The Future of Controlled Environment Agriculture: A Growing Industry for a Changing World
December 1, 2024 
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In 2024, the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry stands at a pivotal moment. After a few challenging years, especially for vertical farming, the industry is showing signs of stabilization, which is essential not only for the sector’s growth but also as a key tool in the global transformation of our food systems to be more resilient. At the CEAg World Conference and Expo in North Carolina this past August, I had the privilege of discussing these shifts, focusing on the insights we gathered from the 2024 CEA Census, a report produced by Agritecture and its partners and supporters.
CEA has long been recognized as a potential game-changer for agriculture, allowing growers to produce food in environments where traditional farming is either impractical or unsustainable. CEA offers a solution to many of the agricultural challenges we face today. However, it hasn’t been without its hurdles. High energy costs, labor shortages, and the complexity of managing high-tech growing systems have posed significant obstacles to the industry’s development. But now, more than ever, the future looks promising.
Like every year, Agritecture produces the census with partners and supporters. This year’s timely thematic focus was technology, specifically what CEA technologies farmers are using today and what they are looking for in the future. Another unique aspect of this year’s census was the inclusion of a much wider range of CEA operations, from low-tech protected agriculture all the way up to high-tech vertical farming and everything in between. This year, we even opened up the census to field farmers who are experimenting with or considering CEA.
Automated harvesters continue to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs in CEA. | Photo: Agritecture
Technology and Sustainability: A Greener Future
It’s clear that despite the challenges, the industry is stabilizing. This year’s census surveyed operators across the globe to identify the key technologies and strategies they’re using to ensure profitability and sustainability in their operations. The census revealed that many growers have successfully weathered recent difficulties by adopting new technologies and refining their processes.
Data analytics and AI models have started to play a crucial role in optimizing farming conditions. Farmers are using advanced software and sensors to monitor everything from humidity to nutrient levels, analyzing this data in real time to make adjustments that maximize yield and quality. These tools allow growers to minimize risks, predict outcomes, and make data-driven decisions, which are key to achieving consistency and profitability in CEA systems.
But it’s not just about optimizing conditions inside the farm. Autonomous harvesters are increasingly being deployed to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency. In an industry where labor shortages can pose major challenges, these machines are game-changers. By using automation, farmers can focus their human workforce on higher-value tasks, further improving the operational efficiency of their farms. Robotics and AI systems are allowing CEA operators to push boundaries and scale faster than ever before.
Another exciting development is the increasing commitment to sustainability. More and more CEA operators are integrating renewable energy solutions into their operations. Solar panels, wind power, and other renewable sources are becoming mainstream in the sector. Nearly all of the operators we surveyed either currently use or are planning to adopt renewable energy in the coming years.
This shift is critical not only for reducing the carbon footprint of CEA farms but also for ensuring their long-term viability. By cutting their reliance on fossil fuels, CEA operators are positioning themselves as leaders in the sustainable agriculture movement. This move toward cleaner energy sources shows that the industry is not only growing but also becoming greener and more climate conscious.
Incorporating renewables also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. CEA farms are inherently more efficient than traditional farming methods, using less water and land, and by adding renewable energy to the mix, they become even more sustainable. This is a message that resonates with consumers, who are increasingly looking for eco-friendly food production systems. The integration of renewables is, therefore, not just a technical improvement but also a strategic move for CEA operators looking to appeal to environmentally conscious markets.
The Future: AI, Renewables, and More
As we look ahead, two key areas stand out as driving forces for the future of CEA: artificial intelligence and renewable energy. AI has already begun revolutionizing how we approach farming, but we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. In the near term, we’ll see more farms adopting AI to streamline operations, improve labor efficiency, and optimize crop performance.
In the longer term, I believe we’ll see a broader range of crops being grown in controlled-environment systems. CEA has primarily focused on leafy greens and herbs, but the technology is advancing to support the cultivation of a much wider variety of crops, from fruits to staple grains. This expansion will be crucial in ensuring food security as climate change continues to disrupt traditional agriculture.
Labor efficiency will also be a major focus. Robotics and AI will continue to evolve, helping farmers reduce their reliance on human labor and improving the scalability of CEA farms. The industry is moving toward a future where farms are smarter, more efficient, and more resilient to external shocks.
Henry Gordon-Smith
A Motivational Closing
I am more confident than ever about the future of the CEA industry. The challenges we’ve faced in recent years have only made us stronger, and the innovations coming out of the sector are truly inspiring. Beyond innovation, we have many veterans from failed CEA companies taking those lessons into new technologies and operations which I believe will help financial and operational viability significantly in the coming years. We are building an industry that is not only sustainable and profitable but also capable of making a real difference in the fight against climate change.
To all the pioneers, innovators, and growers out there: Keep pushing forward. The work we’re doing today is laying the foundation for a more sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural future. The possibilities are limitless, and together, we can transform the way the world grows food. The future of CEA is bright, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us next.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for this year’s CEA Census: Priva, Sollum Technologies, and TTA. Your support has been instrumental in making this year’s census a success. As we look forward to next year’s CEAg World Conference and Expo, we’re excited about the opportunities and innovations that await. Stay tuned for the release of the CEA Census, which will be available to download in mid-October. We appreciate your continued interest and involvement in advancing the future of controlled environment agriculture.