Indoor Ag-Con 2025 VIPs and Speakers gathered at Las Vegas’ newest golf entertainment venue — Atomic Golf — for a great evening of connections, conversations, cocktails (and mocktails!), and all things CEA the night before the 2025 edition kicked off. Check out video and photos from the evening.
Special thanks to VIP Party Sponsor Philips LED Lighting!
From Hortidaily Hopefully, everyone has recovered from their trip to Vegas, because we have some photos to share! This week, Indoor Ag-Con took place there. Originally focused on the leafy greens industry, the event has evolved into a multi-crop gathering, with a notable increase in vine crop and cannabis growers. But perhaps it’s no surprise that the event attracted such significant attention—there’s a lot happening in the North American market, and the industry seems eager to learn and grow together.
The event itself moved to the Westgate this year. While it’s not the most modern venue in Vegas, the convenience of having a hotel nearby and the networking opportunities seemed to be appreciated by most exhibitors and attendees.
The term CEA is primarily used by indoor and vertical growers, whereas many greenhouse companies have distanced themselves from it—perhaps to avoid associations with the struggles and bankruptcies in the vertical farming sector. However, it remains a useful way to categorize crops grown in controlled indoor environments. One thing that became clear during the event is the tremendous growth this sector has seen. Many leafy greens growers, both vertical and greenhouse-based, recalled their early, difficult conversations with retailers. When they first started, their products were so new to the market that retailers didn’t quite understand them—one grower even mentioned their product being referred to as “lettuce with a beard.”
Today, indoor-grown leafy greens and vine crops hold a strong position in the retail segment, and despite ongoing challenges, several companies are optimistic about future growth. That being said, the current market isn’t an easy one. Many growers and suppliers commented that while tariffs will be inconvenient, it’s the uncertainty and constant regulatory changes that are truly frustrating for businesses. Combine that with the influx of private equity and external investment into the industry, and it’s understandable that the rapid expansion once expected may face further delays.
Given these challenges, the positive and optimistic atmosphere at Indoor Ag-Con was remarkable—but it was definitely there. Perhaps it’s a sign of a maturing market. Perhaps it’s the shared experience of overcoming challenges together—whether that’s dealing with the rugose virus, navigating the H-2 visa program, or adapting to unclear crop protection regulations. Or maybe the industry is finally realizing that keeping intellectual property locked away isn’t necessarily the key to success, and that collaboration can drive growth.
Initiatives like the CEA Alliance, grower-focused events like the Leamington Grower Expo, and other industry gatherings are bringing growers together more frequently. Are we becoming less afraid of each other? Or was it just the Vegas setting that sent the industry into a whirlwind for 48 hours? Only time will tell.
A walk around the trade show floor highlighted the latest trends in horticulture. We’ve captured it all digitally for you and will update you soon with more novelties and insights.
The state of the industry keynote at Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, explored the industry’s past and present challenges, ‘transformative change,’ success stories and more.
Moderated by Tom Stenzel, executive director of the CEA Alliance, the discussion featured panelists from three different business models of controlled environment agriculture: vertical farming; semi-closed, greenhouse-grown salads; and greenhouse-grown tomatoes.
Panelists including Tisha Livingston, president and co-founder of 80 Acres and CEO of Infinite Acres; Abby Prior, chief commercial officer for BrightFarms; and Skip Hullett, vice president and general counsel for NatureSweet, shared their challenges and triumphs in an industry that has suffered setbacks in recent years.
80 Acres/Infinite Acres
Hamilton, Ohio-based 80 Acres is a vertical farming company producing a range of salads, microgreens, herbs and tomatoes. In an industry where some have focused too heavily on tech in favor of farming, Livingston and her business partner, who co-founded the company in 2015, had the vision to separate the farming and tech sides of the business.
“When we started the company, we recognized that growing and being grower-centric was very important,” she said. “Building out the technology was also important, but they were very different skill sets. So, we created these two companies.”
NatureSweet
Based in San Antonio, Texas, NatureSweet, is a greenhouse tomato grower that owns over 1,500 acres of greenhouse space, has 12 production facilities in Arizona and across Mexico, and distributes its products to retailers nationwide. Best known for its Cherubs snacking tomatoes, the company also grows peppers and cucumbers.
“We’re vertically integrated, so we’re kind of unique in our industry,” said Hullett. “We call it: from seed to smile. We grow, plant, harvest and package.”
BrightFarms
BrightFarms is a controlled environment agriculture grower based in Irvington, N.Y.
“We have a network of farms that support our national customers,” said Prior. “Over the last year, we’ve built three new farms in Illinois, Texas and Georgia, which combined make the largest network of semi-closed, high-tech greenhouses for leafy greens here in the U.S.”
BrightFarms takes a regional approach to grow locally and create regional supply chains and supply hubs for salads across the country, Prior said. The company was acquired by Cox Enterprises in 2021 and is now part of the platform of Cox Farms greenhouse growers that includes Mucci Farms.
Indoor Ag-Con, the largest show dedicated to controlled environment agriculture (CEA) , is the place to find the latest trends shaping the future of farming. Come March 11-12, 2025 farmers, growers, ag tech leaders, suppliers, advocates and enthusiasts will converge at Westgate Las Vegas to experience an expanded Expo Hall with 200+ exhibiting companies offering the most cutting-edge products, services and tools on the market.
The future of farming is taking center stage at Indoor Ag-Con 2025, where industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders are gathering to explore the latest advancements shaping the indoor agriculture sector. From Climate Control to breakthroughs in vertical farming, this year’s event highlights key trends that are transforming the way we grow food sustainably and efficiently.
As the third in Indoor Ag-Con’s three-part series, below find latest trends shaping indoor agriculture in 2025. Additional highlights can be seen in Trend Report 1 and Trend Report 2.
Indoor agriculture is undergoing a technological revolution as the demand for sustainable, high-yield food production grows. New structural designs, materials, and environmental control systems are shaping the future of vertical farms, greenhouses, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities.
Atlas Greenhouse (Booth 312) is a manufacturer of greenhouse systems for commercial and residential markets. Located in Alapaha, GA, Atlas was founded in 1986 as a regional greenhouse supplier and today is building greenhouses internationally. Their products are designed for ornamental horticulture, cannabis cultivation and vegetable production, as well as educational teaching environments and includes a complete line of accessories including coverings, heating equipment, cooling and ventilation equipment and much more. The Positive Pressure Cooling Systems, a method of cooling a Greenhouse by introducing fresh, cooler air into the greenhouse space to lower the overall temperature, the Positive Pressure Ventilation system strives to maintain a favorable climate for plant growth. By utilizing a technique that involves creating a positive air pressure differential between the interior of the greenhouse and outside environment, growers can anticipate that leaves will be constantly moving, helping to strengthen and cool the plant, as well as fight off any developing disease, including white mold, especially in the lower stage.
At Percival Scientific (Booth 531), their mission is to help clients create better science with the most customized growth chambers available for controlled environment research. They engineer, custom-build and install durable and thoughtfully designed controlled environments for nearly any research need. From bench-top chambers to large grow rooms, they manufacture more than 150 different models of research chambers. See their NEW a hydroponic chamber at Indoor Ag-Con and enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
KG Systems B.V. (Booth 1108) is a leading manufacturer of growing bench systems. They have 25+ years of experience in designing and building growing bench systems in the broadest sense of the word. They manufacture fixed, Roll-Top, and Mobile benches, and Vertical grow racks. Amongst the offerings, they also design and manufacture fully automated growing systems where clients can benefit from huge labor reductions. KG Systems B.V. offers systems for outdoor, greenhouses and indoor or vertical farms. This year they are pleased to show our new growing systems for leafy greens and herbs on benches. This system has been developed to reduce labor and maintenance costs and make the client more flexible due to higher yield, faster processing times, flexibility in crop choice, better hygiene and the system is very scalable.
Indoor growers are expanding beyond leafy greens and herbs to cultivate high-value crops, including fruiting vegetables, nutraceuticals, and alternative protein sources, meeting evolving consumer demands. As indoor agriculture expands, researchers and agritech companies are developing specialized seed varieties and precision nutrients to optimize plant growth in controlled environments.
Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds (Booth 835) supplies over 120 types of certified organic seed for growing sprouts and microgreens. We have been supplying commercial sprout and microgreen operations since 1982.
At Pro-Mix – Premier Tech Horticulture (Booth 613), they are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions to improve crop performance, quality and yields. Their distinctive PRO-MIX® professional growing media, combined with AGTIV® biological technologies, harness the power of biostimulants and biocontrols to fortify plants. Also available under the premium peat-based growing mixes PRO-MIX® consumer brand for garden centers.
Grow-Tec i(Booth 337) s unveiling to the world a groundbreaking technology for indoor vertical farming of fruiting vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, cucumbers). Their technology delivers yields exceeding alternatives by more than 10 times per unit area, with supreme quality and pest-free cultivation. We offer an end-to-end solution for indoor vertical farming focused on fruiting vegetables. Our comprehensive package includes planning, supply, and construction of turnkey projects. This encompasses agro know-how and the provision of consumables for growing fruiting vegetables at ultra-high yields, based on robust unit economics.
Effective climate control is essential for maximizing crop yield, quality, and energy efficiency in indoor agriculture. Advanced ventilation, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, and environmental monitoring technologies ensure optimal conditions for plant growth while minimizing resource waste.
Desert Aire’s (Booth 807) GrowAire, GreenAire and DriCure solutions provide integrated HVAC control of temperature and humidity in order to provide stable VFD to enhance and protect crops and promote optimal yield of cannabis and other plants. Their highly efficient HVAC systems provide tight control of indoor climate so you can optimize your production. The GrowAire, GreenAire and DriCure sy stems help cultivators increase yields and reduce energy consumption. We have 1,500+ installed units in 100+ projects throughout the USA and Canada.
FabricAir’s (Booth 209) custom engineered HVAC solutions provide precise, uniform airflow tailored to the unique demands of indoor growing environments. By delivering consistent air distribution and controlling temperature and humidity, these systems help create optimal conditions for plant growth. The result is healthier crops, improved energy efficiency, and reduced labor costs, giving owners and operators the confidence that their indoor grow facilities are running at peak performance. Visitors can experience the difference fabric-based HVAC systems make by seeing them installed in racks and feeling the precision airflow firsthand. Our experts will be on hand to discuss specific needs, ensuring that each solution is tailored to improve plant quality, reduce energy costs, and maintain an ideal growing environment.
BioTherm (Booth 1128) is a leading provider of innovative climate control solutions for the horticulture, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), and cannabis industries. Since 1980, they have specialized in advanced heating, cooling, and CO₂ enrichment systems that optimize plant growth while improving energy efficiency. Offerings include hydronic heating systems, root zone heating, dissolved oxygen solutions, flood and cascade floors, unit heaters, cooling/dehumidification systems, CO₂ enrichment, complete climate control solutions, and pre-engineered irrigation tempering skids. With a commitment to proven technology and grower success, At Indoor Ag-Con, attendees can see the Nanobubble Generator DGS (dissolved gas system) platform. BioTherm’s DGS system utilizes nanobubble technology to efficiently dissolve oxygen into irrigation water, enhancing root oxygenation, improving nutrient uptake, and promoting healthier, more vigorous plant growth. The Ultimate Grower Climate Control System– an all-in-one solution designed to optimize efficiency, precision, and performance in cultivation spaces. Biotherm will be demonstrating our DGS Nanobubble system in the booth, as well as Ultimate Grower Climate Control System.
Asahi/America, Inc. (Booth 715) is a 9001:2015 ISO certified supplier and manufacturer of corosion resistant thermoplastic valves and piping systems. From the harshest chemicals to the toughest weather conditions, our family of fluid flow solutions provides dependable performance for a wide range of applications and reliability where it matters most.
Vostermans Ventilation i(Booth 528) is a manufacturer of quality ventilation and circulation fans for 70 plus years of experience producing dependable harsh duty motors and fan products. Headquartered in Venlo, Netherlands with offices in United States and Malaysia and offer global service.
A new wave of specialized products and tools are helping indoor agriculture vendors streamline operations and improve efficiency. From crop experts to efficiency rebate tools, these innovations are making indoor farming more scalable and profitable.
For over 60 years, MULTIVAC Group (Booth 802) has led the way in packaging and processing innovation, delivering efficiency, reliability, and expertly engineered solutions. From packaging and slicing to labeling, inspection, and automation, their full-line solutions are tailored to elevate products, streamline operations, and increase revenue. MULTIVAC is now introducing one of our new mid-range models – the TX 620 – to meet the needs of producers looking for high-cycle performance and production efficiency on a small footprint. The new TX model delivers the reliability, versatility, and hygiene customers expect from the TX series – while ensuring exceptionally efficient use of available production space.
MicroClimates (Booth 1102) is a cutting-edge, hardware-agnostic software platform that transforms how you monitor, control, and automate controlled environment agriculture (CEA). With over 100 plug-and-play integrations—and the flexibility to support new ones—their system unifies lighting, climate, irrigation, fertigation, energy monitoring, and mapping into one seamless platform. At Indoor Ag-Con, they are launching new products and services designed to enhance flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in agriculture and environmental automation. The latest innovation, Microclimates EnvOS, is a powerful operating system available across multiple platforms—delivered on touchscreen devices for indoor environments, Veea edge computing for outdoor use, or enterprise-hosted for large-scale clients.
At What Rebates (Booth 907), led by owner and founder Shawn Brissette, they specialize in energy efficiency rebates for the agricultural sector. We pride ourselves on providing simple, friendly, and stress-free assistance throughout your horticulture rebate process. Their experienced team has developed an extensive knowledge base to guide you through the process with ease. When you choose What Rebates, you’ll be supported by specialists who will guide you from application to rebate reception. Additionally, you’ll have personal access to our unique digital platform that streamlines the often complex and time-consuming rebate application process. Learn more about how What Rebates can help maximize your energy efficiency savings at Indoor Ag-Con.
At SERA (Booth 733), their mission is to simplify the complexity of horticulture. They envision a world in which anyone can grow and structure technology around a well-defined operational loop that all greenhouses need to follow regardless of technological sophistication (plan, execute, improve, and repeat). This is overseen by a remote crop expert and offers a subscription model which charges per ha (200 EUR/month). For access to horticulture experts, they charge per session on top of the existing platform subscription.
Las Vegas, NV – (March 14, 2025)— Indoor Ag-Con 2025, the premier event for the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, concluded its 12th annual two-day conference and expo on March 11–12 at the Westgate Las Vegas. This year’s event welcomed 1,657 attendees from around the globe—including representatives from the U.S., Canada, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Tribal Nations, and more—reinforcing its status as the key meeting place for the indoor and vertical farming industry.
The 2025 edition featured the largest Indoor Ag-Con expo floor to date, with more than 300 booths showcasing cutting-edge products, technologies, and solutions designed to help grower/operators improve their businesses, increase profitability, and scale their operations effectively.
“At its core, Indoor Ag-Con is about fostering collaboration, idea-sharing, and networking—and this year’s event truly delivered,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “Bringing together C-level executives, growers, investors, tech providers, government members, academia, and key stakeholders from every facet of the CEA ecosystem, the conversations and connections made here will shape the industry’s future for years to come.”
12th Annual Edition Highlights
Growing Industry Association Events & Participation
New Cultivating Excellence Awards – The CEAs
Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower magazine launched the inaugural Cultivating Excellence Awards (CEAs) in 2025. Sponsored by bpgrower.com, the new awards recognized excellence, innovation, and leadership within the controlled environment agriculture sector. Announced at a gala awards luncheon, the winners included:
Keynote Sessions
Morning Keynote – “CEA State of the Industry”:
The CEA Alliance, the membership trade association representing vertical farms and greenhouse producers, presented the opening keynote. Moderated by CEA Alliance Executive Director Tom Stenzel, the session featured industry leaders including:
Day 2 Keynote – “Trends in Canada: Insights from Leading CEA Growers Across the Nation”:
This session featured a dynamic panel of Canadian CEA leaders who discussed the latest industry innovations, sustainability strategies, and business growth opportunities. Moderated by Trina Semenchuk, Founder of Little Greenhouse That Could, the panel included:
Workshops, Educational Tracks & Expo Theater Panel Discussions
Networking Opportunities
Attendees connected with new and old friends at daily networking events, including a conference lunch on the show floor, Expo Hall Happy Hour and the new “That’s A Wrap” closing session and celebration.
Indoor Ag-Con | Philips VIP Welcome Party
Back by popular demand, Philips Horticulture LED Solutions once again teamed up with Indoor Ag-Con to kick off the 2025 edition with a VIP Welcome Party on Monday evening, March 10, at Atomic Golf. Conference speakers and industry VIPs gathered for an evening of golf, networking, cocktails, food, music, and fun—courtesy of Philips LED Horticultural Lighting.
Indoor Ag-Con 2026 is scheduled for February 11–12, 2026 at the Westgate Las Vegas. For more information, please visit www.indoor.ag.
About Indoor Ag-Con
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming, greenhouse, and controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and cover all sectors of the business—from produce and legal cannabis/hemp to alternate protein and non-food crops. For more details, visit www.indoor.ag.
Indoor Ag-Con, Inside Grower magazine and presenting sponsor BPGrower.com are proud to announce the winners of the inaugural CEAs — Cultivating Excellence Awards. This prestigious new awards program was 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 honored trailblazing businesses and standout products that are shaping the future of CEA. This year’s winners include:
Operational Excellence — Little Leaf Farms, Devens, Massachusetts & McAdoo, Pennsylvania
Good Stewardship — 80 Acres Farms, Hamilton, Ohio
Product Innovation — CE-Line
“We’re excited to celebrate and honor products and leaders making a difference in our industry at the inaugural CEAs luncheon. The awards 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.
“The winners of the inaugural CEA awards represent the innovation, dedication, and forward-thinking spirit that are driving the future of controlled environment agriculture. Their contributions are not only advancing technology and sustainability but also shaping the way we grow food for generations to come,” adds Paul Black, Publisher, Inside Grower.
For more information on The CEAs and Indoor Ag-Con visit www.indoor.ag
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.inside-grower.com
The Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture, a U.S. based company that supports the growth of the vertical farming and greenhouse industry, has been awarded a Pennsylvania Agricultural Innovation Grant to advance the design of energy- efficient indoor farms. This initiative will support the development of cutting-edge strategies to reduce energy consumption while enhancing productivity in controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
The grant, provided for by Governor Shapiro’s 2024-2025 budget and administered by the PA Department of Agriculture, is part of the state’s commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and sustainability. With indoor farming on the rise, optimizing energy use is a critical step toward making these operations more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
“We are thrilled to receive one of Pennsylvania’s first Agricultural Innovation planning grants,” said Dr. Eric W. Stein, Executive Director, Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture. “This funding will enable us to develop innovative design models that help indoor farms maximize efficiency, lower costs, and reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring consistent food production year-round.”
The Center’s project will focus on integrating advanced energy-efficient production technologies, supply chain optimization, facility design, and renewable energy systems into a scalable indoor farm solution. The goal is to provide Pennsylvania farmers and agribusinesses with methods of growing indoors that are sustainable and profitable.
“Our farmers form the backbone of our economy here in Pennsylvania — they put food on our tables and in our stores and restaurants every day. If we want to compete and succeed as a Commonwealth, then we have to invest in them,” said Governor Shapiro on the Commonwealth’s web site . “We are announcing investments in game-changing projects that are fueling the future of farming in Pennsylvania — and giving farmers and ag producers the tools they need to get ahead. Thefuture of our economic success and opportunity runs through our farmlands, and we are going to continue to invest in agricultural innovation in my Administration.”
The Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture will collaborate with industry experts, academics, and design engineers to refine and implement best practices. The insights gained from this initiative will be shared with the broader indoor farming community through reports, presentations at industry association events, and social media.
For more information about the Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture and its ongoing initiatives, visit indoorgacenter.org.
About the Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture
The Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture is dedicated to advancing sustainable, technology-appropriate solutions for indoor farming through research, education, and industry collaboration. For investors, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and community organizers, the Center helps to de-risk the process of building sustainable and profitable indoor vertical farms and greenhouses. For communities, the Center supports the growth of innovative agricultural systems that ensure food security and environmental stewardship. The Center is located in the Philadelphia metro region.
Media Contact Information:
Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture Web: https://indooragcenter.org/
Email: team@indooragcenter.org
When we hear about Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) and strawberries, there is a big buzz and excitement surrounding it. This is because TCEA is a somewhat costly agri-technology, requiring significant investment and precision, and strawberries as a crop need loads of TLC. While early adopters of vertical farming/TCEA focused primarily on leafy greens and microgreens, growers seeking high-profitability crops have turned to strawberries as a promising option.
Strawberries in TCEA: An Opportunity for Year-Round Production
Strawberry consumption could be year-round, but due to climatic restrictions such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight availability, it is not always possible. TCEA solves this problem by ensuring continuous production, making fresh fruit available regardless of geographic location and season. At the same time, strawberries offer a strong diversification option for vertical farming companies looking to expand beyond greens.
Challenges and Failures in TCEA Strawberry Production
While the potential for strawberries in TCEA is high, there have been significant failures among new entrants. Many startups enter the industry with ambitious goals and high expectations but fail to achieve them because they neglect the advice of horticulturists, plant scientists, and experienced strawberry growers. Often, the neglected advice relates to infrastructure (growing system) and tech decision-making (HVAC, LEDs etc), but also plant-related decisions, such as what type of soilless method will be used (substrate, NFT, etc.) and what pest management plan will be followed (use of only bio-control or also conventional pesticides), among many other factors.
Strawberries may seem like an ideal candidate for vertical farming due to their plant structure, but their infrastructure requirements, environmental control needs, and necessary husbandry practices differ significantly from leafy greens and microgreens. Underestimating these differences has led to many unsuccessful ventures.
Often, new entrants into vertical farming come from engineering or financial backgrounds and assume that growing plants follows simple mathematical equations. However, biology does not work like engineering—in any biological process, 1 + 1 does not always equal 2; sometimes it equals 0.5, and other times it equals 4. Many engineers struggle to understand the deep impact environmental factors have on plant performance, and those who fail to recognise the variability of biological systems often fail in strawberry TCEA production. This reinforces the need to consider the expertise and advice of plant scientists and experienced growers.
Cultivar Selection vs. Crop Management x Environment
A common question in the industry is: “What is the best cultivar to grow in TCEA?” Many people assume that cultivar selection is the most important factor, but they forget that genetics alone do not determine success.
The management of the crop and the environmental conditions impact gene expression, yield, and fruit quality. Even if growers select a high-yielding, high-brix cultivar, it will not perform well unless environmental conditions, crop care, and husbandry practices are optimised. Strawberries, unlike leafy greens, require much more in-house experience to detect early issues before sensors pick them up.
Advice for Startups: Rather than focusing solely on cultivar selection, new entrants should work with any strawberry variety available to them at the time, consult their propagators and suppliers, and prioritise obtaining healthy, high-quality plants—even if they are not the ideal variety at first. If startups discuss their specific TCEA system with suppliers, they can receive the best possible plants based on availability. Once major management and environmental factors are finalised, then it is the right time to focus on cultivar selection.
Pollination in TCEA Strawberry Cultivation
Pollination presents a frequent challenge in TCEA strawberry farming. In polytunnels and glasshouses, growers rely on natural pollinators or commercially supplied bumblebee hives. However, in TCEA environments, where LEDs are the sole source of lighting, pollination strategies must be carefully managed.
Many growers struggle with using bumblebees in TCEA, despite the fact that the absence of UV light is not necessarily a limiting factor. However, bee well-being and factors such as dawn and dusk lighting conditions, hive placement, and transportation play a major role in pollination success.
Additionally, multi-focal artificial light sources can trigger object-avoidance behaviour in bumblebees, making them expend extra energy as they mistake static objects for moving ones. This results in energy loss and premature bee deaths.
While many growers have successfully integrated bumblebee pollination into TCEA, variability of hive “personality” (yes; they have personality) and delivery conditions remains an uncontrolled factor. Alternative pollinators, such as hoverflies, offer promising solutions but are not yet widely available commercially.
Energy Challenges in TCEA Strawberry Production
Energy costs remain one of the most significant challenges in TCEA strawberry production. Running a fully controlled environment requires high electricity consumption, particularly for LED lighting, climate control, and dehumidification systems. These energy demands make production expensive, particularly in regions with high electricity prices.
To mitigate these costs, some growers are exploring alternative and renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, to reduce reliance on grid electricity. Additionally, energy brokerage deals and dynamic pricing models—where growers adjust their energy consumption based on fluctuating electricity prices—are being tested. However, the long-term impact of adjusting energy inputs on fruit quality, yield, and consistency is still unknown. Finding the right balance between energy efficiency and crop performance remains a key research priority.
More development in energy sourcing is needed before TCEA strawberry production becomes widely profitable, apart from regions where energy prices are already low. Investments in energy-efficient technologies, such as advanced insulation, heat recovery systems, and smart climate control algorithms, will be crucial to improving the economic viability of TCEA strawberries in the future.
The Challenges of Strawberry Propagation in TCEA
Strawberries are traditionally propagated asexually through runners to maintain genetic consistency. However, this propagation process has traditionally taken place outdoors, where plants pick up pests and diseases that later enter growing systems.
For TCEA growers, maintaining a pesticide-free environment is a priority, making young plants with inherited pest and diseases a major issue. While propagators do their best to supply clean plants, the problem is systemic throughout the industry, as plants are grown outdoor in soil and sand.
To address this, the industry is exploring propagation alternatives, including:
While these methods hold promise, each requires specialised knowledge and infrastructure. New startups should avoid getting involved in propagation initially, as it is far more complex than fruit production and could overcomplicate operations in the early stages.
The Future of Strawberries in TCEA
Many companies are now successfully growing strawberries in TCEA, but approaches vary:
While it is possible to grow strawberries profitably in TCEA, gaps in industry knowledge remain. Many new entrants seek specific growing parameters, such as light spectrum, intensity, and photoperiods. However, this data is scarce, as most strawberry cultivation research has been done in polytunnels and glasshouses, or not done at all, as the knowledge of the effects of light on plants was not a very useful thing to know, or they could not really do anything even if they knew more about it.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Key gaps in scientific knowledge regarding strawberry cultivation include:
Since most historical research has focused on sunlight-grown strawberries, the industry must invest in new studies to gather this crucial information. However, startups are not those to have to conduct such research, as it requires rigorous experimental design, data collection, and significant resources. This is an area where larger research organisations must step in, with potentially public funding.
Final Thoughts
There is a growing movement toward TCEA strawberry production, both for fruiting and propagation stages. However, to ensure long-term success, new entrants must learn from past failures. By consulting plant scientists, embracing biological variability, and avoiding over-reliance on engineering solutions, while addressing energy challenges, the industry can make TCEA strawberries a widespread success.
If startups trust plant scientists and experienced horticulturists, rather than solely relying on financial models and engineering logic, TCEA strawberries will become far more successful than they are today.
About InnoPhyte Consulting
InnoPhyte Consulting, founded by Katia Zacharaki, is a dynamic firm dedicated to advancing AgriTech innovation, with a strong background in Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA), particularly for greens and strawberries. InnoPhyte offers a unique “Science-as-a-Service” approach, providing flexible support to companies with their research needs, data analysis, report and presentation creation, grant writing, market analysis, LCAs and project management. Specialising in assisting small and medium enterprises, InnoPhyte helps bridge the gap between scientific expertise and practical application, driving success in the AgriTech sector. Visit InnoPhyte.co.uk or email us at hello@innophyte.co.uk.
Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, is excited to announce its Day 2 keynote session, “Trends in Canada: Insights from Leading CEA Growers Across the Nation.” Scheduled for 8:00 AM PST on March 12, 2025, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, this session will feature a dynamic panel of Canadian CEA leaders sharing insights into the latest industry innovations, sustainability strategies, and business growth opportunities.
Building upon Indoor Ag-Con’s opening day keynote on March 11 , which will provide a high-level CEA State of the Industry overview led by the CEA Alliance, this session will deliver insights from leaders actively shaping the Canadian CEA landscape. With Canada at the forefront of sustainable, technology-driven farming, this discussion will provide critical takeaways for growers, investors, and industry stakeholders worldwide.
“Canada has built a strong reputation for its leadership in CEA innovation, from high-tech greenhouses to sustainable vertical farming operations,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “This keynote will showcase how top Canadian growers are addressing key industry challenges, scaling their businesses, and leveraging advanced technologies to drive success. Our attendees will gain real-world insights that can help shape their own strategies and operations.”
Keynote Session Overview:
Date: March 12, 2025
Location: Indoor Ag-Con | Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Featured Panelists:
Join the Conversation at Indoor Ag-Con 2025
With an expanded expo floor, five educational conference tracks, and exclusive networking opportunities, Indoor Ag-Con 2025 is the premier event for vertical farm operators, greenhouse growers, investors, tech providers, and CEA industry leaders.
For more details on the this keynote and other educational offering, registration information, and more,, visit www.indoor.ag.
February 19, 2025 – Oberlin, OH — AdeptAg, North America’s leading horticultural solutions provider, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with FGM, a Danish innovator known for its Moving Gutter Systems (MGS). This collaboration unites two industry leaders dedicated to delivering and servicing solutions for the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector.
FGM’s Moving Gutter System has gained international acclaim among growers for its capacity to optimize space and enhance plant growth. Designed for crops such as lettuce, herbs, vegetables, and other leafy greens, MGS offers a revolutionary approach to improving efficiency and sustainability.
Through this partnership, AdeptAg will serve as the exclusive North American distributor for FGM’s grow systems and various FGM-manufactured horticultural equipment, enabling growers across the continent to access this cutting-edge, labor-saving technology. AdeptAg’s family of experienced companies—Agrinomix, Zwart Irrigation, and Plantech Controls—will contribute to these projects.
Industry-Leading Service and Support
David Stienes, AdeptAg’s CEO, stated: “North American leafy green, vegetable, and herb producers face the challenge of finding reliable growing systems that keep them competitive in the market for years to come. We know our partnership with FGM’s Moving Gutter Systems will enable us to provide the most comprehensive solution on the market, along with the ability to maintain and service that technology throughout its lifecycle—a service that no other provider can truly match today.
Currently, many users of moving gutter systems lack a North American team of domestic service personnel, and when issues arise, they are dependent on remote support from companies an ocean away. If a grower purchases an FGM system from AdeptAg, they can trust that we will be there on-site when service is required.”
Jeff Warschauer, FGM’s Director of Business Development and Key Account Sales, echoed this sentiment, adding: “A more formal cooperation was the logical next step after many successful years of collaboration with AdeptAg on various projects in North America. We know this partnership will provide growers with the best of both worlds—advanced technologies and exceptional North American service.”
“AdeptAg’s comprehensive offerings include irrigation systems, water treatment, seeding, propagation, transplanting, harvesting equipment, UL/CSA electrical designs and installations, as well as controls for semi- and fully automated solutions.”
“After 40 years in the greenhouse industry, I trust that AdeptAg will continue to deliver the highest level of customer service that so many North American growers have come to expect.”
Why Choose an FGM Moving Gutter System?
A Partnership You Can Trust
With AdeptAg’s local expertise and FGM’s MGS technology, growers gain access to an unparalleled combination of innovative systems and dedicated service. From system design and installation to ongoing maintenance and support, AdeptAg ensures that your investment delivers long-term value.
Experience the Future of Leafy Green Growing
Join the many growers who have already unlocked their greenhouse’s potential with FGM Moving Gutter Systems. Let AdeptAg help elevate your operation to the next level.
For Sales Inquiries, Please Contact:
Kevin Prol
Director of Product Management • Sales
AdeptAg Email: kprol@adeptag.com
Jeff Warschauer
Director of Business Development – Key Account Sales
FGM
Email: jeffw@fgmusa.net
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Derek McLaughlin
Marketing Manager
AdeptAg
Phone: +1 (440) 420-0427
Email: dmclaughlin@adeptag.com
Learn More:
Visit AdeptAg at https://www.adeptag.com and FGM at https://fgm.dk/en/ to explore how this partnership can transform your growing operations.