Tag: controlled environment agriculture

Trend Report – Indoor Ag-Con 2025

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on January 19, 2025. Posted in Blog, Exhibitor News, Press Releases.

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.

Indoor agriculture has reached new heights, with innovative technologies and practices, helping pave the way for a sustainable future in food production. As the world faces increasing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and urbanization, the indoor farming sector is stepping up to provide solutions to address these global issues.

(Photos above from L-R: Thrive Agritech, VelociGro, Inc., ZGROUP USA, Priva)

Below are some of the trends shaping the indoor agriculture industry today and a selection of highlights from Indoor Ag-Con 2025 exhibitors.

Hydroponics Innovation

Hydroponics, the soil-free cultivation of plants using nutrient-rich water, has become a standard in indoor agriculture. Recently, innovations in hydroponic systems have improved plant growth rates and reduced water consumption.

Just Vertical (Booth 1113) crafts and distributes state-of-the-art, sustainable vertical hydroponic farming systems, revolutionizing agriculture. The innovative systems empower growers, whether small-scale or large-scale, to cultivate fresh, nutrient-rich produce in any space. At Indoor Ag-Con, check out their NEW Just Vertical Grow Racks, Free-Standing Grow Racks redefine flexibility and efficiency in indoor agriculture, setting a new standard for accessibility and innovation. Unlike traditional systems that cater exclusively to experienced growers or specific scales, Just Vertical grow racks are designed to empower anyone—from beginners to seasoned professionals—on any scale. By optimizing vertical and horizontal growing spaces, our technology ensures that every inch of your operation works harder for you.

Concert Bio (Booth 841SZ-1) optimizes greenhouse crop performance‍ via the plant microbiome. They are using cutting-edge data science to identify and provide beneficial microbes to hydroponic growers – creating the ideal microbiome for their crops to thrive. Developing the ideal microbe products to enhance greenhouse crop performance. As agriculture transitions from traditional to hydroponic methods, recreating the delicate balance of microorganisms found in soil – and which plants need to thrive – has become essential for improving crop growth, quality and resilience. Their platform, developed for hydroponic greenhouses, leverages our unrivaled microbiome database to unlock a whole new level of understanding about the hydroponic microbiome and how to improve it.

Profile’s Growing Solutions (Booth 425) division offers a comprehensive portfolio of products that improve substrates and growing / soil blending operations. These product brands include HydraFiber engineered fibers; Profile Sphagnum Peat Moss and Profile Coconut Coir; Florikan controlled-release fertilizer; and a line of Quick Plug bonded media technology for propagation and food production. They now have a line of hydroponic solutions that includes HydraFiber + Coir grow bags and HydraFiber + Coir grow blocks – combining two leading substrates into one hydroponic solutions to service the CEA market with high-performing, cost-effective growing solutions. Profile will have the new hydroponic grow bags on display at Indoor Ag-Con.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices

As consumers increasingly demand sustainable food options, indoor agriculture has responded with environmentally friendly practices. The use of renewable energy sources such as LED lighting, solar and wind power is on the rise in indoor farming operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, many indoor farms now implement zero-waste practices, reusing water and recycling materials used in farming operations.

Thrive Agritech (Booth 533) is a recognized leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of advanced LED lighting systems specifically for the indoor agriculture market. By focusing on advanced technologies and energy efficient solutions, Thrive Agritech enables growers to optimize plant development, productively increase yields, and reliably reduce operational and maintenance costs. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by indoor agriculture operators, Thrive Agritech delivers on both lighting and power distribution solutions focused on lowering costs of production and maximizing profitability. Thrive Agritech’s commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and superior customer service positions their company as a trusted partner for growers looking to capture the full potential of a lighting manufacturing partner.

VelociGro Inc (Booth 631) offers patented technology to improve the environment by replacing traditionally wasteful agricultural methods, with gel based biodegradable and compostable grow plugs and mats. They nurture growth that’s not just better for plants, but better for our planet by: Increasing crop yields by up to 40%, Reducing water usage by an average of 30%, Cutting pesticide use significantly, promoting healthier food and ecosystems and helping indoor farms to create a truly “controlled environment” by using our substrates. They are debuting the HYPERroots FT seed starter plugs, HYPERroots FT Microgreen mats, and HYPERroots Liquid at Indoor Ag-Con.

Priva (Booth 525) is a leading technology company specializing in innovative solutions for sustainable horticulture and building automation. They empower growers with advanced climate, water, and energy management systems, optimizing greenhouse operations for increased productivity and resource efficiency. Their offerings include state-of-the-art climate controllers, crop registration tools, and data-driven insights to help businesses achieve sustainability and operational excellence. With a strong commitment to innovation, Priva partners with clients to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and smart environments. Priva will showcase showcase PIM (Priva Irrigation Management), a powerful tool that helps growers optimize irrigation strategies, ensuring precise water, nutrient, and energy use, at Indoor Ag-Con.

PathoSans (Booth 629) enables customers to produce effective and sustainable cleaning and sanitizing solutions, using just salt, water, and electricity. Through on-site generation, customers can not only produce the solutions they need, when they need them, but they can eliminate the need to bring harmful chemicals into their growing environment. They help put the ‘control’ in controlled environment agriculture. At Indoor Ag-on, they will showcase the newest and smallest on-site generator, the Concentrate Compact generator. This unit is wall-mounted and by producing concentrate, it offers the most flexibility in application possibilities.

Farm-to-Table Accessibility

The growth of indoor agriculture has resulted in fresher, locally grown produce, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Indoor farms in urban areas are creating farm-to-table solutions that allow consumers to access fresh and nutritious food grown within their communities. This trend is further supported by advances in logistics and supply chain technologies, ensuring faster delivery and reducing food waste.

ZGROUP USA (Booth 615) specializes in innovative modular refrigeration solutions, offering cutting-edge Cold Storage, Blast Chiller, Blast Freezer and Ripening technologies. With over 20 years of experience, ZGROUP enhances food safety, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. Their blast chiller, which optimizes the freshness of products from farm to table, features innovative forced air cooling system that ensures rapid and efficient cooling, preserving the quality and flavor of the food. This solution is designed for easy integration into farms or packing facilities and is essential for maintaining an effective cold chain.

Based in Etten-Leur the Netherlands, TAKS Handling Systems (Booth 231) develop, make and assemble innovative packing hall solutions and transport systems that are both modular and custom-built. Their systems can process produce such as vegetables and fruits fast and efficiently and will save you a significant amount of labor. When it comes to the automation of your packing hall or logistic system, TAKS Handling Systems has the perfect solution for every situation. Discover our versatile modular products and interesting custom fit solutions.

Sormac Inc (Booth 1003) offers the best post-harvest solutions for indoor growing. Sormac leads the ways in developing process solutions for CEA-grown products. Whether you grow your product in a greenhouse or in a vertical farm of if you use hydroponics, aeroponics or aquaponics. All products are grown gently. This gentle treatment needs to be continued after harvesting so products will look defined in the shops where they battle for the attention of the consumer. Sormac’s proven systems help customers to deliver the highest quality product.

Robotics and Automation

The integration of Robotics and Automation in indoor agriculture is revolutionizing the way food is grown, with precision and efficiency at its core. Advanced robotic systems are being deployed to automate tasks such as planting, watering, pruning, and harvesting, significantly reducing the reliance on manual labor. Sensors play a crucial role by continuously monitoring key environmental parameters such as light, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture, providing real-time data for optimizing crop growth.

Located in Europe’s leading robotics hub, Odense, Denmark, 4XROBOTS (Booth 1114) has developed the world’s first 4-armed collaborative delta robot. Designed for modern production environments in the horticulture sector, their robot aims to improve productivity and operational efficiency. The 4X robot is capable of speeds up to 1,000 mm/second while maintaining collaborative features. This combination of high speed and safety makes it ideal for quality-driven Pick & Place applications. The robot’s 4-armed mechanical design significantly extends its physical reach, providing a larger workspace and greater flexibility. Additionally, it features intuitive programming for fast implementation and remote system access for enhanced uptime and reliability. These innovations collectively set new standards in efficiency, reliability, and operational ease for collaborative robots.

Rooted Robotics (Booth 1032) creates innovative automation solutions for vertical and indoor farming, specializing in affordable, modular systems designed to empower small and medium-sized growers. Their products, including tabletop seeders, harvesters, and washers, streamline labor-intensive tasks while boosting efficiency and yield. With a focus on flexibility, their machines can be integrated into fully automated workflows using groundbreaking L.I.N.C. (Linearly Integrated Networked Conveyors) technology. See the new L.I.N.C. seeder, harvester, and tray/NFT channel washer at Indoor Ag-Con.

Growbud (Booth 431) provides truly wireless grow medium sensors for indoor agriculture. The Growbud software platform enhances plant cultivation by providing real-time environmental monitoring, advanced analytics, and seamless integration with Growbud’s suite of sensors. The insights provided by the platform allow cultivators to dial in irrigation controls to increase crop yield. At Indoor Ag-Con, Growbud will be debuting the Growbud Dro and Vero substrate sensors.

For more information on the 2025 exhibitors, visit Who’s Exhibiting 2025 – Indoor Ag-Con

ABOUT:

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

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

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on November 7, 2024. Posted in Press Releases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

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

ABOUT INSIDE GROWER

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

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

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 15, 2024. Posted in Blog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hippo Harvest Launches Organic Packaged Lettuce Line

Hippo Harvest Launches Organic Packaged Salad Produce Line

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 15, 2024. Posted in Blog.

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

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

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

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

Read full story from Produce Blue Book…

Indoor Ag-Con Advisory Board Slate Announced for 2025

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 14, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

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

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

2025 Indoor Ag-Con Advisory Board Members

Glenn Behrman, Founder & President, CEA Advisors

Michelle Keller, Chief Horticulture Officer, Living Greens Farm

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

Joe Swartz, Senior Vice President, AmHydro

Nona Yehia, Co-Founder & CEO, Vertical Harvest

Jennifer Waxman, Founder/Managing Partner, Seed2Source

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

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

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

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Third Annual CEA Summit East Sparks Innovation and Collaboration In Virginia

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 4, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Educational Tracks

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

Tabletop Exhibits & Networking

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

Graduate Student Poster Competition

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

CEA Innovation Center Tour

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

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

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

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

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER

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

Matthew Lohr Virginia Secretary of Agriculture

Virginia’s Vision for CEA: A Conversation with Secretary of Agriculture Matthew Lohr on Growing a Sustainable Future

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on September 14, 2024. Posted in Blog.

To set the stage for the upcoming CEA Summit East in Danville, we talked with Matthew Lohr, Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, to explore how the Commonwealth is fostering innovation and growth in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector. From innovative workforce development programs to forward-thinking policies, Secretary Lohr shares insights into the state’s strategic initiatives under Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration. With a commitment to both traditional agriculture and CEA, he discusses the synergies between these sectors and the exciting opportunities ahead for the Commonwealth’s agricultural future.

Virginia has positioned itself as a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). What key factors do you believe have contributed to this success, and how do you see the state continuing to support the growth of this industry?

Over the last decade, Virginia has been actively engaged in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), but it was our current governor Glenn Youngkin who elevated CEA as a top priority of the administration. Our mid Atlantic location is key, giving us the ability to reach two thirds of the U.S. population within a two-day drive.

As agriculture constantly evolves, the innovative technologies of CEA engage a new generation of farmers and agriculturalists. Virginia has embraced this evolution and has seen tremendous growth by capitalizing on a broad based, bipartisan support from both local and state officials. We have championed successful changes in tax policy the last two years that have attracted CEA companies. Virginia is also uniquely investing in financial incentive programs from TWO state agencies; the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). We provide top-notch industry driven research led by the CEA Innovation Center in Danville. Finally, Virginia is deeply engaged with middle school, secondary and post-secondary levels of education to develop broad based, technical curriculums focused on CEA and other agricultural technologies.

With your background in both traditional farming and CEA, how do you view the role of indoor agriculture in the broader agricultural landscape of Virginia? What synergies do you see between these two sectors?

As a 5^th generation poultry and livestock farmer, I have been very engaged in traditional agriculture my entire life. Here in Virginia, agriculture is our largest industry and represents an annual economic impact of over $82 billion. I see the CEA industry not as competing with our traditional farms but as supplementing our growth and success. The vast majority of all leafy greens and vegetables are grown on the west coast and in the deep south, not in Virginia. CEA opens the door for a whole new generation of people interested in growing food to get involved. Especially in non-traditional urban growing areas across the state.

Indoor farming relies on less land, water and growing inputs, while reducing labor and foodborne illnesses. In some instances, CEA research is actually helping outdoor farms develop crop varieties that are more productive, efficient and resistant to disease and pests.

Workforce development is crucial for the success of the CEA industry. What steps is Virginia taking to ensure a skilled and ready workforce to meet the demands of this rapidly growing sector?

Virginia has pioneered several programs that create an early interest in indoor farming and agriculture technology as early as middle school. GO TEC: The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) initiative developed a unique, five-week CEA module that allows middle school students to experience a full plant growth cycle. This program introduces students to critical sectors like electrical engineering, quality control, automation, and manufacturing engineering. GO TEC has been very successful across 40 middle schools and there are plans to expand this program into high schools.

Virginia community colleges are developing courses and associate degrees based on Ag Tech. These courses allow students the flexibility to gain broad science and mechanical skill sets. Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke is working with stakeholders to create an ATE (Advanced Technological Education) program. With an emphasis on two-year colleges, the ATE program focuses on the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy. Reynolds Community College also offers an associates degree in applied science in Horticulture Technology and a certificate in Sustainable Agriculture. In addition, Virginia Tech has partnered with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to research and develop educational programming to further advance CEA operations. Sweet Briar College near Amherst is creating an integrated curriculum across several majors that allows students to get hands-on CEA experience in their on-campus greenhouse. These exciting programs are both creating an awareness of indoor farming while developing the necessary skills for success in tomorrow’s agricultural industry.

What specific initiatives or policies are currently in place, or being developed, to attract and support CEA companies in Virginia? How does the state balance fostering innovation while ensuring sustainable practices?

Over the last few years, the Youngkin administration has worked to advance several legislative policies that support the CEA industry. In 2023 a bill was passed that allows Virginia to provide a sales and use tax exemption to businesses investing in new CEA infrastructure, including greenhouses, hydroponic systems, and other growing equipment. These credits help offset the initial capital investment and encourage companies to adopt CEA technologies. Another bill that passed in 2024 classifies indoor agriculture/CEA equipment as “farm equipment,” allowing it to be exempted from personal property taxes in localities that provide such exemptions. In the 2025 legislative session, we will be exploring legislation that addresses energy usage and efficiencies within the CEA industry.

The area of research is another area that attracts CEA companies. Innovative research led by the CEA Innovation Center develops strategic partnerships with both industry and academia. The Center conducts research and develops educational programs that promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and abroad. The Center also features various hydroponic and soilless systems including indoor growth rooms, greenhouses, growth chambers, and vertical growing racks. High-tech engineering fuels innovative research and demonstration crops. Robotic imaging, analytical chemistry, and biotechnology are also highlighted. In addition to research, the CEA Innovation Center’s scientists design and provide educational activities to train employees, farmers, and companies on controlled environment technologies and crop production.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the CEA industry in Virginia, and how is your office preparing to address or capitalize on them?

The biggest challenges I see facing CEA growth in Virginia are energy usage, site development and access to capital. There are many growing demands on our energy grid that Governor Youngkin is addressing through an “All of the Above” energy plan that focuses on reliability, innovation and environmental stewardship. Shovel ready sites for large scale projects are another top priority for the administration. We have made major investments in these sites that will be necessary for future growth. Finally access to capital is a major challenge for large scale projects. As the economy has softened and inflation has increased, access to capital has become more difficult.

Despite the challenges, there are still many exciting opportunities still ahead for Virginia CEA. We are continuing to develop the infrastructure framework that will sustain a growing industry. More investments in research and state incentives will attract even more of these indoor farms of all sizes. There are opportunities on the horizon that may include partnering indoor farms with data centers that would create amazing synergies with heat, carbon and fertilizers. There will also be even more opportunities to build on our solid educational system across multiple educational levels. It is an exciting time for CEA in Virginia, but I envision an even brighter future ahead.

CEA Industry Leaders to Outline Future Trends at CEA Summit East Keynote

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on August 19, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Virginia October 1-2, 2024 Edition Brings Academia and Industry Together For Collaboration, Innovation

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East is excited to announce that the keynote address, “Leadership Insights: Charting the Future Landscape of Controlled Environment Agriculture,” will take place on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 9 AM at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.

This session is one of two featured keynote addresses joining the full conference line-up for the October 1-2, 2024 edition, providing attendees with a double dose of expert insights and forward-thinking discussions. This keynote will bring together leading executives in the CEA industry to explore predictions, strategies, and perspectives on the emerging trends that will shape the future of controlled environment agriculture.

The panel will feature Carl Gupton, CEO, Greenswell Growers; John McMahon, Co-Founder & COO, Better Future Farms; and Molly Montgomery, Acting CEO & Executive Chair, AeroFarms. The keynote will be moderated by Emily Gee, a member of the Board of Directors for the CEA Alliance and Director of Marketing, AeroFarms.

This engaging session will give attendees the chance to participate in the ongoing conversation shaping the course of sustainable and innovative food production. Whether you are a greenhouse grower, urban agriculture operator, vertical farmer, supplier in the CEA sector, this keynote promises critical takeaways that can help you navigate the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture. Look for more information coming soon on another keynote session.

ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST

Returning for its third year, the CEA Summit East will be held from October 1-2, 2024, at the IALR Conference Center in Danville, Virginia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for the vertical farming, greenhouse, and CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech (VT)- IALR CEA Innovation Center, this summit continues to be a key event for industry collaboration and innovation, featuring two days of tabletop exhibits, networking and conference programming.

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which drew participants from 33 U.S. states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the CEA Summit East 2024 is expected to once again unite professionals from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees will include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers exploring hybrid opportunities, educators, scientists, extension personnel and agents, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members.

For more information on the CEA Summit East and to register for the event, please visit www.ceasummit.east.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

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

ABOUT THE 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. For more information, visit www.ialr.org/cea

CEA Alliance and Indoor Ag-Con Announce 2025 Partnership

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on August 13, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

LAS VEGAS (August 13, 2024) — The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance (CEA Alliance) and the Indoor Ag-Con LLC management group announced today that the Alliance will hold its 2025 annual meeting in conjunction with Indoor Ag-Con and contribute to the educational program at the event in Las Vegas, March 11-12, 2025.

“Indoor Ag-Con has become one of the most important events of the year for CEA growers,” said CEA Alliance Executive Director Tom Stenzel. “We’re excited to hold our annual business meeting at the show, facilitating the participation of our member growers and their business partners in this event.”

The partnership underscores the commitment of both organizations to advancing the field of controlled environment agriculture.

“We are honored to partner with the CEA Alliance,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “The Alliance’s grower and business service members represent leading innovators and voices in the CEA industry, amplifying the value and impact of our audience. Hosting their annual meeting in conjunction with our event creates a unique opportunity for our exhibitors and attendees to engage directly with even more top-tier growers and industry leaders. The Alliance’s contributions to our educational lineup will be invaluable, bringing critical insights and expertise on the key issues and trends shaping the future of controlled environment agriculture.”

As part of the 2025 Indoor Ag-Con conference program, the CEA Alliance will present a “State of the Industry” report, outlining the growth, challenges, and opportunities for the CEA sector.

“We’re excited to bring our members’ experience and expertise to this presentation at the 2025 conference,” said Alliance Chairman Dan Malech, Senior Vice President, Strategy and General Counsel, Plenty. “Our friends at Indoor Ag-Con have created an essential educational and business destination for our members, and we look forward to continuing to build momentum for the growth of the indoor produce sector.”

Entering its 12th year, Indoor Ag-Con has consistently been a pivotal event for professionals in the CEA sector, experiencing year-on-year growth and providing a comprehensive platform for networking, business development, and education. For the March 11-12, 2025 edition, Indoor Ag-Con moves to its new venue, Westgate Las Vegas, providing space for the event’s expanding exhibit hall, educational offerings, and networking events.

ABOUT THE CEA ALLIANCE
The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance is a membership trade association representing and serving vertical farms and greenhouse producers growing fruits and vegetables in a highly controlled indoor production environment. More information is available at www.ceaalliance.com

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Indoor Ag-Con is the premier trade show and conference for the indoor and vertical farming industry, bringing together growers, suppliers, and industry leaders to share knowledge, network, and explore the latest innovations in controlled environment agriculture. More information is available at www.indoor.ag

Agriculture Moves Beyond The Earth — Georgia Trend Magazine

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on July 20, 2024. Posted in Blog.

“[CEA] is definitely an agricultural opportunity for us to continue to grow our agricultural footprint,” says Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Department of Agriculture “It is one those emerging markets folks are really looking into and could really be beneficial in getting more Georgia-grown products on the shelves.”

A feature story in the July issue of Georgia Trend puts spotlight on the controlled environment agriculture sector in the state of Georgia highlighting operations, including Local Bounti, Gotham Greens, Hardee Fresh Vertical Farms, Cox Farms | BrightFarms, and Better Fresh Farms. The story also spotlights Rhuanito Ferrarezi, associate professor of controlled environment horticulture at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and a survey of Georgia farmers he is conducting to better understand the scope of CEA in Georgia.

“The reason for me to create a survey is to really quantify how many people are out there, the size of their operations, which crops they are growing and what problems they are encountering, so we can really assist in different areas,” he says.

Read the full article from Georgia Trend here…