Sep 1, 2022
Educational session on CEA announced for Organic Grower Summit 2022
A panel of fresh produce industry experts will examine what the future of this $100 billion industry may look like in the coming years in the second educational session for the upcoming Organic Grower Summit (OGS) 2022.
The explosive growth of CEA (controlled environment agriculture) production has reshaped the landscape of fresh food production. “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’s panelists include 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 providing 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.”
OGS 2022 will be held November 30-December 1 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif. For more information, please visit organicgrowersummit.com.
