DesignLights Consortium Announces the Official Release of New Horticultural Lighting Technical Requirements

Proposed to take effect March 31, 2023, Version 3.0 fosters sustainable growth in the controlled environment agriculture sector, while supporting decarbonization efforts MEDFORD, MA – The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has announced the final version of it Horticultural Lighting Technical Requirements Version 3.0, increasing the efficacy and establishing additional minimum performance baselines for LED luminaires, lamps and controls used by […]

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How is OptimIA helping vertical farms grow more efficiently and economically?

The OptimIA project, which was funded by USDA in Sept. 2019, is focused on the study of the aerial environment and economics for producing indoor leafy greens. Photo by Rosemary Brandt, College of Ag and Life Sciences, Univ. of Ariz. OptimIA is a research and outreach project aimed at offering production and economic information that […]

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Business Insider visits AppHarvest and talks advanced tech for agriculture

One Of The World’s Largest Indoor Farms Is Using Advanced Tech To Build A More Resilient Food System Business Insider — AppHarvest is exploring the future of indoor farming and agriculture technology by using up to 90% less water, human-assisting AI, and the power of the sun for reliable food growth. Alongside local education efforts, […]

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How important is the root zone environment in controlled environment hydroponic production?

As the water moves though a nutrient film technique (NFT) production system it is near saturation with oxygen because of mechanical aeration that is occurring from the water recirculation. Photo courtesy of Hort Americas The oxygen level and temperature in the root zone can have a major impact on rate of plant growth and inhibiting […]

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What technological advancements are being made in controlled environment agriculture?

During the International Meeting on Controlled Environment Technology and Use, Chris Higgins (left), president at Hort Americas, moderated a panel discussion on Indoor Agriculture Economic Viability. Photo courtesy of Hort Americas The International Meeting on Controlled Environment Technology and Use gave representatives from academia and the CEA industry an opportunity to discuss the advancements and […]

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Controlled Environment Agriculture Complex Opens at The Ohio State University with Industry Support and Enthusiasm

DALLAS and COLUMBUS, Ohio — Oct. 11, 2022 —When The Ohio State University opened its new Controlled Environment Agriculture Complex (CEARC) on Friday, Sept. 30, it represented a culmination of efforts between the school and industry. Companies such as Nationwide Insurance, Current (formerly GE Current), Priva and General Hydroponics (to name a few) made donations […]

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How did Big Tex Urban Farms use hydroponics to achieve its Million Servings Mission?

Drew Demler, the State Fair of Texas director of horticulture and cofounder of Big Tex Urban Farms, and his staff were able to achieve the farm’s Million Servings Mission ahead of schedule using a variety of controlled environment hydroponic production systems. Photos by Jessie Wood, State Fair of Texas Big Tex Urban Farms announced in […]

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Japan Plant Factory Association Holds Strawberry Course in October

New Online Training Course in English The Japan Plant Factory Association (JPFA) has announced to hold its first Strawberry Course for Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFALs) in English from October 13 to 31, 2022, and is receiving applications. Since 2018, the JPFA has held training courses on PFALs in English year by year and […]

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50 Game-Changing Innovators Revolutionising Agri-Food

Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit, Singapore, October 26-28 Asia’s agri-food system needs help. With global shocks highlighting import link weaknesses, rapid economic growth, and huge structural transformation across the region, the need to build strong, resilient supply chains has never been more urgent. The fifth annual Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit presents 50 regional and international innovators who are pioneering […]

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What is the “best” grow light for your controlled environment operation?

Growers who replace incandescent bulbs with screw-in LEDs to control photoperiod can reduce their energy consumption by as much as 85 percent. The LED bulbs could last up to 30 years. Photo courtesy of Southwest Perennials Depending on whether you are looking to control photoperiod or increase plant growth will determine the grow lights you […]

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CEA Keynotes Cultivate Fresh Audience this November

NOVEMBER 1-2, 2022 HYATT REGENCY LONG BEACH | LONG BEACH, CA Policies, Programs & Practices to Advance Efficient Greenhouse & Vertical Farming We’re excited to announce that the Resilient Harvests Conference has lined up: Andrew McAllister, Commissioner, California Energy Commission Dr. Chieri Kubota, Director of Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, The Ohio State University as two […]

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Indoor Ag-Con, Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center Partner to Launch CEA Summit East

New CEA Trade Event to bring industry, academia together OCTOBER 25-26, 2022 IN DANVILLE, VA DANVILLE, VA — Indoor Ag-Con and the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center — a joint project of the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) — have partnered […]

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What are your substrate options for containerized vegetable production?

The amount of leachate from cucumber plants grown in Dutch buckets can be significantly reduced with plant-based substrates when compared to perlite.Photos courtesy of Uttara Samarakoon, Ohio St. Univ., CFAES Wooster Growers using containers to produce vegetable crops have options when it comes to growing in plant-based substrates. Small- to medium-size growers of vining vegetable […]

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Vertical Farming World Congress Rises to the Occasion

After two successful years online, the 3rd Vertical Farming World Congress will be held in Brussels at the heart of European policy making from 19 to 21 September. Aimed at operators, suppliers, investors, advisers, legislators and policy makers, the programme is stacked with top company leaders and the latest in technology innovation. The opening address […]

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