Recognizing Real-World Innovators Advancing Food Under Cover
The CEAg World℠ Impact Awards are a new benchmark for innovation in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), recognizing individuals driving real progress in Advancing Food Under Cover™. Continuing the legacy of Meister Media Worldwide’s industry-leading ag awards from brands such as Greenhouse Grower and CropLife, the Impact Awards will honor individuals whose work is significantly contributing to the development and growth of food production in protected environments.
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The winners of the CEAg World Impact Awards will be revealed live on stage during the opening ceremony of the CEAg World Conference and Expo on November 20 in Durham, N.C. This is more than just applause — it’s a high-profile platform at the premier event for advancing food grown under cover. Surrounded by CEA peers and championed via CEAg World’s media connections to a deep grower network, this select group of trailblazers will set the standard for those moving the future of protected agriculture forward.
Celebrate Leadership, Innovation and Impact.
Four Awards. Infinite Impact. Leaders Advancing Food Under Cover.
The CEAg World Impact Awards will honor individuals whose work is significantly contributing to the development and growth of controlled environment agriculture for food crops. The categories span from innovators to educators in the following areas:
CEAg World Impact Award Categories
Innovator Award: Recognizing an entrepreneur or business leader who has pioneered and implemented a new tool, concept, or practice that has significant implications for CEA. This award recipient will be someone who has used their expertise to drive tangible improvements for growers, enhancing productivity, sustainability, and overall farm success.
Visionary Grower Award: Recognizing an individual who has made a transformative impact on their own CEA operation, leading to remarkable gains in yield, resource efficiency, and/or profitability. The individual’s contributions to land stewardship, resource conservation, environmental preservation, and/or food security will also be considered.
Emerging Leader Award: Recognizing a rising talent in CEA who demonstrates exceptional promise and leadership with new solutions, strategic thinking, or leadership within their community or industry. This award honors an innovator driving change through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and ideas that enhance productivity, sustainability, and efficiency, shaping the future of agriculture.
Educator/Researcher Award: This award recognizes an individual whose outstanding contributions have advanced CEA methods through research, education, and outreach. This individual demonstrates leadership, fosters collaboration, and shares insights that enhance CEA practices, sustainability, and productivity, while exemplifying innovation, professionalism, stewardship, and a lasting impact on the CEA industry. Nominee must be employed with a college, university, or research facility.
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Grounded in Growers, Powered by Progress: CEAg World Impact Awards.
Nominations for the CEAg World Impact Award will be open July 7 through August 7, 2025. Finalists in each of the four categories will be selected on or by September 8, 2025. Winners in each category will receive recognition beyond the stage, including:
- Free registration to attend the CEAg World Conference and Expo November 19-21 in Durham, N.C.
- A two-night hotel stay covered by CEAg World.
- Live, on-stage award and recognition during the event’s opening ceremony.
- A spotlight interview on CEAg Talks — our signature video series on food production under cover.
- Exclusive editorial coverage across CEAg World media including digital coverage, enewsletters and social media spotlights.
Shine a Light on CEA Innovators.
Award Nomination Form
At CEAg World, we believe CEA is redefining how we grow food, offering a more sustainable way for growers to feed the planet while building a thriving business. The future of agriculture depends on forward-thinking individuals driving real change. From visionary growers and bold innovators to rising leaders and groundbreaking educators, these are the people shaping the next chapter of food production.
The CEAg World Impact Awards recognize individuals driving progress in the CEA produce industry. Use the form below to nominate an innovator, visionary, leader and/or educator for this honor. Please provide detailed and thoughtful responses to each section. You can save your progress and continue at a later time by selecting the “Save and Continue” option at the bottom of the form where a link and option to email yourself the link will be provided.
Nominations must be submitted by August 7, 2025.