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Trend Report 2 | Indoor Ag-Con 2025: Smart Greenhouses, Climate Control Matters, Sustainable Storage

Indoor Ag-Con, the largest show dedicated to indoor agriculture, is the place to find the latest trends shaping the future of farming. Come March 11-12, 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 indoor agriculture industry is undergoing rapid innovation, driven by sustainability, technological advancements, and shifting consumer demands. As food security and environmental concerns continue to shape the global agricultural landscape, industry leaders are embracing new strategies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Here are the top trends shaping indoor agriculture in 2025:

Smart Greenhouses Enhance Productivity

Advanced climate control technologies are making greenhouses more efficient and resilient. Innovations such as smart ventilation, automated shading, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems help maintain ideal growing conditions year-round. By integrating real-time weather data and IoT-powered sensors, greenhouse operators can significantly reduce energy consumption while maximizing crop yields.

Rimol Greenhouse Systems (Booth 903) is a family-owned commercial greenhouse manufacturer based out of Hooksett, New Hampshire. They have been serving the industry for over 30 years with customized greenhouse kits designed for growers of all sizes, in the agricultural, horticultural, educational, cannabis and homesteading markets. They work closely with growers to design a complete greenhouse to fit their needs, including the structure, covering, heating and cooling systems, environmental controls systems and more.

Lubing Horticulture’s (Booth 225) mission is to bring effective and efficient products to greenhouses of all sizes. They offer OptiCOOL evaporative plastic cooling pads, High Pressure Fogging System, and a NEW Automatic Gutter System (AGS). At Indoor Ag-Con, they will showcase AGS made to fit small – medium sized greenhouses with one of the primary design requirements for this system is to keep both the germination and harvesting at the front of the greenhouse to increase operational efficiency for small growers.

Borlaug (Booth 634) is a horticultural service company specializing in the engineering design, service, and construction of greenhouses and indoor farms. They specialize in Crop Climate Systems, Water Systems and Facilities’ construction, installation, and commissioning.

Climate Control Yields Better Crops

Indoor agriculture is increasingly reliant on advanced climate control systems to optimize growing conditions and improve crop yields. As unpredictable weather patterns and climate change impact traditional farming, growers are turning to precision-controlled environments where temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and lighting can be finely tuned to maximize efficiency. Technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming integrate AI-driven sensors and automated climate regulation to maintain ideal growing conditions year-round.

VT Dry & Cure Technologies (Booth 317) stands at the forefront of drying, curing, and storage, harnessing patented Vaportrol® technology to reliably and effectively dry, cure, and store agricultural products with consistent, repeatable outcomes. Their vapor pressure-based systems for drying, curing, and storage are critical in various industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, offering precise control over environmental conditions to optimize product quality and integrity. Their systems regulate the vapor pressure between the product and its surroundings, effectively managing the moisture removal rate and never over-drying, so producers can maximize product yields and profitability. This controlled environment minimizes the risk of product degradation, inhibits mold growth, ensures consistent drying and curing, and provides stable, long-term storage.

DryGair (Booth 916) develops innovative dehumidification solutions for commercial-scale horticulture, including greenhouses, indoor grow rooms, vertical farms and more.

Since 1985 Climate Control Systems Inc. (Booth 503) has provided automation to CEA growers for flowers and vegetable crops, vertical farm operations, and cannabis growers. They help growers tachieve better crop production using computer automation in their operation. These systems improve crop yields, save on energy costs, and save 30% – 40% on water and fertilizer costs. Nebula Group proudly announces the acquisition of the Delta 9 Grow Pod business from Delta 9 Biotech. This acquisition paves the way for the formation of Nebula Grow a new company with the new firm “The Horticulture Company”.At Indoor Ag-Con, they will have an actual working 20′ Nebula Grow Pod on the show floor, as well as continue to showcase the Fertigation Manager featuring PPM targeting of nutrients with live demos on the actual machine.

At Indoor Ag-Con, Hoogendoorn (Booth 803) is showcasing how IIVO’s Intelligent Algorithms are transforming greenhouse operations. These algorithms empower growers to make precise, data-driven decisions, forecasting conditions and autonomously adjusting climate settings. Additionally, they are introducing IIVO Compact+, a powerful yet accessible solution designed for smaller-scale growers who want to leverage the same advanced automation and data-driven insights as large-scale operations. With over 100 installations worldwide, IIVO and IIVO Compact are proving their ability to enhance sustainability, boost profitability, and simplify greenhouse management. Look for live demonstrations of IIVO’s capabilities, showing how its Intelligent Algorithms adapt in real-time to changing greenhouse conditions.

Bosman Van Zaal (Booth 216) is a leading specialist in horticultural technology, with more than 100 years of experience and currently 300 employees worldwide. Whether it’s cultivation systems, climate control, lighting, irrigation, construction, vertical farms or software: Bosman Van Zaal is the one-stop-shop partner for Turnkey projects, all in the field of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Introducing Polariks – your gateway to the future of data-driven excellence. Discover the power of this cutting-edge data platform, designed to seamlessly integrate sensors, machines, and systems at Indoor Ag-Con

Sustainable Storage and Containment Solutions

Storage and containment in indoor agriculture are critical for maintaining efficiency, sustainability, and food safety. Proper containment systems help regulate nutrient solutions, water, and growing media, ensuring crops receive consistent and optimal conditions. Advanced storage solutions, such as modular vertical racks, temperature-controlled seed banks, and airtight nutrient reservoirs, prevent contamination and improve resource management. In hydroponic and aeroponic setups, specialized tanks store nutrient-rich water, while automated distribution systems deliver precise amounts to plants, minimizing waste.

Da Ros (Booth 1034) offers a complete package of solutions for indoor farms: produce harvesting, tray washing, automatic tray warehouse, tray filling-seeding transplanting. At Indoor Ag-Con, Da Ros will showcase its new tray for baby leaf production.

MFG Tray (Booth 1116) has more than 60 years of experience in designing and molding an extensive line of trays, flats, and containers. The company is continually developing new products to meet specific growing, storing, and processing requirements. Success in vertical farming and insect rearing results from a carefully balanced mix of pH, nutrients, light, temperature, and humidity. MFG Tray Farming products provide solutions and consistent benefits regardless of harsh environmental conditions.

Anu (Booth 1111) specializes in advanced hydroponic farming solutions, providing modular, aeroponic container farms that enable sustainable, high-yield food production in any environment. Our USDA-NIFA SBIR-funded Pure Produce Container is a fully self-contained, rapidly deployable system designed for urban agriculture, educational institutions, food security initiatives, and commercial growers. By leveraging Rotary Aeroponic® technology and Self-Nurturing Seed Pods, their systems maximize efficiency, reduce labor costs, and create climate-resilient farming opportunities. We also offer customizable solutions for schools, businesses, and community organizations, integrating technology, automation, and sustainability to revolutionize local food production.

Hydrofarm|Innovative Growers Equipment (Booth 1008) is the Growtainers® manufacturing and marketing partner. IGE manufactures racking, lighting, greenhouse benches and other horticulture/hydroponic supplies. Hydrofarm markets and distributes those products plus soils, fertilizers, etc. Growtainers® are custom made Container Farms available worldwide. At Indoor Ag-Con experience the , the Growtainers® Tissue Culture Labs, a cutting-edge tissue culture shipping container, These state-of-the-art laboratories, nestled within 40’ or 53’ insulated tissue culture shipping containers, are at the forefront of tissue culture innovation.

As these trends continue to evolve, the indoor agriculture industry is poised for significant growth and innovation, reshaping how food is produced and distributed globally. With technological advancements and sustainability at its core, the future of indoor farming is brighter than ever.

For more information on the 2025 exhibitors and Trend Report 1, please visit https://indoor.ag/trend-report-2025/

 

Controlled Environment Agriculture Is The Future of Food

Imagine Farms Cheryl & Lisa
Imagine Farms Sisters and Co-Founders Lisa Merkle & Cheryl Arnold

Indoor AgCon 2022 was full of inspiring and informative sessions and speakers. The main takeaway: Controlled Environment Agriculture is the future of food. Growing food in a controlled environment provides a stable and dependable framework that is currently missing in our food supply chain. The ability to grow food 365 days a year regardless of season or location without pesticides or harsh chemicals is revolutionary. 

I was invited to speak on a panel discussion about shipping container farms and represent Imagine Farms, which is funny because we don’t identify as a shipping container farm although we use shipping containers as the building blocks of our system. 

We differentiate ourselves from Shipping Container Farm businesses (Freight Farms, Crop Box, etc.)  as we are not in the business of building and selling turnkey systems.

Rather, we worked with a designer to build our system, using the insulated shipping containers as a shell.  Currently, we use the shipping containers as grow rooms and adjacent functional spaces (walk in cooler, pack room, nursery). At this time, we have 8 rooms dedicated to Leafy Greens and Petite Root vegetable production and 2 rooms dedicated to Mushrooms.

Imagine FarmsThis process has inspired our vision to build a large scale production farm with groups of grow rooms that work together to grow a variety of crops under one roof – this might mean a warehouse farm with grow rooms built out and/or continuing to utilize shipping containers for this purpose (indoor or outdoors – or a combo of both). We are in the early stages of raising a Series A to build 15-20 grow rooms under one room with the addition of automation to begin to fulfill the demand in South Florida.  

Cheryl and I started in one shipping container farm that we built ourselves (with the designer) – and did it all ourselves for the first 2 years – we acquired hands-on experience growing as well as all the different aspects involved with growing and distributing food; integrated technology, tested different crops, sales, marketing, distribution, accounting, packaging, food safety, etc. Most importantly, we were able to test the market which is the framework for building the business.  

When we started Imagine Farms we appreciated the positive attributes that come with growing in a controlled environment; significant decrease in water usage when compared to field farming, growing without pesticides, and the positive aspects of ‘farm to table’ as a service. Now, it is evident that natural resources are scarce – specifically water, arable farmland and access to minerals for fertilizer.

We are facing a grain shortage that will drive up the cost of basic food and other commodities because of the war in Ukraine, while our physical resilience and mental health depend on access to fresh, healthy food. The more intelligent, motivated and passionate individuals exposed to the industry, the better. Shipping container farms placed in schools, universities, public programs and start-ups might be the greatest vehicle to accelerate this industry. 

Learn more about Imagine Farms by visiting their website or calling 844.204.0002.

Kurt M. Aken Joins AmplifiedAg to Lead Expansion of its Vertical Roots Business

In a sign that vertical farming is reaching an inflection point, AmplifiedAg hires produce industry veteran to lead growth for its flagship brand, Vertical Roots

Indoor Ag-Con 2021 Exhibitor AmplifiedAg, Inc. a leading platform in the fast-growing category of hydroponic vertical farming – announces the hiring of industry veteran Kurt M. Aken to lead the growth of its Vertical Roots brand. Aken joins as Executive Vice President, Business Development following a successful 24-year tenure with two of the most recognized consumer produce brands in the United States – Fresh Express and Chiquita Brands International. Aken will be focused on supporting and extending the Vertical Roots hydroponic produce brand, which is currently sold in more than 1,700 retail locations in the Southeast United States.

“I, like many others in the produce industry, have been watching the evolution of vertical farming with intense interest,” said Aken. “Vertical farming represents an important part of the future of sustainable food supply and produce capacity, and I’m inspired by AmplifiedAg’s approach and leadership.”

“AmplifiedAg’s best-in-class technology, modular and scalable construction capability,and unrivaled growing expertise is the foundation of Vertical Roots success, and makes the most reliable partner for retailers and wholesalers looking for the best produce possible,” Aken added.

Vertical Roots currently operates hydroponic container farms in Charleston, SC, Columbia, SC and Atlanta,GA, with more farm expansions on the horizon. Since January 2020, Vertical Roots has grown its retail footprint 272% and now offers its lettuce in approximately 1,700 grocery stores across the Southeast. The hydroponic produce line includes a variety of salad mixes and Green Butter, Green Oak, and Green Leaf Living Lettuces. The brand also recently introduced one of the first ever hydroponic varieties of large-leaf Romaine.

Vertical Roots produce is grown in hydroponic farms constructed from repurposed shipping containers, and leverages AmplifiedAg’s proprietary software and hardware to optimize growing cycles and insure premier quality and consistency. Farms are built to USDA and FDA food safety standards, and the hydroponic growing method means no soil, no pesticides, and more nutritious, clean, longer lasting produce.

During Aken’s career at Fresh Express and Chiquita Brands, he led the corporate account team that serviced leading grocery retailers across the United States. Aken was responsible for cultivating new business opportunities in nontraditional
produce channels including foodservice, club and drug and discount store segments, as well as theme parks and cruise lines.

Andrew Hare, co-founder and general manager of Vertical Roots, said, “Kurt’s extensive industry experience, including retail and customer insights, consumer trends, and supply chain management, will help us further accelerate the growth of our Vertical Roots brand. He is a recognized leader in the category and we are proud that he has chosen to join our company and work with us to advance our mission.”

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About AmplifiedAg, Inc.
AmplifiedAg, Inc.™ is a leader in the indoor agriculture category focused on empowering a scalable, resilient, and sustainable food supply and providing global populations with access to clean, fresh, and healthy produce. The company manufactures modular and scalable indoor farms using refurbished shipping containers and advanced hydroponic systems controlled by its proprietary hardware and seed-to- sale SaaS-based.

AmplifiedAg’s flagship brand Vertical Roots is the largest hydroponic container farm in the world and currently sells its produce through more than 1,700 grocery stores and numerous distributors.

In addition to powering its flagship brand Vertical Roots, AmplifiedAg provides holistic indoor farming solutions to sustainably grow and distribute food anywhere in the world. Learn more at www.amplifiedaginc.com.

Sananbio Ark Climate-Controlled Mobile Farm

tIndoor Ag-Con exhibitor SANANBIO, a leading vertical farming solution provider,  announces the availability of its climate controlled mobile farm for growers globally – Sananbio Ark.

Indoor Ag-Con Exhibitor Sananbio Lalunches Sananbio Ark Mobile Farm
SANANBIO ARK HIGHLIGHTS

“3,300-4,400 lbs of cucumbers, 7,700 lbs of arugula, or 8,000 lbs of lettuce. These are the proven annual yields that we’re confident to announce,” said Zhan Zhuo, co-founder and CEO of SANANBIO. “We ‘produce’ turnkey farms and this one is mobile.”

The Sananbio Ark adapts to any climate thanks to its thermal insulation system. the system has   a thermal conductivity below 0.024w/(m·K). One of the mobile farms operated as usual in a coldness of -40 degree Fahrenheit in northern China. This  sustained local communities with local produce at a reduced carbon footprint. It  is shocking to find that our food travels 1,500 miles on average before reaching our plate.  In addition, the CO2 generated, and the nutrients lost during the transportation, can’t be good for the planet or human beings. That’s why local food is advocated.

“The ready-to-use farm is the solution we offer to regions where the environment is too harsh to support stable agricultural production,” said Zhan.

To streamline the farming experience, the designer simplifies the start-up procedures to a single plug-in motion.  Simply power it up through a connector on the exterior and then even hydroponic beginners are set to grow. Moreover, growers can monitor and control farm metrics simply by moving fingertips on their phone.

“By simplifying modern agriculture, we offer more farming opportunities for kids and urban dwellers. We have a mobile farm deployed in a Malaysian suburb where kids from the neighborhood frequent the farm for hands-on hydroponic experience. It’s a perfect bonding time when families go there to pick their own salad ingredients. As a Photobiotech company, we’re nurturing a new generation of growers,” said Zhan.

For more info about the mobile farm, please visit www.sananbio.com/ark.

About SANANBIO

SANANBIO is a joint-venture by Sanan Optoelectronics, one of the world’s largest LED manufacturers, and the Institute of Botany of Chinese Academy of Sciences, a leading institute in plant science. Comprised of LED experts and plant scientists, SANANBIO is able to provide simple CEA solutions for growers globally. The RADIX, a Reddot award winner, has been widely endorsed by growers in more than twenty countries.