In a significant move to bolster the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, the Resource Innovation Institute (RII) has unveiled four comprehensive industry guides. These publications, the result of a two-year federally funded project, aim to tackle critical challenges faced by CEA operations of all sizes and stages of development.
The guides, developed through RII’s collaborative working group model, bring together diverse stakeholders to translate complex technical concepts into actionable industry guidance. This approach ensures that the recommendations are practical, evidence-based, and tailored to the real-world challenges faced by greenhouse and indoor farm operators.
The first guide, “AI & Advanced Robotics: A Primer for Controlled Environment Agriculture Operations,” helps operators understand and strategically adopt artificial intelligence and robotics technologies. Co-authored by robotics expert Shreyas Kousik, Ph.D., and Bryce Carleton of RII, the primer examines current and emerging applications, workforce implications, and provides a realistic vision of CEA in 2035, devoid of hype.
The second guide, “Accelerating the Adoption of High-Tech Production in U.S. Greenhouses,” co-authored by esteemed CEA researcher Arend-Jan (A.J.) Both, Ph.D., identifies barriers to technology adoption in the U.S. and offers strategies to overcome them. The guide addresses regulatory inconsistencies, workforce development needs, and infrastructure challenges, providing a roadmap for accelerating the adoption of high-tech greenhouse production.
The third guide, “Connected Agriculture: Best Practices for Greenhouse Colocation and Resource Sharing,” explores strategic colocation models that enable greenhouse operations to share resources, infrastructure, and utilities. Authors Carmen Azzaretti and Derek Smith of RII examine one-to-one partnerships, district utility systems, and comprehensive Farm Park developments, identifying pathways to reduce energy costs and achieve economies of scale.
The fourth guide, “Low-Tech to High-Efficiency: Practical Pathways for Greenhouse Operations,” recognizes the importance of small and mid-sized greenhouse operations in the U.S. CEA landscape. Co-authored by Qinglu Ying, Ph.D., the guide provides practical technology adoption strategies that build upon existing knowledge while addressing operational challenges. It includes technology solutions under $2,000, equipment selection guidance, and workforce development approaches tailored to operations with limited budgets.
The release of these guides is a significant milestone in the mission to accelerate the CEA industry while improving resource efficiency. As Rob Eddy, Horticulturist at RII and lead author on all four publications, noted, “We’ve worked with some of the best minds in academia and industry to create resources that address real challenges facing operations of all sizes.” Whether evaluating new technologies, seeking efficiency improvements, or exploring collaborative opportunities, these guides provide the non-biased guidance needed to make informed decisions.
The implications of these guides are far-reaching. By providing practical, evidence-based guidance, they empower CEA operations to make informed decisions about technology adoption, resource sharing, and operational efficiency. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved sustainability, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of the CEA industry.
All four guides are now available as free downloads on the RII website. For more information or to schedule interviews with the authors, please contact Derek Smith at [email protected].