Photo courtesy of Indoor Ag-Con
Tuesday, March 11
Welcome and keynote address
Time: 8 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
The CEA Alliance kicks off the event with a state of the industry presentation. This opening session will highlight current trends and key achievements shaping vertical farming and greenhouse production. Gain insights from industry leaders into how the CEA sector is advancing food production and sustainable practices.
Speaker: CEA Alliance Executive Director Tom Stenzel
Harvest to Hospitality: Bridging CEA with the Service Industry
Time: 9 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
Track: Trends
Learn how CEA can synergize with restaurants, hotels and other hospitality outlets to provide fresh, locally sourced produce year-round. The panel will discuss innovative partnerships, the benefits of direct sourcing for culinary quality and sustainability and how to navigate the logistics of integrating CEA products into the hospitality supply chain.
Speakers: Marc Oosterhuis, CEO of Babylon Micro-Farms, and Jack Maruna, program coordinator, Food U, Auburn University (Click here for a Q&A with Jack Maruna)
Mastering Integrated Pest Management: Best Practices for CEA Success
Time: 9 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
Track: Technical Grower
This panel of experts will delve into the essentials of integrated pest management tailored specifically for the CEA sector. They’ll present insights into the best practices necessary for establishing and maintaining an effective IPM program.
Speakers: Aaron Fields, CEO of Campo Caribe; Erich Schoeller, assistant professor of controlled environment entomology, University of Georgia; and Cody Seals, U.S. product manager at Beneficial Insectary (Click here for a Q&A with Erich Schoeller)
Waste to Watt: Innovative Energy Solutions in CEA
Time: 9 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
Track: Planning & Operations
This session dives into the innovative ways CEA operations can harness energy from unconventional sources. Explore how greenhouses and indoor farms can tap into external energy byproducts, such as waste heat from data centers and Bitcoin mining, as well as other renewable sources. The panel will discuss the practicalities, advantages and technologies needed to integrate these energy solutions into CEA systems, driving down costs while enhancing sustainability.
Speakers: Eric McClam, co-founder of City Roots Farm, and Eva Helen of BRAVE Industries
Expanding Horizons: Emerging Crops in Controlled Environment Agriculture
Time: 10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Track: Trends
As CEA evolves, new crops are taking root and expanding the possibilities beyond leafy greens, vine crops, herbs and berries. This session will explore some of these promising crops, diving into the unique approaches, challenges and opportunities they bring to the CEA landscape.
Speaker: Tsipi Shoham, founder and CEO of GreenOnyx Ltd.
Road to Profitability in CEA: Navigating Products, Buyers and Distribution Channels
Time: 10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Track: Planning & Operations
Achieving profitability in CEA requires more than just innovative growing techniques — it demands a strategic approach to product selection, identifying the right buyers and optimizing distribution channels. This session will explore the essential factors driving profitability in CEA, including how to choose high-demand products, build relationships with key buyers and develop efficient distribution strategies.
Speakers: Tisha Livingston, CEO of Infinite Acres; Marc Oshima, founder and CEO of Oshima Good Food; Chris Higgins, general manager of Hort Americas; and Kelli Rodda, editorial director at Produce Grower magazine
The Superfood of Tomorrow: How Sprouts Can Revolutionize Global Nutrition for Humans and Animals Alike
Time: 10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Track: International Sprout Growers Association 33rd Annual Convention
Dive into the nutritional benefits of sprouts and their untapped potential to nourish all living beings. Could these humble plants be the key to solving worldwide nutritional challenges?
Speaker: Douglas Evans, CEO of The Sprouting Company
Maximizing Water Quality for Optimal Yields
Time: 10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Track: Technical Grower
This session will explore how maximizing water quality can significantly boost your yields. Topics will include the importance of dissolved oxygen, the benefits of reverse osmosis and the pros and cons of using city water. Learn how to keep diseases and pathogens at bay through effective water quality control practices.
Speakers: Tim Reusch, national project sales manager at Dramm Corporation; Gus Brennan, head grower at Greenswell Growers; Rachael Warner, chief of staff at Lufa Farms; and Rob Eddy from Resource Innovation Institute
Post Harvest Success: Mastering CEA Distribution Channels
Time: 11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Track: Planning & Operations
Once crops are ready and packaged, the next challenge is getting them into consumers’ hands. This panel will guide attendees through the nuances of building robust partnerships with retailers, produce distributors and community-supported agriculture models. Learn effective strategies for negotiating contracts, managing supply chain logistics and maximizing product visibility and reach.
Speakers: Harrison Tomlinson, VP of sales at Eden Green Technology; Brad McNamara,CEO and founder of Morrissey Market; and Kashi Sehgal, founder and CEO at Retaaza
Cultivating Success: The Grit Behind Building a CEA Business
Time: 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Track: Expo Theater Session
In this session, four businesses share their stories of grit, determination and innovation in the CEA industry. Each company will deliver a brief presentation, offering insights into how they built their businesses, navigated challenges and achieved success in this competitive field.
Speakers: Malaia Martinez, co-founder of Malaia’s Microgreens; Scott Massey, CEO & co-founder of Anu; and John James Staniszewski, co-owner of Windy City Mushroom
Wednesday, March 12
Growing Minds: Integrating Controlled Environment Agriculture in K-12 Education for a Healthier Future
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Track: Expo Theater Session
Explore how CEA can be integrated into K-12 education to inspire future generations, promote healthier eating habits and cultivate a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture. This session will highlight innovative programs, teaching strategies and partnerships that are bringing CEA into classrooms, empowering students to grow fresh food while learning about science, technology and environmental stewardship.
Speakers: Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine; Alaric Overbey, COO at Green Side Up Vertical Farms; Jason Jurey, education director at Cropking; and Liz Morris, owner of Dirty Girl Ops (Click here for a Q&A with Jason Jurey)
AI, Robotics, and IoT: Sowing the Seeds of Technological Transformation in CEA
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Track: Trends
AI, robotics and IoT are revolutionizing agriculture and driving innovation in CEA. This panel will explore how automated systems, real-time data analysis and connected devices are boosting efficiency, precision and profitability for growers. From AI-powered crop management to robotics handling labor-intensive tasks and IoT providing actionable insights, these technologies are reshaping the way food is grown.
Speakers: Adam Greenberg, CEO of IUNU; Peter Hendriks, CEO at Hoogendoorn Growth Management; and Daniele Benatoff, co-founder of Planet Farms
Nutrient Know-How: Optimizing Your Fertilizer Regimen
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Track: Technical Grower
This panel will cover essential tips for maximizing nutrient uptake and ensuring crops receive the optimal balance for robust growth. Discover cost-effective techniques to enhance fertilizer use, boost yields and achieve superior crop quality.
Speakers: Michelle Keller, head grower at Living Greens Farm; Fallon Lowe, senior director of agriculture at BrightFarms; and Cari Peters, chief scientist at JR Peters Inc.
Illuminating Success: Creating the Best Light Recipe for Your Crops
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
Track: Technical Grower
Discover the science and art behind creating optimal light recipes for CEA. This panel will define what a light recipe is, guide you through the process of building an effective one and reveal the essential components needed to tailor lighting to your crops’ specific needs. Learn how to harness the power of light to boost growth, enhance yields and improve crop quality.
Speakers: Blake Lange, vice president of horticulture at Acuity Brands; Neil Mattson, professor and greenhouse extension specialist at Cornell University; Whit Allen, CEO of SpectraGrow; and Stefan van de Voort, key account manager for indoor farming at Philips Horticulture LED Solutions
This article appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Produce Grower magazine under the headline "Indoor Ag-Con '25 guide."
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