After a thorny 2024, the CEA industry looks ahead to 2025

It may seem challenging to maintain confidence amidst the volatility in the marketplace. There’s a fine line between productive, sustainable stress and caustic stress. The “sustainable” kind may spur innovation and promote collaboration.

New Zealand business consultant Terry Williams says sustainable stress is doable, and he explains how to protect yourself from it becoming the type of stress that impacts mental and physical health.

First, develop a discipline of checking in with yourself. Schedule a daily reminder and ask these three questions:

1. How specifically am I feeling right now?
2. What specifically is causing that feeling?
3. What can I do about it, now or later?

“Are you stressed or feeling stressed? The former defines you, but the latter separates you from the feeling,” Williams explains. “This technique enables you to take control of stressors rather than them taking control of you. That distance is healthy. You are not your feelings — they’re just chemistry and electricity.”

Despite a rather thorny year in 2024, there’s still confidence brewing in the industry.

In our cover story about Great Lakes Growers, owner John Bonner reveals how he’s managed more than 10 years of steady growth. Of course, that growth has not been immune to challenges, but he remains confident about the market and his company’s strategies.

Indoor Ag-Con has reasons to celebrate — the organization is growing its annual trade show, adding booth space and additional tracks. We have your comprehensive guide to this year's show.

Eddy Badrina, CEO of Eden Green Technology, reveals how the Texas-based company has weathered some of the volatility. He also shares why he’s confident industry players have learned valuable lessons to encourage making CEA processes more affordable.

What lessons did you learn in 2024 that you’re carrying into 2025? What are some keywords you’re leaning on in 2025? Perhaps it’s flexibility, adaptability or collaboration. I’d love for you to share your experiences and how you’re facing the new year with confidence.

This article appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Produce Grower magazine under the headline "Maintaining confidence."