“The Growth, Opportunities, and Future of CEA Production” Ed Session Announced for OGS 2022

The explosive growth of CEA (controlled environment agriculture) has reshaped the landscape of fresh food production, and a panel of produce industry experts will examine what the future of this $100 billion industry may look like in the coming years in the second session announced as part of the educational program for the upcomingOrganic Grower Summit 2022 Presented by Western Growers and OPN, slated for November 30–December 1 in Monterey, CA.

“The Growth, Opportunities, and Future of CEA Production” will feature leaders from three progressive companies actively involved in CEA sharing their insight on the current state of indoor and vertical growing, its impact on the organic fresh produce industry, and what the future of this burgeoning industry may look like.

Moderated by former United Fresh Produce Association President and CEO and current Executive Director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Food Safety Coalition Tom Stenzel, the session includes panelists Arama Kukutai, CEO of Plenty; Molly Tabron, Director of Supply for Robinson Fresh; and Matt Ryan, CEO of Soli Organic.

Production of CEA fresh produce has become one of the most talked about aspects of the food industry, highlighting how fresh produce can be grown indoors using significantly less water, no pesticides, and innovative and efficient technologies that provide fresher produce to consumers. Among the areas of discussion in the session will be the impact of indoor-grown products on the supply chain, the effect of CEA on outdoor organic production, the cost and investment needed to run CEA operations, and consumer acceptance of these new items.

“The CEA sector’s goal is to grow incremental sales of fresh produce by delivering fresh, great-tasting, and highly nutritious fruits and vegetables to consumers, with the least environmental impact, reduced use of scarce natural resources, and the most rigorous practices to ensure food safety,” Stenzel said. “These panelists are driving CEA’s success today and will bring outstanding insight into what lies ahead.” 

The fifth annual Organic Grower Summit (OGS) is designed to provide information vital to organic growers and producers as well as an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the production of organic fresh food.

OGS exhibition and general registration is currently open. With only five booths available before the trade show floor sells out, OGS features exhibitors including soil amendment, ag tech, food safety, packaging, and equipment manufacturers who will have the opportunity to connect with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.

“The CEA sector’s goal is to grow incremental sales of fresh produce by delivering fresh, great-tasting, and highly nutritious fruits and vegetables to consumers, with the least environmental impact, reduced use of scarce natural resources, and the most rigorous practices to ensure food safety.” - Tom Stenzel

OGS 2022 will be held November 30–December 1 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, CA. Further details on the educational program, including session topics and speakers, will be released in the coming weeks. For more information on the fifth annual OGS, please visitwww.organicgrowersummit.com.

"In partnership with Western Growers, this year’s OGS will provide up-to-date resources and information to support the continued success of organic producers, with an emphasis on the changing organic production landscape as well as the role of ag technology," said Matt Seeley, co-founder and CEO of Organic Produce Network. "From seed to soil to harvest, our goal is to present the most relevant and timely information on the most important subjects and issues facing organic production."