Tag: indoor farming

From Bronx Schools to Cruise Ships: Babylon Micro-Farms CEO Marc Oshima Shares What’s Next

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on April 21, 2025. Posted in Blog.

Marc Oshima has spent his career at the intersection of food, sustainability, and innovation — and now he’s bringing that experience to Babylon Micro-Farms as its new CEO. With more than 350 micro-farms operating in a range of settings from schools to cruise ships, the company is redefining what’s possible with on-site indoor farming. In this Q&A, Oshima shares why he joined the team, how Babylon is scaling its impact, and what’s ahead for the indoor ag industry as it faces both new opportunities and real-world challenges.

You’ve helped shape the indoor farming industry from its early days. What drew you to Babylon Micro-Farms at this point in your career, and what excites you most about leading the company into its next chapter?

I am a builder and love helping businesses and people grow. I am passionate about the FoodTech/AgTech space and understanding how we can drive commercial, scalable solutions to our most pressing agriculture and supply chain challenges. Babylon Micro-Farms has been leading the way for on-site farming solutions, with over 350 farms across 40 states and 5 countries, and I am excited to lead them for the next stage of transformational growth. They have a great product line, seasoned team, proven track-record and business model, fantastic customers, and long-term committed investors, and I see so many positive opportunities ahead for them.

Babylon Micro-Farms has really carved out a unique niche with its on-site farming model in places like hospitals, schools, and corporate dining. How do you see this approach evolving as more organizations look for fresh, local food solutions?

There are major tailwinds with greater emphasis than ever before for food as medicine, health and wellness, sustainability, and culinary differentiation that are fueling a significant pipeline of projects for Babylon Micro-Farms. What is exciting for us is that we now have years of operating experience, established business cases and proof points on how we can help drive greater employee/guest engagement and more positive customer experiences when our on-site farming solutions have been deployed. While our systems are turnkey to install, we see further opportunities with new builds and retrofits to have our systems already specified into the design and planning phases to create even more seamless integrations. A great example is our ongoing work with MSC Cruises where we have our on-site farming solutions built right onboard for their dining and kitchen facilities. We were excited to see the unveiling of their latest World America cruise ship this month in Miami at the Seatrade Cruise’s major event called F&B@Sea where Babylon Micro-Farms was recognized as Trailblazing Product of the Year.

With hundreds of micro-farms already up and running — and a tech platform managing it all — how is Babylon using data and automation to keep things consistent and scalable?

Our Babylon IQ operating system is the brains for our business, managing the entire fleet of farms real-time with remote monitoring and oversight. Our Guided Growing app enables anyone to become a farmer with easy-to-use training and tips that automatically guide the farmer through each stage of growing. We are able to use data from our systems to measure all aspects of the individual growing sites and our overall operations to provide a consistent, high level of performance.

You’ve long been an advocate for making healthy food more accessible and equitable. How does Babylon’s mission tie into that — and what role can the broader indoor ag community play in pushing this forward?

I have been working for over 20 years to improve our food systems, and Babylon Micro-Farms is committed to inspiring a greater connection with freshly harvested produce and how it is grown in order to help address our broken, complex food supply chain. We operate in key verticals from Education to Corporate Dining to Hospitality to Healthcare / Senior Care and can have a direct positive effect on anyone aged 4 to 84. We recently had ribbon-cuttings for some of our new farms in NYC public schools in the Bronx and Queens, and it is tremendous to see the immediate connection you can make with today’s youth about our food and where it comes from. We are also fortunate to work with great partners and changemakers like Stephen Ritz and his Green Bronx Machine organization that works with thousands of schools around the world, and we see how partnerships like this can help us scale our mission and impact.

In general, we hope to learn and lead within the broader agriculture community and see tremendous value working closely with important trade organizations like Indoor Ag-Con as well CEA Alliance and International Fresh Produce Association to help share best practices and help advance the indoor farming industry. We realize that we go faster and have greater impact by working together collectively.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities — and maybe a few challenges — that indoor farming is facing over the next few years as the industry continues to grow and evolve?

There are tremendous opportunities ahead because the macro-pressures facing traditional field farming from climate change, increasing weather volatility and damaging storms, drought, overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, food safety, worker welfare, cost of doing business are all continuing to increase dramatically. The challenges with any business are understanding your economics and what problems you are uniquely solving. Babylon Micro-Farms has identified a unique niche and solution for hyper-local, on-site growing where we make margin on the sale of our farms and even more margin on our recurring subscription fees to service our farms.

The recent downfall of a few Agtech companies represents a market correction because the business fundamentals were not in place to drive the right unit economics with the right technology solutions. As with any emerging industry, we fundamentally need to continue to invest in new technologies and solutions to help mitigate these increasing pressures. We, as an industry, need to do a better job of celebrating and showcasing the success stories to continue to attract interest from key stakeholders from selling partners to government to investors, and we are appreciative of the work that Indoor Ag-Con does to help provide a platform and forum to come together as an industry.

Learn more about Babylon Micro-Farms.

Indoor Ag-Con Philips LED Lighting VIP Welcome Par-Tee

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on March 16, 2025. Posted in Blog.

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!

HortiDaily: Photo Report Indoor Ag-Con 2025

Written by Hortidaily.com | Verticalfarmdaily.com on March 16, 2025. Posted in Blog.

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.

Click here to view our photo report of the event

Sollum Technologies and Indoor Ag-Con Announce Recipients of the Sollum Student Scholarship

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on February 12, 2025. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Two PhD Students Awarded Full Conference Experience at 2025 Edition of Indoor Ag-Con in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV (02/12/25) – Indoor Ag-Con and Sollum Technologies are pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural Sollum Student Scholarship to Indoor Ag-Con: Erica Hernandez and Brandan Shur. These two outstanding PhD students, both conducting research in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), will receive an all-expense-paid opportunity to attend the March 11-12, 2025, edition of Indoor Ag-Con at the Westgate Las Vegas.

Sponsored by Sollum Technologies, a leader in dynamic LED lighting for CEA, this scholarship program is designed to support the next generation of researchers and innovators by providing hands-on exposure to industry advancements, networking opportunities, and educational sessions at the largest conference and trade show for indoor and greenhouse farming.

Meet the Scholarship Recipients:

Brandan Shur is a first-year PhD student at Virginia Tech in Dr. Michael Evans’ CEA Innovation Lab, where he is focused on developing innovative crops for hydroponic greenhouse and indoor farms. His research explores how electrical conductivity levels, salt types, and nutrient solutions influence micro-dwarf tomato flavor and yield, aiming to bridge the gap between CEA and high-quality fruit production.

Erica Hernandez is pursuing a PhD in Biology with a focus on plant-microbe interactions at Portland State University. The host plant she is studying is lupin, and she’s growing her research plants in several on-campus greenhouses rather than pursuing strictly field studies. Her objective is to identify bacteria that may potentially be useful in mitigating the effects of climate change.

“We are thrilled to welcome Erica and Brandan to Indoor Ag-Con 2025,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “Their work in CEA research is impressive, and we hope this experience provides valuable insights, connections, and inspiration for their future careers.”

Jenny Zammit, Vice President of Marketing at Sollum Technologies, added, “At Sollum Technologies, we are deeply committed to fostering the next generation of agricultural innovators. Erica and Brandan’s research represents the kind of forward-thinking science that will drive the future of controlled environment agriculture. We are proud to support their attendance at Indoor Ag-Con to engage with industry leaders and new technologies.”

Both recipients will receive:

A full-access conference pass to the 2025 Indoor Ag-Con event.
Round-trip airfare (coach).
A two-night hotel stay at the Westgate Las Vegas (room and tax included).
A daily per diem for meals and expenses.

This initiative aligns with Sollum Technologies’ mission to advance sustainable agriculture and Indoor Ag-Con’s commitment to fostering industry growth and education. Erica and Brandan will have the opportunity to engage with leading growers, researchers, and technology providers during the two-day event, expanding their knowledge and professional networks.

Visit event Indoor Ag-Con for event details and information on the Sollum Student Scholarship at www.indoor.ag and Sollum’s website on its technology at www.sollum.tech.

About Indoor Ag-Con:
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con is the premier trade show and conference for vertical farming, greenhouse, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Bringing together industry leaders and innovators, the event showcases cutting-edge technology, market trends, and research advancements across the CEA sector.

About Sollum Technologies:
Sollum Technologies offers the only 100% dynamic LED lighting solution that modulates the full spectrum of the Sun’s natural light to illuminate closed environments like greenhouses and research facilities. Powered by AI-driven SUN as a Service® cloud platform, Sollum’s award-winning solution delivers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency for growers worldwide.

Vertical Harvest Maine is Hiring!

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on February 4, 2025. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

New Indoor Farm in Westbrook Begins Inclusive Hiring Process

Greater Portland Maine Metro Area – January 30, 2025 – Vertical Harvest Farms, an indoor farming company focused on customized employment for people with disabilities, is excited to announce hiring in support of their new 51,000 square-foot hydroponic indoor farm in downtown Westbrook, Maine.

The farm is slated to begin producing 2.5 million pounds of fresh, leafy greens for New England consumers, the culinary community and local institutions later this year. And the company is especially excited to offer locally grown, nutritionally dense and radically delicious microgreens to the Maine community, believing that good can (and should) taste great.

Vertical Harvest is also unique for practicing customized employment, with a focus on fostering human potential and offering reasonable and appropriate accommodations for people with disabilities via its Grow Well employment model. Co-founder Caroline Croft Estay and team developed this one-of-a-kind program at its original farm in Jackson, Wyoming and has been evolving it since 2016. “We believe in the dignity of work, the power of community and that everyone deserves a fair shake at a meaningful career, growth and economic independence – which is not always accessible to people with disabilities.” says Croft Estay.

The company is currently fielding applications for their first round of hires – focused on farm leadership, operations, sales and marketing roles. Once the management team is in place, the second round of hiring will begin focused on filling the farm’s growing associates, packaging and fulfillment roles.

A list of open positions is currently available on its website. Interested applicants can sign up to be notified of future rounds of hiring as well as request any accommodations needed to support the application process. Of the milestone, CEO Nona Yehia says, “This moment is the culmination of years of effort and collaboration with our partners in Westbrook and the state of Maine. We aim to be a community farm that makes fresh, delicious produce radically accessible and where we’ve set a place at our table for everyone.”

About Vertical Harvest

Vertical Harvest is a hydroponic, vertical farming company dedicated to community-oriented farms, food and futures. In addition to their passion for local, healthy food grown sustainably, Vertical Harvest also operates on an inclusive, customized employment model with farms designed for accessibility and staffed via hiring practices developed to support meaningful employment for people with disabilities. For more information visit www.verticalharvestfarms.com and sign up for the newsletter or follow on socials at @verticalharvestfarms.

Harvest to Hospitality: Bridging CEA with the Service Industry

Written by Henry Gordon Smith on February 2, 2025. Posted in Blog.

The hospitality industry is a growing sector that continues to expand, with emerging trends such as Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices, a focus on Health and Wellness, Unique Experiences and Local and Authentic Cuisine. These trends can be combined with local food production in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), which can offer educational tours, workshops, and generally more nutritious food produced locally. Also, CEA offers many advantages, such as providing fresh produce regardless of external conditions, reducing water consumption, and eliminating the use of pesticides and insecticides.

We will discuss the topic “Harvest to Hospitality: Bridging CEA with the Service Industry” on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Indoor AgCon, at 9 AM PST. The panel will feature Marc Oosterhuis, CEO of Babylon MicroFarms; David Flynn, CEO of AmplifiedAg Inc; and Jack Murana, Program Coordinator for FoodU at Auburn University.

Image source: https://traveladdicts.net/fridheimar-tomato-restaurant-iceland/

Types of CEA Systems

CEA includes various methods of controlled food production, such as:
🌱 Greenhouses – High-tech facilities optimizing sunlight and climate control
🏢 Vertical farms – Multi-layered indoor farms using hydroponics and artificial lightning
🚛 Container farms – Self-contained units that allow food production anywhere
🛒 In-store units – Small-scale farming solutions inside supermarkets, rooms and restaurants

All of the above can also be integrated into the growing trend of Agritourism, which is gaining traction worldwide and something that Agritecture Consulting has been heavily involved in designing for projects around the globe in recent years.

What is Agritourism?

Agritourism is a tourism sector that combines agriculture with travel experiences, allowing visitors to engage directly with food production, farming activities, and rural culture. It offers unique and immersive experiences, such as farm stays, agricultural workshops, hands-on harvesting, and tasting local, farm-fresh products.

Who Is Developing the Hospitality Project?

A key consideration when integrating Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) into the hospitality industry is understanding the diverse range of stakeholders involved. These can vary widely—from small-scale farmers looking to enhance their farm-to-table offerings, to real estate developers seeking to incorporate sustainable food production into their properties, and even to some of the world’s most luxurious architects designing high-end resorts with on-site vertical farms or greenhouse dining experiences.

Farmers – Growers

Farmers and growers can successfully integrate Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with hospitality by supplying locally grown, fresh produce directly to restaurants, hotels, and other culinary businesses. Ensuring consistent quality, freshness, and aroma is crucial—an advantage that CEA can provide. By focusing on specialty crops such as edible flowers, microgreens, saffron, and mushrooms, growers can offer unique ingredients that elevate the dining experience and distinguish their produce in the hospitality market.

A great example is Farm One, a former Agritecture client based in Brooklyn, New York. Initially specializing in fresh specialty crops for local chefs, Farm One has since expanded its business model to include a brewery and coworking space. They also offer farm tours, creating a dynamic blend of networking, hospitality, and urban farming. This evolution demonstrates how CEA operations can successfully diversify and integrate into the broader food and hospitality ecosystem.

Image source: https://www.untappedcities.com/tour-brooklyn-hydroponic-farm-one/

Real Estate Developers

Real estate developers are increasingly incorporating sustainable food production into their projects, not only to enhance their environmental credentials but also to gain recognition and awards for innovative sustainable developments and smart cities. Beyond sustainability, they must consider how CEA projects engage the community and visually integrate with the overall development. A well-designed CEA space should be both functional and aesthetically appealing, seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment while serving as a focal point for sustainability initiatives.

The priorities for these projects extend beyond production—they must also deliver experiential and educational value. Successful integration excites visitors, offering immersive experiences that showcase the benefits of supporting local farms. Whether through interactive farm tours, on-site restaurants featuring hyper-local ingredients, or educational workshops, these elements help create a deeper connection between urban developments and sustainable agriculture.

Agritecture has assisted multiple real estate developers in integrating Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) into their projects, tailoring solutions to fit each market and concept uniquely. By understanding the specific needs of different developments, Agritecture proposes practical and scalable strategies that enhance sustainability, community engagement, and overall project value.

Image source: https://www.agritecture.com/smart-city

Architects

Architects specializing in hospitality design are increasingly focusing on incorporating Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) into their projects, aiming to create spaces that blend sustainability with a unique guest experience. Their vision centers around making the farming process a visual and interactive element within the space, ensuring that CEA features such as vertical farms or hydroponic systems not only contribute to sustainability but also enhance the overall aesthetic. Through these elements, architects create a holistic, immersive environment that attracts guests seeking both luxury and authenticity.

Architects have concerns regarding the integration of CEA facilities and the structural challenges, such as the weight of racking systems, and how to incorporate these systems into the layouts without compromising the overall design and functionality of the space.

Agritecture has collaborated with numerous architects, especially on high-end luxury concepts, offering everything from conceptual proposals to detailed layout designs for vertical farms inside massive developments like towering skyscrapers.

For example, one of our projects involved a luxury agri-themed hotel in the Middle East, where we proposed a variety of experiences for the guests, ranging from low-tech greenhouses to high-tech strawberry cultivation setups, a seed coffee library, and aquaponic farms. Agritecture’s expertise in both agriculture and architectural design enables us to help architects transform their visions into reality, creating exceptional, sustainable, and immersive experiences for their clients.

Key Elements of a Successful Hospitality, CEA and Agritourism Mix

At Agritecture Consulting, we have successfully implemented these strategies in past projects and can provide expert guidance on designing, developing, and optimizing agritourism ventures that seamlessly integrate Controlled Environment Agriculture into the hospitality industry. After working on compelling agritourism and hospitality projects, we have identified key factors that drive their success:

1️⃣ Local Cultivation – Make sure that the food which is produced on-site or sourced from nearby farms, reinforces authenticity and sustainability.
2️⃣ Educational Workshops & Activities – Offering sessions on sustainable farming, cooking classes, and interactive learning about Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) can bring the feeling of community and education into the project.
3️⃣ Impactful Farm Tours – Providing engaging, behind-the-scenes experiences at production sites, allowing guests to see how food is grown in innovative CEA systems.
4️⃣ Destination Design & Local Identity – Create an aesthetically appealing space that enhances the visitor experience while preserving and showcasing the local culture.
5️⃣ Sustainable Business Model – Implementing an economic framework that benefits both producers and consumers, such as Community Smart Agriculture, which fosters direct relationships between farms and customers.

Image source: https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasterfarming.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/c7/6c783f4f-cf55-5e5f-9951-8b343bc00f5b/5968cbf1b6e9e.image.jpg

See you at Indoor Ag-Con!

CEA offers a unique approach to local food production by enabling the cultivation of fresh, high-quality produce in urban environments, regardless of seasonal changes or geographical limitations. CEA not only promotes sustainability but also ensures a consistent supply of ingredients for the hospitality industry, enhancing the farm-to-table experience and providing chefs with direct access to locally grown, flavorful produce year-round.

We will be discussing these topics in our exciting panel at Indoor Ag-Con! If you’re involved in hospitality and want to learn more about how CEA can transform your projects, this panel is for you! Whether you’re a technology enthusiast or curious about the future of CEA, join us to dive deeper into innovative solutions and trends shaping the industry. Don’t miss out!

BrightFarms Opens Its First Greenhouse In Texas

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

From Produce Reporter:

BrightFarms, a national leader in the indoor farming industry, today announced the opening of its first greenhouse in Texas. This brings its fresh, locally grown leafy greens to the South Central and Southwest for the first time.

Building on the recent unveiling of its Illinois greenhouse, the Lorena, Texas, site is the second of three regional hubs BrightFarms is opening in 2024, marking an ambitious and rapid expansion.

“Texans deserve the freshest, highest-quality produce, and we’re thrilled to deliver just that,” said Steve Platt, CEO of BrightFarms. “With our greenhouse expertise and cutting-edge technology, we’re bringing year-round access to fresh greens to the Lone Star State. As proud members of the GO TEXAN Program, we’re committed to not only providing top-tier produce but also supporting the growth of Texas agriculture.”

The Lorena greenhouse, which will cover 1.5 million square feet upon completion, is designed with cutting-edge cooling technology such as KUBO’s Ultra-Clima system, enabling BrightFarms to create and sustain optimal growing conditions year-round, regardless of the Texas heat or external climate conditions.

The new facility will create over 250 job opportunities for Lorena and the surrounding Texas triangle area, offering competitive benefits available from the very first day of employment.

Read full story from The Produce Reporter…

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/

Optimizing Supply Chains of Indoor Farms: Research Participation Opportunity

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

Sponsorship and Research Participation Opportunity!

Overview: Dr. Eric W. Stein, Executive Director of the Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture, and Dr. Afrooz Moatari-Kazerouni, COE partner and Assistant Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, School of Business Administration at Widener University are working on a research paper on how to optimize supply chains of indoor farms. This study examines the complexities of supply chain management within the context of indoor farming and addresses the critical needs for robust supply chain frameworks to support the scalability and economic viability of indoor farming.

Working Title: “Optimizing Supply Chains of Indoor Farms”

Methodology: Online Survey

How to Contribute: Contributions include participation in the study and/or financial support.

Participation in the Survey: Go to our website for more information. https://indooragcenter.org/research

Sponsorship Opportunity: The Center of Excellence and the authors welcome the support of the following types of organizations that may wish to contribute to the study:

Indoor farm operators (greenhouse and vertical farms)
Equipment suppliers
Consultants
Horticultural specialists
Academic researchers

Sponsors will be acknowledged in the paper and through various media channels (detailed description available at https://indooragcenter.org/research).

To sponsor or contribute to this research project, please contact Dr. Stein at team@indooragcenter.org for more information. More information is also available at https://indooragcenter.org/research

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.