Women in CEA” (WiCEA) is a women-led group, focused on uniting women across the CEA industry through online and in-person networking and educational events. With women being natural collaborators, the group is creating a space for women to innovate, connect and inspire.
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.
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.
As a 5th 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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you grow ornamental crops, cannabis or greenhouse vegetables there are numerous companies that are promising to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and improve overall crop yields. After having many conversations with growers in greenhouses, vertical farms and other indoor (and outdoor) growing facilities, Christopher Higgins & the Urban Ag News team put together a short article outlining the types of technologies being proposed and their capabilities at this stage in the product development process.
The way they see it, there are five types of “AI” terminologies/technologies being marketed, developed and used in some form or fashion: Digital Twins, Generative AI, Intelligent Algorithms, Sensing/Computing Vision and Robotic.
Based on the research the Urban Ag News team has access to, including websites of businesses targeting commercial horticulture and controlled environment agriculture, they see companies using these five types of AI to enhance the following functions…
Read the full article at Urban Ag News here.
Klasmann-Deilmann will showcase its latest introductions in booth 812 during the March 11-12, 2024 edition of Indoor Ag-Con. The focus will be on the presentation of a genuine innovation for modern horticulture: Nygaia. Nygaia is a substrate based on biopolymer technology that is biodegradable and is particularly suitable for use in hydroponic systems.
Under the theme “The magic of innovation,” the completely newly developed product will be presented to a wide audience. In addition to theoretical information – which will be communicated at the trade fair booth – the product will also be brought to life for trade fair visitors on site.
Be it with test kits, which will be distributed to interested guests at the booth. Or with the appearance of Rob Anderson. The magician has been seen on Good Morning America, Today, and Comedy Central performing his impressive feats of sleight-of-hand and mind-reading. Rob will be making an appearance during Ag-Con exclusively at the Klasmann-Deilmann booth and during the welcome cocktail reception on the expo floor.
And when even the President of MTV Networks says about Rob ” … I know how rare it is to come upon a talent like him.”, this live event is definitely not to be missed. The special performance is scheduled for March 11 , 2024 from 5:15 to 5:45 pm in the Expo Theater on the show floor during the opening day cocktail reception.
Nygaia is the substrate solution of the future that will soon be able to completely replace conventional substrates, e.g. in the cultivation of leafy vegetables in hydroponics and vertical cultivation systems. The innovative substrate fibre consists of 60% natural, bio-based raw materials and is completely biodegradable.
This means it produces neither waste nor microplastics. The Nygaia substrate fibre for hydroponics is inert, salt-free and provides a perfect water retention capacity. It also offers very good air capacity, which optimally supports healthy root growth of plants. Nygaia is a product development of the close collaboration of Klasmann-Deilmann and Maan Biobased Products.
Innovation in plant propagation: The GROWCOON
In addition to Nygaia, Klasmann-Deilmann will also showcase Growcoon, a fully biodegradable propagation plug based on polymer technology with a stable but flexible open net structure. It forms a stable root ball when used in combination with a high-quality seedling substrate. Therefore, Growcoon is the optimal system for all types of propagation methods such as sowing, rooting of cuttings, grafting but proves to be particularly effective in vertical farming and hydroponic systems.
The Growcoon is available in many different standard sizes and suitable for all common tray sizes and can be used in all established propagation systems and with different trays and any loose fill substrate. Moreover, Growcoon is a solution for pot-free cultivation, which can significantly reduce the use of plastic. For this, Growcoon is also available in larger dimensions and suitable for growing bedding plants, perennials, or pot herbs in small pots. Growcoon is a product developed within the close collaboration of Klasmann-Deilmann and Maan Biobased Products.
Klasmann-Deilmann is the leading corporate group in the international substrate industry, with numerous sales and production companies in Europe, Asia and America, and a network of sales and production partners on every continent. Our growing media provide worldwide a vital basis for the growth of soft fruit, vegetables, edible mushrooms, herbs, ornamental plants, trees and shrubs. They help ensure the success of our partners and customers in the commercial horticulture sector and are an integral part of the food sector value chain.
The strategic focus of our company, a medium-sized family business, is extremely forward-looking. Keen to remain the most successful and sustainable producer of growing media, we are single-mindedly building on the lead we have in the development and use of renewable resources, ground-breaking substrate blends and innovative solutions for commercial horticulture. Our ADVANCED substrates as well as Growcoon, Nygaia and the Growbag ADVANCED are the latest examples of our sustainable, innovative growing solutions.
Learn more about Klassmann-Deilmann.