Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) offers a unique potential for rapidly enhancing the circularity and ultimate sustainability of vegetable and fruit production when distributed throughout the population areas of the country. The theme of the 24th Annual Engineering Design and Crop Production Short Course at UA-CEAC, Tucson, Arizona, in 2025 is “Circular Controlled Environment Agriculture for Sustainability” (CCEA). The enclosed environments of CEA, from greenhouse to growth rooms to Vertical Farms, provide water and plant nutrient recovery, eliminate discharge to the environment, and capture and process’ wastes’ as resources for use within other systems. Day 2 of the course will host experienced producers applying several complementary systems that establish a CCEA, including mushroom production, insect and fish rearing, and outdoor farming models. Day 1 will offer the basics of hydroponic plant production with CEA for food crop production. These include greenhouse structure and glazing design options, plant management requirements for nutrients and pest abatement in soilless culture, plus monitoring for environmental control for efficient use of resources [water, heating/cooling energy, and labor]. With the fundamentals provided and the means for sustainable applications with the circular options, on Day 3, the focus is specialty crop production such as strawberries, microgreens, herbs, mushrooms, and more!
Join us at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center in Tucson, Arizona, for a unique learning experience about our efforts towards CCEA. This site will include developments unlike any other in the US. We look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you!
Get your questions answered and increase your knowledge in controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic growing at the 24th Annual Greenhouse Engineering Design and Crop Production Short Course – A three-day online and onsite conference put on by the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center that will consist of lectures presented by leaders in academia and in the CEA industry. The event will be located at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. *Limited in-person seating
Date: March 26–March 28, 2025
Location: University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center
Link to tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1083154497259?aff=oddtdtcreator
Link to CEAC website: https://ceac.arizona.edu/events/cea-short-course