the operation was also previously impacted by Hurricane Debby and/or Hurricane Helene, participants should adjust the relevant, commodity-specific information on acreage in production, number of animals on farms, etc. to reflect the operation’s characteristics after the previous storm and just before Hurricane Milton.

Responses will be used to improve estimations of the state’s collective agricultural losses from such events and inform decision-making related to disaster declaration, response, and relief. Survey participation should take between 10 and 20 minutes. Answers are confidential.

Producers are encouraged to continue reporting agricultural impacts from Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene. Access the confidential UF/IFAS EIAP surveys for those storms by visiting this link for Hurricane Debby and this link for Hurricane Helene.

 

Read more from Hortidaily here.

Indoor Ag-Con 2025 Adivosry Board

Indoor Ag-Con Advisory Board Slate Announced for 2025

Indoor Ag-Con, the largest, longest-running gathering for the greenhouse, vertical farming, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, is pleased to announce the slate of members for its 2025 Advisory Board. This distinguished group of industry leaders will provide valuable insights that will guide the continued growth and development of the event’s conference program, special event features, and exhibition throughout the coming year.

The Advisory Board plays a crucial role in ensuring that Indoor Ag-Con remains at the forefront of the indoor agriculture industry. With expertise spanning the diverse sectors of CEA, including greenhouse and vertical farming, the board’s contributions will help drive the ongoing growth and success of the event.

2025 Indoor Ag-Con Advisory Board Members

Glenn Behrman, Founder & President, CEA Advisors 

Michelle Keller, Chief Horticulture Officer, Living Greens Farm 

Scott Lowman, Ph.D., VP Applied Research, IALR & Co-Director, Virginia Tech – IALR CEA Innovation Center 

Joe Swartz, Senior Vice President, AmHydro 

Nona Yehia, Co-Founder & CEO, Vertical Harvest 

Jennifer Waxman, Founder/Managing Partner, Seed2Source 

Tracy Lee Zogby, CEA Lead | Product Development, Sakata Seed America, Inc 

“We are honored to have these CEA industry leaders on our 2025 Advisory Board,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Their ongoing contributions are essential in ensuring that our event continues to deliver cutting-edge content, showcase the latest innovations, and provide unmatched networking opportunities for all participants. With their guidance, we look forward to creating an even more impactful event in 2025.”

Indoor Ag-Con heads to its new Las Vegas venue, the Westgate, for its 12th annual edition, on March 11-12, 2025. Attendees can expect a comprehensive conference program designed to inform, educate, and train; an expanded expo floor featuring the latest products, technologies, services, and solutions; and quality networking functions.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The event brings together industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the CEA sector. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag

CEA Summit East

Third Annual CEA Summit East Sparks Innovation and Collaboration In Virginia

CEA Summit East NetworkingDANVILLE, VA (OCTOBER 4, 2024) — Building on the success of previous years, the third annual Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East returned to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, VA from October 1-2, 2024. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center—a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center —the event attracted almost 250 attendees from 35 US states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong. The diverse audience of growers, educators, scientists, Extension personnel, suppliers, tech specialists, and government leaders gathered to explore the latest advancements in CEA technology and build valuable partnerships.

 

The two-day event featured a packed agenda of keynote presentations, panels, breakout sessions, and tours of the CEA Innovation Center facilities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with 21 tabletop exhibits showcasing cutting-edge innovations and services shaping the future of CEA. Alongside these sessions, a range of networking opportunities fostered new connections and strengthened existing partnerships.

“We’re proud to see the CEA Summit East improve year after year,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “The diversity of expertise represented here is impressive, and it’s a testament to the collaborative nature of this growing sector. “

“It’s inspiring to see leaders across the CEA spectrum come together to exchange ideas and strategies that drive our industry forward,” adds Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “This event underscores the importance of partnerships and shared knowledge in achieving the growth and success we envision for CEA.”

Standing-Room Only Keynote With Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Kicks Off Event

Governor Glenn YoungkinVirginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a steadfast supporter of the indoor agriculture sector, kicked off the event with a keynote address to a standing-room only audience. His session was immediately followed by the session, “What Is CEA: It’s Mission, Definition and Purpose,” with Paul Brentlinger, CEO, CropKing, Inc; Jessica Soare, Senior Director of Marketing, BrightFarms; Mike Ross, Co-Founder & CEO, Beanstalk; and Dr. Michael Evans, Virginia Tech and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center. On the second day, the Leadership Insights Panel welcomed John McMahon, Co-Founder & COO, Better Future Farms; Molly Montgomery, Acting CEO Executive Chair, AeroFarms ; Carl Gupton, CEO, Greenswell Growers; and moderator Emily Gee, CEA Alliance Board Member and Marketing Director, AeroFarms, to the stage.  In addition, the panel “Horizon Ahead” moderated by Kelli Rodda, Editorial Director, GIE Media, brought together Andrew Brooks, Business Development Manager, Priva; Cody Journell, Founder | CEO, Vegg, Inc; and Maximilian Knight, CEO, Rooted Robotics, to discuss emerging trends, technological advancements and innovations shaping CEA today.

 Educational Tracks

The CEA Summit featured three educational tracks – Production, Business and Education, Workforce and Training– that brought academics, growers and business experts together covering a wide range of topics ranging from food safety, economics of CEA, crop selection and aquaponics to strategies for energy management, onboarding training programs for new employees, building international partnerships. Other panel discussions and 15-minute CEA Industry & Research Showcase sessions gave attendees the chance to hear about some of the latest research findings and other industry success stories.

Tabletop Exhibits & Networking

In addition to conference sessions, attendees had ample opportunities to visit with the Summit’s 21 tabletop exhibitors during coffee breaks, luncheon roundtables and an afternoon cocktail reception.

 

 

Graduate Student Poster Competition

This year’s summit hosted the 2nd CEA Graduate Student Poster Competition to provide an opportunity for graduate students to share high quality CEA-related research; to expose commercial companies to qualified candidates; to foster collaboration between individuals in academia and in private industry. Eight finalists competed and Liam Reynolds, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign took first prize for his poster, “Evaluation of Radish, Broccoli, and Lettuce Microgreens Irrigated with Hydrothermal Liquefaction Aqueous Phase.”Nathaniel King-Smith, The Ohio State University, was awarded second place for his poster, “Exploring Sustainable Alternatives for Critical Materials: Hydroponic Cultivation of Rubber Dandelion ( T.kok-saghyz) for Rubber Production.”

CEA Innovation Center Tour

The event wrapped up with group tours of the CEA Innovation Center. Conference attendees took advantage of the unique opportunity to get an inside look at the CEA Innovation Center’s hydroponic systems and facilities, including the greenhouse and vertical growing racks. They also got to hear more about some of the Center’s exciting research projects.

 

The next edition of CEA Summit East will be held September 9-10, 2025. Look for more information coming soon to the event website – www.ceasummit.com. In addition, save the dates for the next edition of Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, 2025 at the Westgate Las Vegas.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. For more information, visit www.indoor.ag.

 

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit https://ceaic.org/