Author: Indoor Ag-Con

From Strawberry Roots To Berry Innovation: Nourse Farms CEO Shares Insights On Expansion, New Opportunities

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 16, 2023. Posted in Blog.

From its beginnings as a local strawberry nursery in 1932, Nourse Farms has evolved into an internationally recognized soft fruit nursery. Indoor Ag-Con is pleased to have Nourse Farms as an exhibitor for our March 11-12, 2024 edition in Las Vegas. We had the opportunity to catch up with CEO John Place to learn more about the company’s rich history, exciting expansion plans, state-of-the-art tissue culture labs and greenhouses in this month’s CEA Q&A. Read on to learn how this industry leader is not only adapting to changing market dynamics but also shaping them, as Nourse Farms positions itself to meet the evolving needs of berry growers worldwide, especially in the controlled environment agriculture sector.

Nourse Farms has a rich history dating back over 90 years. Can you share some key milestones in the company’s journey and how these have shaped its commitment to innovation and quality?

Aerial Photo Nourse Farms Whately, MA location — Aerial photo of Nourse Farms Whatley, Massaschusetts location

With Nourse Farms being around for almost a century, we’re fortunate to have a number of milestones that emphasize our commitment to innovation and delivering quality. Some highlights include:

1932: The farm was established as a strawberry plant nursery
1978: Raspberry plants added to the product mix
1980: The first tissue culture lab built
1982: Customized cooling facility built, allowing for storage of dormant, bare root plants
2003: Blackberry plants added to the product mix
2019: The first commercial planting of tray plants (strawberries) and long canes (brambles)
2020-2022: The continued expansion of tray plants and long canes
Present: A major expansion of our lab, greenhouses, and growing facilities that is intended to not only increase our footprint, but also amplify our commitment to innovation, as we will be using cutting-edge technologies to help us grow the cleanest, highest quality plants possible.

The recent announcement about your expansion plans and partnership with an investment firm are exciting and significant developments for Nourse Farms. Could you elaborate on the strategic goals behind the expansion and how it positions the company to meet the evolving needs of berry growers worldwide, especially in the CEA sector?

Nourse Farms Mills River, North Carolina location

Nourse Farms has focused on delivering the highest quality plants and exceptional customer service to the berry industry for decades. We are sitting at a pivotal point in North American berry farming where consumer demand is growing alongside new production techniques that are game-changers to the industry. Our goal is to secure our position as the market leader in berry plant propagation in North America. With that in mind, we are making a significant investment in our growing facilities in multiple locations to grow the highest quality plants for our customers.

We will now be growing in three distinct climates (Massachusetts, Washington, and North Carolina) so that the variety selection and plant type we have for our customers is grown in the best climate for its purpose. The new tissue culture lab, greenhouses, tray fields, trellis fields, and cold storage are all a part of our process and are included in the upgrades we are making. We believe these strategic investments will position us to scale quickly and efficiently to meet the changing needs of the market.

With the upcoming modern tissue culture lab and greenhouses in Massachusetts and North Carolina, how do you envision these facilities enhancing Nourse Farms’ ability to innovate and provide top-quality plants to your customers? Are there specific technologies or practices you’re excited to incorporate?

Tissue culture and micropropagation have been a cornerstone of Nourse Farms since we built our first lab in 1980. We use these techniques to grow our clean foundation mother plants, from which we propagate. With our ability to do in-house virus indexing and eliminate thru heat treatment, we can ensure our mother plants are of the highest quality. This new lab is actually our fourth lab to be built and will give us not only significant production capacity beyond our current lab but will also incorporate automation throughout the facility to aid in producing consistent, efficient, predictable results.

You’ve mentioned that you believe the future of berry production will increasingly demand substrate-grown plants. Can you provide some insights into the advantages and innovations in your substrate production process that make this approach so promising?

Over the last several years, we have been growing tray plants (strawberries) and long canes (brambles). We have learned a lot regarding growing systems, proper fertigation, timing of planting, and other important details to produce a plant that is fit for purpose for our customers. With this experience, we are now positioned to strategically scale this part of our operation to meet the growing demands of the industry and ensure that our customers will receive the high-quality plants they expect from us.

Now that we are growing in multiple climates, various plant types and varieties can grow in the optimal conditions that they require.

Variety development also plays a key role in the innovations that we are preparing for the market. We have been working with berry breeders around the world for decades in an effort to identify, import, trial, and then scale the best genetics for our customers.

As Nourse Farms continues to expand and innovate, what do you see as the most significant trends or opportunities in the controlled environment agriculture industry, and how is the company positioned to take advantage of these trends?

Berry consumers are demanding not only more berries but also higher quality berries. The strategic steps Nourse Farms is taking are a direct result of our response to the fact that berry production is moving from traditional outdoor growing areas towards indoor facilities near population centers. High-tech glasshouses and indoor vertical growing facilities require a plant type grown specifically for these high-capacity facilities to generate the return on investment that is required.

This is where the opportunity is for upstream suppliers like us. Our plants are grown specifically to meet this demand and give our customers the returns they need for their investments. The more growing we do—both of our plants and of our business—the more success for our customers.

For more information on Nourse Farms, visit the company website.
And, be sure to visit them in booth 317 at Indoor Ag-Con from March 11-12, 2024 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas!

USDA Offers New Crop Insurance Program for Producers Using Controlled Environments

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 16, 2023. Posted in Blog.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2023 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a new crop insurance program designed for agricultural producers who use controlled environments in their operations. The new Controlled Environment program from USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is specifically for plants grown in fully enclosed controlled environments and provides coverage against plant diseases subject to destruction orders. Available beginning in the 2024 crop year, the Controlled Environment program provides a risk management resource for urban, specialty crop, and organic producers who often use controlled environments as a major part of their operations.

FAQs ABOUT NEW CEA INSURANCE PROGRAM

“We are always looking to improve and expand the crop insurance resources we offer to agricultural producers, and the new Controlled Environment program will greatly benefit urban, specialty crop, organic and other producers who grow in controlled environments,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger. “Controlled environment agriculture is a quickly growing sector in the Nation’s food production, and this new option is part of USDA’s broader effort to support urban agriculture and new and better markets for American producers.”

The Controlled Environment program is a dollar plan of insurance, which bases the insured’s guarantee on inventory values reported by the producer, and provides coverage against plant diseases when the plants must be destroyed under a federal or state destruction order.

The Controlled Environment program adds to two other federal insurance products available to nursery and innovative agricultural producers by providing benefits that are not available under the other programs, such as:

Offer coverage for all Controlled Environment plants, including cuttings, seedlings, and tissue culture.
Offer crop insurance coverage through a streamlined application and policy renewal process.
Offer new crop insurance coverage specific to the disease risk to plants in Controlled Environment operations.
Offer insurance for producer-selected plant categories for Controlled Environment that are not in other nursery insurance program.
Allow Controlled Environment operations to have single peril Controlled Environment insurance to be purchased as a standalone policy or in conjunction with other nursery insurance.

The first sales closing date is Dec. 1, 2023.

The Controlled Environment program will be available in select counties in Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

More Information

RMA held virtual and in-person informational sessions in September and early October of 2023. While those sessions have passed, this page still offers key information – Learn more.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov or by contacting your RMA Regional Office.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

AGEYE Technologies Collaborates With 2 Universities On Revolutionary Sensor Technology for Indoor Agriculture

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 13, 2023. Posted in Blog.

AGEYE Technologies (AGEYE), in partnership with the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of California Berkeley, has announced collaboration on an innovative project titled “Novel Sensors for Efficient and Scalable Production of Indoor Crops.” This initiative is set to redefine the future of agriculture by introducing a game-changing sensor technology that promises to enhance crop quality, yield, and sustainability.

The commercial potential of this National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Partnerships for Innovation – Research Partnerships (PFI-RP) project is monumental. It aims to drastically reduce waste and energy consumption in agriculture while ensuring superior crop quality. The pioneering sensor technology, developed using print-based manufacturing approaches, will seamlessly integrate nutrient, temperature, and pH sensors. These advanced sensors are designed to detect individual nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, providing a granular view of the growing media’s health. This level of precision will pave the way for heightened automation in both outdoor and indoor agricultural operations, ensuring that crops receive the exact nutrients they need to thrive.

“Our vision is to revolutionize the way we understand and interact with crop systems. This technology will empower growers with real-time, accurate data, enabling them to make informed decisions about fertilizer and water management,” said Brian Hannon, Head Corporate Grower at AGEYE.

Dr. Gregory Whiting, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder, added, “This collaboration is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary partnerships. By merging the expertise of academia and industry, we’re poised to bring forth a technology that could reshape the agricultural landscape. We’re proud to be working with AGEYE on this transformative journey.”

This project addresses a crucial gap in the agricultural sector: the need for efficient and reliable data acquisition. By leveraging this state-of-the-art sensor technology, the initiative aims to eliminate the constraints of manual data collection, thus reducing human error and optimizing operations. The research objectives encompass the comprehensive design, development, manufacturing, and validation of nitrogen/phosphorous/potassium (NPK) and electrical conductivity, pH, temperature (EC/pH/T) sensors.

The collaboration with an industry partner specializing in agriculture ensures that the developed technology is primed for commercial operations, adaptable to diverse environmental conditions, and suitable for various agricultural scenarios. Preliminary experimentation and validation have already showcased the immense capabilities of these sensors, from enhanced data accuracy to continuous in-situ monitoring and improved maintenance procedures.

As we move forward, this project serves as a testament to the rising prominence of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in the global agricultural landscape. No longer a niche or experimental approach, CEA is solidifying its position as an indispensable and viable pillar of modern agriculture, ensuring food security, sustainability, and economic growth for generations to come.

More information on AGEYE can be found at https://ageyetech.com/

Gotham Greens Expands Into the Southeast With Georgia Greenhouse Opening

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 13, 2023. Posted in Blog.

NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gotham Greens, a Certified B Corporation™ and one of the fastest growing indoor farming brands, today announced the opening of its first high-tech hydroponic greenhouse in the Southeast region and the company’s twelfth greenhouse nationwide. The 210,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Monroe, Ga., located between Atlanta and Athens, Ga., is the company’s second of three new greenhouses opening in 2023. The greenhouse will provide a year-round supply of Georgia Grown, fresh produce to retail, restaurant, and foodservice customers throughout the region, including Whole Foods Market, Publix, Harris Teeter, The Fresh Market, and more. This includes new offerings, such as the regionally-inspired Coastal Crunch lettuce and family size packs of the best-selling Butterhead and Gourmet Spring Mix.

“As we celebrate National Farmer’s Day, this expansion into the South is a pivotal moment for Gotham Greens and brings us one step closer to our goal of being able to deliver Gotham Greens fresh produce within a day’s drive from our greenhouses to 90% of consumers across the U.S.” said Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO of Gotham Greens. “Our new Georgia greenhouse is the largest, most technologically advanced we’ve ever built and uses enhanced automation, climate control and data science capabilities to ensure that our greens are not only delicious, but also consistent and reliable for our customers.”

The greenhouse boasts sophisticated new technology to overcome the region’s hot, humid climate and ensure all leafy greens and herbs meet the standard consumers nationwide have come to associate with and expect from the brand. In contrast to traditional open-field farming methods, Gotham Greens farms use up to 90% less water and 97% less land compared to conventional farming methods and provide a consistent and proven way of growing food closer to where people live. While field crops are especially vulnerable to the elements such as heavy rains or drought, the fully closed greenhouse system provides protection and reliability for customers.

“Gotham Greens’ new, state-of-the-art greenhouse facility in Monroe will deploy the latest, cutting-edge agricultural technology, while creating almost 100 jobs in Walton County and providing consumers across Georgia with sustainable, Georgia Grown produce year-round,” said Tyler Harper, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. “Gotham Greens and the Georgia Grown brand are rooted in the shared values of quality, integrity, and innovation, and we’re proud to welcome them to the great state of Georgia.”

Agriculture is Georgia’s oldest and leading industry, contributing $70 billion to the state’s economy. With increasing high impact weather events, it is essential for the region to embrace new, innovative farming methods and products.

In Georgia, one in nine people face hunger, including one in eight children. Gotham Greens will work with local non-profit partners to help address food insecurity and provide seedlings for community gardens and educational purposes. In 2022, the company donated more than 44,000 pounds of food to families in need and provided more than 27,000 seedling donations for community gardens and educational purposes.

For more information on Gotham Greens, its greenhouses and its products, please visit gothamgreens.com.

ABOUT GOTHAM GREENS
Gotham Greens is an indoor farming company and a fresh food brand on a mission to transform the way we approach our food system, putting people and the planet at the forefront. Gotham Greens produces and delivers long-lasting and delicious leafy greens, herbs, salad dressings, dips, and cooking sauces all year round to retail, restaurant, and foodservice customers. A Certified B Corporation™, Gotham Greens sustainably grows high-quality produce using up to 90% less water and 97% less land than conventional farming through its national network of climate-controlled, high-tech greenhouses across America, including locations in New York, Illinois, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, California, Georgia and Texas. Since its launch in 2011, Gotham Greens has grown from a single urban rooftop greenhouse in Brooklyn, N.Y., to one of the largest hydroponic leafy green producers in North America. Gotham Greens products are available in more than 6,500 locations nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, The Kroger Co., Sprouts Farmers Market, Albertsons, Target, The Fresh Market, FreshDirect, AmazonFresh and more. For more information, visit gothamgreens.com.

Alliances and Innovation Headline 2nd Annual CEA Summit East In Virginia

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on September 24, 2023. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Danville, Virginia (September 25, 2023 ) – Building alliances, sharing information and forging new connections were key themes that drove the September 19-20, 2023, edition of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia.

Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the Virginia Tech- IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center (a partnership between the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech, the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and IALR), the 2^nd annual edition attracted 240 attendees from 33 U.S. states, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, including growers, educators, scientists, Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architect/developers and other industry members.

During the day and one-half event, attendees enjoyed quality time to meet, network and learn during keynotes, panels, and breakout conference sessions; explored 21 tabletop exhibits presenting the latest innovations and services; and enjoyed a host of networking opportunities.

“It’s exciting to see this event grow in both attendance and vendor/sponsor support,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Together with the CEA Innovation Center, we’re building a strong event where business and academia unite to drive our industry forward.”

“The CEA Summit exemplifies the collaborative spirit that defines our mission,” said Scott Lowman, Co-Director, Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center and Vice President, Applied Research, IALR. “It’s rewarding to see industry leaders from all sectors of CEA convene here to share lessons learned, best practices, research findings and ways to help accelerate our collective growth.”

Event highlights included:

(Editor’s Note:Photo captions at end of release and high resolution versions of the images shown, as well as others from CEA Summit East, are available here )

Morning Kick-Off Keynotes
Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr kicked off opening morning with his keynote address, “Virginia’s Commitment to Next Generation Agriculture: Leading the Indoor Farming Revolution.” On the 2^nd day, AeroFarms President and CFO opened the event with a keynote that came on the heels of the company’s announcement that it had emerged fully funded from Chapter 11.

Educational Tracks
The CEA Summit featured four educational tracks – Grower, Business & Marketing, Up & Coming Technology and Education, Outreach & Workforce Development– that brought academics, growers and business experts together covering a wide range of topics ranging from scaling up and negotiating energy costs to the future of CEA crops, getting started in aquaponics, and lessons learned from recent college graduates entering the CEA sector. 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 kicked off a new CEA 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. Six finalists competed and Nelda Hernandez, Auburn University, took first prize for her poster, “Hydroponics as an Alternative Production System for Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) in Alabama.”

CEA Innovation Center Tour

The event wrapped up with group tours of the CEA Innovation Center. 90+ 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.

Look for more information coming soon on dates and details for the 2024 edition. In the meantime, industry members can make plans to attend Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, 2024, as it returns to Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, to once again co-locate with the National Grocers Association (NGA) Show.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Indoor Ag-Con is the premier global event series focused on the future of indoor farming. Since 2013, the trade show and conference, the industry’s largest, has been at the forefront of the rapidly expanding vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture sector, providing a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to connect, share knowledge, and drive the industry forward. For more information, visit www.indoor.ag

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH-IALR CEA INNOVATION CENTER
The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences 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. More information-–www.ialr.org/cea

Photo Captions:

ROW 1(L-R)
Pictured (L-R) : Michael Schwarz, Ph.D., Associate Director, CEA Innovation Center, Director, Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research & Extension Center, Virginia Tech; Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con; John H. Hughes, IV, ED.D., Executive Vice President of Operations, IALR; Matthew Lohr, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry; Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Co-Director, CEA Innovation Center & Vice President, Applied Research, IALR.

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Matthew Lohr kicks off CEA Summit East with Day One Keynote.

AeroFarms President and CFO Guy Blanchard leads CEA Summit East Day Two keynote.

ROW 2 (L-R):

Nick Genty, CEO, AgEye Technologies (standing left) moderated the panel, “Growing with Artificial Intelligence: The Future of AI and Automation in Horticulture.” Panelists included (l-r) Dr. Benjamin Welch, Canon Virginia, Inc, Sam Lewando, Babylon MicroFarms, and Alex Rudnicki, AeroFarms.

Sam Fleming, 100 Gardens, led the CEA Showcase Session, “Aquaponics and a New Way of Thinking.”

Nathaniel Doyno, Seinergy LLC, moderated the session, “Powering Up Your Operation: Navigating CEA Energy Costs, Incentives & More,” with panelists Frank Molander, ICF and Rick Drescher, Savills North America.

ROW 3
CEA Summit East 2023 welcomed 21 tabletop exhibitors to the event to showcase services and new innovations.

ROW 4
Six students competed in the new CEA Summit Graduate Student Poster Competition. Nelda Hernandez, Auburn University, took first place for her poster, “Hydroponics as an Alternative Production System for Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) in Alabama.”

ROW 5
The 2023 edition of CEA Summit East wrapped up with group tours of the CEA Innovation Center. 90+ 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.

SecondBloom Auctions to Manage Auction of AeroFarms Assets from Newark Production Facility

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on September 1, 2023. Posted in Blog.

SecondBloom™ Auctions, a leading auction management firm in the controlled agriculture space, has been selected to oversee the sale of key assets from AeroFarms’ original vertical farming facility in Newark, NJ.

The online auction, running from August 28 to September 18, will include specialized agriculture equipment such as lighting systems, automation technology, racking and more from AeroFarms’ 212 Rome facility. Asset removal must be completed by September 28.

“We look forward to leveraging our expertise to ensure a smooth transition that maximizes value for AeroFarms’ stakeholders,” said Chris Lange, CEO of SecondBloom™ Auctions. “Interested parties can learn more about the auction at www.secondbloomauctions.com.”

In April 2023, AeroFarms announced that it was moving all operations from it’s Newark facility to it’s state of the art facility in Danville, Virginia, more details are at this link. With the transition to Danville complete, the assets in the Newark facility are now available for sale through this auction.

AeroFarms representatives will be onsite at the 212 Rome facility during the preview days on September 7-8 to showcase assets and assist potential bidders. Interested bidders are required to fill out the advanced viewing form on SecondBloom Auctions website under the auction lot they are interested in. The AeroFarms team will also coordinate and oversee the asset removal by winning bidders, a process that must be concluded by September 28th.

About SecondBloom™ Auctions

SecondBloom™ Auctions, a subsidiary of Lange Group Capital, stands as a trusted name in the controlled environment agriculture industry. Our team is dedicated to innovation and serving the needs of indoor growers. Our unique approach combines online product sales with multi-vendor auctions, offering a diverse range of equipment and supplies tailored to our clients’ needs. As industry pioneers, we’re committed to connecting buyers and sellers and shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. To learn more about SecondBloom™ Auctions’ data- driven auction management services, visit: www.secondbloomauctions.com.

About AeroFarms

Since 2004, AeroFarms has been leading the way for indoor vertical farming and championing transformational innovation for agriculture. AeroFarms is a Certified B Corporation. Named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company two years in a row and one of TIME’s Best Inventions in Food, AeroFarms patented, award-winning indoor vertical farming technology provides the optimal conditions for healthy plants to thrive, taking agriculture to a new level of precision, food safety, and productivity while using up to 95% less water and no pesticides versus traditional field farming. Its products can be found at major retail selling partners like Ahold Delhaize, Amazon Fresh, Baldor Specialty Food, Compass Group, Harris Teeter, H-E-B, ShopRite, The Fresh Market, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market. For additional information, visit: https://aerofarms.com.

Guy Blanchard To Lead Keynote at CEA Summit East

AeroFarms President and CFO Guy Blanchard To Lead Keynote at 2023 CEA Summit East

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on August 28, 2023. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

DANVILLE, VA (August 29, 2023) –AeroFarms President and Chief Financial Officer Guy Blanchard will lead a keynote address at the 2^nd annual edition of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East, Sept. 19-20, 2023, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Institute Conference Center in Danville, Va. Blanchard’s keynote will shed light on AeroFarms’ journey towards resiliency, emphasizing the conference’s core mission to unite the CEA business and academic sectors, fostering learning, networking, and collective growth in the face of industry challenges.

Guy Blanchard’s keynote is scheduled for Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 9 a.m.

The CEA Summit East is co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the largest vertical farming | CEA gathering, and the CEA Innovation Center – a partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

During his keynote, Blanchard will share how AeroFarms is emerging stronger in the months following a Chapter 11 filing, touching on growing retail partnerships with leaders like Walmart, H-E-B, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and other initiatives. He will also provide updates on AeroFarms’ newest farm in Danville, which continues to scale according to plan.

Blanchard brings extensive project finance and corporate development experience for AeroFarms, a leading clean-technology company that builds and operates commercial state-of-the-art indoor vertical farms around the world, helping transform agriculture. A Certified B Corporation, AeroFarms has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in the World and by Inc. as one of the Top 25 Disruptive Companies. Guy last served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, at Amonix, Inc., a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems equipment manufacturer and developer.

Guy has also served as a Managing Director for Fortress Investment Group’s Drawbridge family of funds, where he was a principal investor with a focus on structured investments in long-lived assets. Prior to that, Guy was Vice President of Corporate Finance at GATX Capital Corporation and CFO for JTP Manufacturing. Guy holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA, both from the University of California, Davis.

“We are excited to welcome Guy Blanchard to our CEA Summit keynote stage. AeroFarms has been a trailblazer in the indoor farming industry, and his address will undoubtedly provide invaluable insights into the path forward for the indoor farming sector as it confronts new challenges, and new opportunities, head-on,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con.

“Having Guy Blanchard share his perspective on AeroFarms’ journey through recent challenges aligns perfectly with our mission to foster collaboration and innovation within the CEA community,” adds Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center, and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR.

The CEA Summit East is custom-tailored for new and well-seasoned CEA industry members from throughout the Eastern U.S., including indoor and greenhouse growers, facility owners and operators, educators, government officials, real estate developers, architects, construction specialists, sales and marketing teams and others.

During the two-day event, industry members will have the opportunity to hear from CEOs, researchers, and experts leading keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions; explore tabletop exhibits presenting the latest CEA innovations and services; and enjoy a host of networking opportunities ranging from meals and coffee breaks to an evening social event.

QUICK FACTS:
WHEN:                 Tuesday, September 19 – Wednesday, September 20, 2023
WHERE:               IALR Institute Conference Center, 150 Slayton Ave, Danville, VA 24540
INFO:                    For information on exhibiting or attending visit www.ceasummit.com

ABOUT AEROFARMS
Since 2004, AeroFarms has been leading the way for indoor vertical farming and championing transformational innovation for agriculture. AeroFarms is a Certified B Corporation. Named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company two years in a row and one of TIME’s Best Inventions in Food, AeroFarms patented, award-winning indoor vertical farming technology provides the optimal conditions for healthy plants to thrive, taking agriculture to a new level of precision, food safety, and productivity while using up to 95% less water and no pesticides versus traditional field farming. Its products can be found at major selling partners like Ahold Delhaize, Amazon Fresh, Baldor Specialty Food, Compass Group, Harris Teeter, H-E-B, Marcus BP, Momofuku Noodle Bars, ShopRite, The Fresh Market, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market. For additional information, visit: https://aerofarms.com/.

Matthew Lohr Virginia Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to Kick Off CEA Summit East With Opening Morning Keynote

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on August 23, 2023. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

DANVILLE, VA (August XX, 2023) – Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr will lead the opening morning keynote address for the 2^nd annual edition of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East, September 19-20, 2023, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Institute Conference Center in Danville, VA. Secretary Lohr’s presentation sets the stage for two days of education and networking built around the summit’s goal of bringing CEA business and academic community members together to boost growth opportunities for the entire sector.

The CEA Summit East is co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the largest vertical farming | CEA gathering, and the CEA Innovation Center – a partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

During his keynote address, “Virginia’s Commitment to Next Generation Agriculture: Leading the Indoor Farming Revolution,” Secretary Lohr will discuss the state’s leadership role in the CEA sector, including its investment in research and development, workforce training, and infrastructure to support CEA industry growth. The session will give attendees valuable insights into Virginia’s strategic CEA plans, initiatives, support mechanisms and opportunities that exist for collaboration and innovation.

Matthew Lohr was raised on a Virginia century family farm in the Shenandoah Valley. As a fifth-generation farmer, he has spent his entire life working for the betterment of the agricultural industry and rural America.

He developed his passion for public service and agricultural policy while serving as both a state and national FFA officer before graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Education. He has more than 30 years of experience as a professional leader and communicator.

In early 2022, he was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve as Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. In this role, he serves in the governor’s cabinet and oversees three state agencies – the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Forestry, and the Virginia Racing Commission.

“We are honored to have Secretary Lohr join us for the 2^nd annual CEA Summit East. Virginia’s unique advantages make it an ideal hub for CEA companies and Secretary Lohr’s participation in our event further underscores the state’s commitment to fostering CEA industry innovation and growth. His keynote is the perfect kick-off to the insightful discussions, networking and growth opportunities that will all be part of this year’s event,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con.

“At the CEA Innovation Center, our mission revolves around moving the CEA industry forward through research, educational programming and industry support,” adds Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center, and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “We are especially excited to have Secretary Lohr lead our keynote and highlight the pivotal role that public-private partnerships play in driving the growth of this sector. With his keynote, we look forward to showcasing how Virginia’s collaborative efforts are driving advancements that resonate far beyond our state borders.”

The CEA Summit East is custom-tailored for new and well-seasoned CEA industry members from throughout the Eastern US, including indoor and greenhouse growers, facility owners and operators, educators, government officials, real estate developers, architects, construction specialists, sales and marketing teams and others.

Seed to Plate Approach | Q&A With Red Sun Farms President Jim DiMenna

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on August 21, 2023. Posted in Blog.

As one of North America’s largest fully integrated high-tech greenhouse growing operations, Red Sun Farms maintains complete control and ownership of its produce growing and distribution processes. Company President Jim DiMenna will be sharing insights on his company’s “Seed to Plate” approach during the “Scaling Up: Strategies for Successful, Sustainable Business Operation” panel at the upcoming CEA Summit East in Danville, Virginia. Ahead of the event, Indoor Ag-Con had the chance to talk to Jim about Red Sun Farms’ strategy, steady success, operations in Canada, Mexico and the US, and plans for the future in this month’s CEA Q&A.

Can you elaborate on the significance of being one of the largest fully integrated high-tech greenhouse companies in North America? How does this unique positioning contribute to Red Sun Farms’ success and differentiation in the controlled environment agriculture industry?

In addition to being a larger industry player, what truly sets us apart is our vertical integration. We oversee every step of the process – from seed selection, propagation and greenhouse operations to marketing, packing, shipping and distribution – in Mexico, Canada and the USA. This ownership gives us complete control, ensuring exceptional quality, food safety, rich flavor and year-round supply.

Our size and vertical model yield so many benefits and opportunities, including the work we do with seed companies. Given our scale, these companies value conducting trials of their new varieties with us. By operating state-of-the art growing facilities and distribution centers in three countries, we can strategically leverage seasonal differences, emerging as a true 12-month supplier. This allows us to offer customers quicker delivery times and fresher produce.

Speaking of your strong presence in 3 different countries, how does Red Sun Farms manage the challenges of operating across different climates and market dynamics?

There are any of number of differences and inputs to manage and our highly skilled grower and service teams stay focused on delivering top quality to our customers.

For example, the nuances of heating in Canada differ from those in Mexico. Regardless of location, it’s essential to maintain the greenhouse’s internal temperature above the “dew point” to prevent the onset of disease. Our commitment to high-tech practices within our greenhouses enables us to effectively manage climates and variables across our locations.

Please elaborate on some of the cutting-edge technologies that Red Sun Farms has integrated into your operations and how these technologies have improved sustainability and yield?

Our high-tech greenhouses are intentionally designed for lower environmental impact.

We use biological controls instead of traditional spraying methods, relying on “good bugs” or beneficial insects, to manage pests. Additionally, bumblebees serve as pollinators within our high-tech greenhouses.

As our greenhouses evolve, we’ve adopted higher gutters to enhance circulation. We’re also extracting CO2 from the natural gas we burn, redirecting it to the plants to stimulate growth.

Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our water practices – we continually recycle and reuse water, sending it through drip systems onto rockwool or coco fiber substrates. What the plants don’t use is sterilized, recharged, and returned to the crop, creating a waste-free recirculation loop.

We’ve also implemented a high wire production system to maximize vine plant quality and control. Interestingly, a tomato plant can grow up to 45’ long – the length of a trailer. Prior to high wire growing, tomatoes were harvested when the plants were only 6 feet tall and the tomatoes were not ready. With high wire, the plants are growing up to 10’ feet, enabling waist and eye level harvesting when tomatoes are at their peak

Consumer preferences and market trends in fresh produce are constantly evolving. How does Red Sun Farms stay attuned to these changes, and how do you ensure that your produce meets the expectations of today’s health-conscious and environmentally-conscious consumers?

We’ve observed continued growth in demand for our snacking pepper, grape tomato, and cucumber offerings. Our beefsteak tomatoes are also highly popular. We remain attentive to market signals and respond accordingly. We are on the side of the angels in a way as our quality, tasty, healthy produce is checking all the boxes for today’s health-conscious consumer.

For example, consider peppers. Not that long ago, green peppers were dominant, but today, red, orange and yellow peppers are the true shining stars. They’re sweeter, tastier, and serve as a guilt-free substitute for chips with dips like hummus.

Our sustainable growing practices resonate with today’s environmentally-conscious consumers.

As mentioned earlier, we’re recycling our water and fertilizer to prevent runoff into lakes and streams, which contributes to issues like algae blooms. We’re also dedicated to developing eco-friendly packaging solutions that prolong food freshness. For example, we’ve replaced the clamshell lid with a film top seal, significantly reducing plastic usage.

What’s next for Red Sun Farms

We recently completed a new farm in Manitoba, and are expanding in Mexico as well.

We are always looking for innovative ways to deliver the best to our retail partners and consumers. So technology, automation/labor solutions and equipment innovations, new farm expansions and new growth are always on our radar.

Stay tuned for announcements of future locations of Red Sun Farms greenhouse locations! Meanwhile, to learn more about Red Sun Farms, visit the company website.

White Paper: Assessment of CEA Workforce Needs and UMKC Student Interest in CEA Education

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on August 19, 2023. Posted in Blog, Exhibitor News.

UMKC White Paper — Click image to download presentation deck from Indoor Ag-Con 2023 Workforce Development panel sharing survey results.

Indoor Ag-Con Academic Ally University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC)’s Dr. Juan Cabrera-Garcia, Dr. Angela Cottrell and their team conducted a survey accessing controlled environment agriculture workforce needs and expectations for future educational programming to attract and train student to enter the sector. Dr. Cottrell shared some of the survey findings during a workforce development panel discussion at Indoor Ag-Con 2023 and she and the team authored a white paper on the findings as well. We are pleased to share that presentation here along with a corresponding white paper on their findings.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems integrate technology to optimize crop performance via environmental control. There is an urgent need to train the future workforce to meet the needs of the CEA industry as these systems become more technology driven. Therefore, the goal of this project was to inform the development of CEA curriculum by gauging student interest at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) and understanding the knowledge, skills, and degrees desired for different job hierarchies in the CEA industry.

Click image above to download complete whitepaper

A survey was sent to individuals in the CEA industry (academics, growers, and service/technology providers) to determine the knowledge and skills needed for different CEA job positions and the degree that certifies competency for said positions. Another survey was sent to UMKC students to gauge their knowledge of – and interest in – a CEA educational program. Responses from the CEA industry were separated in two groups based on the role of respondents in CEA: roles directly involved in growing crops and support roles (academics and service/technology providers).

There was consensus between both industry groups on the top ranked skills, knowledge, and degree programs for job positions in CEA. The top five positions in demand by the CEA industry are, from highest to lowest ranked: (1) farm manager, (2) farm worker, (3) research & development director, (4) food safety coordinator, and (5) research technicians. The top degrees for the positions listed above are: (a) apprenticeship, (b) two-year associate, (c) graduate,(d) bachelor, and (e) bachelor programs, respectively.

Eighty-nine percent of UMKC students are interested in a lab or greenhouse where they can participate in growing crops. Fifty-three percent of UMKC students are interested, or would consider participating in, an academic minor for Controlled Environment Agriculture. We anticipate that our observations will inform the development of curriculum and degrees that meet the needs of the CEA industry.

Individuals utilizing the results from this project should consider which responses are relevant for their own curricular development needs.

Contact Information

Juan Cabrera-Garcia, PhD

Division of Plant Science & Technology University of Missouri

Columbia, MO 65211 jcabrera-garcia@missouri.edu

Acknowledgements: This project was funded by the USDA HEC Award Number2023-70003-38775. Special thanks to Indoor Ag-Con, Suzanne Pruitt, and Chieri Kubota for their facilitation and support to reach individuals in the CEA industry