Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is a rapidly growing sector, mainly focused on supplying fresh produce to local urban markets (e.g., grocery retailers, high-end restaurants, etc.). CEA facilities commonly employ hydroponics, which entails growing plants in a nutrient-rich solution instead of soil. In traditional farming, seasonality, soil conditions, and lack of access to land and water make it nearly impossible to source local produce year-round.
The trend is driven by a growing desire for better nutrition and higher quality food in the United States, along with environmental concerns that noticeably affect our largest agricultural regions. CEA opportunities include hydroponic rooftop and ground-based greenhouses, vertical farming, container farming, and in-home systems.